Open Zambia

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER VERSE

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

- John 4:24

UK AND EU BACK ZAMBIA AS AN EMERGING INVESTMENT DESTINATION

The United Kingdom has expressed growing confidence in Zambia's economy, describing the country as an emerging destination for long-term investment and private sector growth.

Speaking at the Impact Capital Africa Zambia Investment Fest, British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon said the participation of British International Investment as co-host reflects increasing UK interest in supporting Zambia's economic ambitions. She added that Zambia's inclusion in BII's new five-year strategy signals confidence in the country's investment potential and its ability to attract sustainable capital.

The European Union echoed that view. EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA Karolina Stasiak said Zambia's peace, stability and ongoing reform programme continue to strengthen its reputation as an attractive investment destination. She noted that efforts to improve the business environment are helping position the country competitively on the international stage.

Speaking at the same event, Presidential Advisor for Finance and Investment Jito Kayumba called on Zambian small and medium enterprises to raise their game. He urged business owners to improve transparency, sharpen their financial reporting, and develop growth-oriented models capable of attracting outside capital. Innovation and preparedness, he said, remain central to unlocking investment and driving sustainable economic growth.

The Investment Fest, co-hosted by Impact Capital Africa and British International Investment, brought together international development partners, private investors and Zambian entrepreneurs to explore opportunities for partnership and capital flow into the country.

MORNING PRAYER VERSE

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

- Galatians 6:9

MUNTITA HICHILEMA SECONDARY SCHOOL OPENS TO EXPAND ACCESS TO EDUCATION

The First Lady has commissioned the Muntita Hichilema Secondary School in Chilanga District, named in her honour.

Constructed to expand access to quality secondary education, the institution provides the children of Chilanga Constituency with 15 fully furnished classrooms, science laboratories, staff houses, ablution blocks, and solar lighting systems.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the First Lady reinforced that education remains the greatest equaliser and a key pillar for Zambia’s future. She said the school symbolises opportunity, dignity and hope for present and future generations.

The First Lady added that strong partnerships and shared vision would continue to drive progress in the education sector. She emphasised that the naming of the school was not a personal accolade, but rather a platform to continue to advocate for every child’s right to education.

To address teacher shortages and further improve the quality of education across the country, the Education Minister Douglas Syakalima announced that next year the Government will recruit more teachers in addition to the 2,000 positions already advertised.

The commissioning of Muntita Hichilema Secondary School marks another important step towards strengthening Zambia’s education sector and commitment to uplift future generations through learning.

GOVERNMENT INTENSIFIES RESCUE EFFORTS AFTER MUMBWA MINE COLLAPSE

Nangoma UPND MP Collins Nzovu says the government is intensifying rescue efforts at Matala Gold Mine, where five miners are believed to be trapped following a mine collapse.

In a statement shared on social media, Mr Nzovu said President Hakainde Hichilema had directed all government agencies on the ground to focus on rescuing the miners alive.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that our people are retrieved alive,” Mr Nzovu said after visiting the site in Mumbwa District.

He said several emergency teams had been deployed to support the operation, including the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit, mine rescue personnel, the Zambia Police Service and health officials.

Mr Nzovu said the government’s immediate priority was saving lives, regardless of whether the miners were operating legally or illegally.

“The life of every person matters,” he said. “Other issues will be addressed afterwards.”

Families of the trapped miners have gathered near the mine as rescue operations continue.

Mr Nzovu appealed to relatives to remain calm and patient while authorities work to reach those believed to be underground.

He also urged members of the public and the media to avoid spreading unverified information, warning that speculation could increase distress among affected families.

“This government values every life. We will not rest until we bring our people home,” he said.

Rescue teams are continuing operations at the site as authorities monitor the situation.

JUDICIARY PRAISED FOR ELECTION READINESS AHEAD OF AUGUST POLLS

The African Union Commission's Pre-Election and Needs Assessment Mission has expressed satisfaction with the Zambian Judiciary's preparedness ahead of the August general elections, particularly in handling electoral disputes.

In a statement issued by Deputy Director of Corporate Communications Kalumba Chisambisha-Slavin, Chief Justice Dr Mumba Malila SC told the AU delegation, led by Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, that the Judiciary is firmly committed to resolving all election-related matters within the statutory 90-day period. He noted that all petitions in the previous cycle were concluded on time despite significant challenges, and warned that the recent constitutional amendment increasing the number of constituencies could generate a higher volume of petitions. This makes continuous judicial training and the swift induction of newly appointed judges essential.

Constitutional Court President Justice Professor Margaret Munalula confirmed that the Court had refined its rules to improve the handling of presidential election petitions and ensure timely delivery of substantive justice.

Justice Maria Mapani Kawimbe, who chairs the Advisory Committee on Elections Management established in 2023, said the Committee had modernised the High Court election petition rules dating back to 1968 and improved Local Government tribunal procedures. It has also produced a Handbook for Adjudicators, a Digest of Election Law Cases and a set of Frequently Asked Questions to guide both new and experienced judges through the petition process.

The AU Mission commended Zambia for its long-standing record of peaceful political transitions and expressed confidence in the country's electoral preparedness.

GERMANY COMMITS K.18 BILLION TO ZAMBIA'S DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

Germany has pledged more than K1.8 billion to support Zambia's development agenda, following the successful conclusion of bilateral talks held in Berlin between the two countries.

The commitment, worth 81.5 million euros, will be channelled into Zambia over the next two years and is set to bolster investments in governance, water access, energy, nutrition, food security and climate-resilient agriculture. The negotiations brought together officials from Zambia's Ministry of Finance and National Planning and Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Beyond the headline figures, this year's talks marked a notable evolution in the partnership, with a sharper focus on private sector participation in development cooperation. For the first time, Zambia and Germany convened a Business Day ahead of the formal negotiations, underscoring the growing importance of investment-led growth and commercial partnerships between the two nations.

One initiative highlighted during the discussions was the newly launched technical training centre in Chongwe, jointly funded by the German Government and Liebherr Zambia Limited at a cost of 3.9 million euros. The project illustrates how public and private resources can be pooled to deliver tangible benefits to Zambian communities.

German Director General Christine Toetzke reaffirmed Berlin's commitment to supporting Zambia's development-oriented reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens. Zambia's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Mulele Mulele, said the country was moving beyond the traditional donor-recipient model towards a partnership rooted in shared responsibility, accountability and sustainable economic growth.

Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law as guiding principles of their longstanding cooperation.

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING

MORNING PRAYER VERSE

"Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!"

Psalm 95:2

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CONCLUDES PRODUCTIVE VISIT IN WESTERN PROVINCE

President Hakainde Hichilema spent the second day of his working visit to Western Province prioritising healthcare and strengthening infrastructure in Kalabo District.

The President received a warm welcome in Kalabo District, assuring the people of his commitment to upgrade the airstrip and similar facilities across the country.

Commissioning the Radiology Unit, Maternity ward, and Pediatric ward at Yuka Adventist Mission hospital, the President said the government’s partnership with the mission hospital remains critical, “a healthy nation is a prosperous nation.”

He expressed his gratitude for the hospital's dedication to the local community for 54 years, including its treatment for Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first president. The President also showed his appreciation to the former Global President of the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church and the broader faith community for their support in the construction of these facilities.

Hichilema later commissioned the Luanginga and Silanda Bridges in Kalabo District which connect Kalabo and Liuwa constituencies providing better access to Liuwa National Park.

President Hichilema says the opening of the bridges will create jobs and allow for more industrial development in the area, adding that the bridges have been built in memory of people who lost their lives trying to cross the Luanginga and Silanda rivers.

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi said that improved networks will drive economic activity, in tourism, and create movement for local communities.

The commissioning makes good on a commitment made in opposition to ease the crossing of the Luanginga River for local communities, honouring their "trust, support and loyalty."

Residents of Kalabo District welcomed the President in large numbers on his working visit to commission several key projects aimed to increase economic activity, widen healthcare services, and build transportation networks.

M'MEMBE REJECTS PUBLIC COALITION CALLS

Socialist Party president Dr Fred M'membe has rejected public calls by Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile for opposition political parties to unite ahead of the August 13 general election, saying serious alliance-building cannot be conducted through public declarations.

Dr M'membe said coalition discussions required structured engagement, trust and mutual respect rather than media announcements that placed political parties under unnecessary public pressure.

The disagreement comes at a time when concerns around opposition fragmentation are increasingly dominating political conversations across the country.

The latest disagreement between Dr M’membe and Mr Mundubile suggests that opposition coalition negotiations remain fragile at a time when election momentum is rapidly accelerating.

Economic Front leader Wynter Kabimba has urged political parties not to drag institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia into internal factional disputes.

Mr Kabimba said political parties should resolve leadership disagreements through courts and internal constitutional mechanisms instead of expecting electoral institutions to determine legitimacy battles.

Governance activist Rueben Lifuka has also called for equal campaign conditions for all political players, warning that election legitimacy depends not only on voting day processes but also on fairness during the campaign period.