akins station

lusaka News

World news Affecting Zambia

Zambia secures a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2025-2026, marking a major foreign policy achievement. The IMF approves a $1.3 billion extended credit facility following successful debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework. China announces $500 million in new mining sector investments during President Hakainde Hichilema's state visit to Beijing.

The World Health Organization warns of a cholera outbreak in Lusaka's peri-urban areas, with 120 new cases reported this week. South Africa and Zambia sign a new energy cooperation agreement to address regional power shortages.

Business and Economic News

• Kwacha stabilizes at K22.5/USD after Bank of Zambia interventions
• Inflation drops to 8.7% (lowest since 2020) with food inflation at 9.2%
• Lusaka Stock Exchange gains 3.2% in June, led by mining and banking stocks
• $300 million Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone reaches 60% occupancy
• Copper production up 12% year-on-year, hitting 950,000 metric tons

Political News

National Assembly passes controversial Land Titling Bill amid opposition walkout
Cabinet reshuffle sees 5 new ministers appointed, including Finance and Health
Lusaka City Council faces corruption probe over K150 million road tender scandal
Opposition PF party splits as faction forms "New Patriotic Front"

Employment News

• Unemployment rate falls to 10.3% (Lusaka at 8.9%)
• 15,000 new formal sector jobs created in Q2 2025
• Zambia Airways recruits 200 new staff for expanded regional routes
• Construction sector leads hiring with 8,000 new positions
• Government launches digital skills program targeting youth unemployment

Entertainment News

Lusaka Playhouse stages "The President's Daughter" political satire
Zambian Breweries sponsors 3-day "Mosi Lager Festival" at Heroes Stadium
New film "Lusaka Nights" premieres at Ster-Kinekor Manda Hill
Burna Boy African Giant Tour stops at National town Stadium (June 22)

Election News

• ECZ announces biometric voter registration for 2026 general elections
• Ruling UPND party leads polls at 48%, PF at 32%, others 20%
• Lusaka mayoral race heats up with 7 candidates declared
• Electoral reforms bill stalled in parliamentary committee

Legal News

• Constitutional Court dismisses challenge to mining tax reforms
• 15 Lusaka businessmen jailed for K80 million tax evasion scheme
• High Court rules media freedom clause applies to online publishers
• New cybercrime law takes effect with strict data protection rules

Market News

• Lusaka's City Market vendors protest 30% fee increase
• Soweto Market expansion project delayed until Q3 2025
• Copperbelt farmers flood Lusaka with winter tomatoes (prices drop 25%)
• Fuel prices remain stable (K25.3/liter for petrol)

Forecast

Friday: Sunny, 26°C/12°C
Saturday: Partly cloudy, 25°C/13°C
Sunday: Light showers, 23°C/14°C
Monday: Sunny, 27°C/13°C
Tuesday: Clear, 28°C/14°C
Wednesday: Hazy, 26°C/15°C
Thursday: Sunny, 27°C/14°C

Local Events Calendar

town:

Zanaco vs Red Arrows FA Cup semifinal (National Heroes Stadium, june 20)
Lusaka Marathon (5,000 runners expected, June 26)

Concerts:

"Zed Beats" festival featuring Chef 187 (Lusaka Showgrounds, June 27)
Jazz at the Intercontinental (weekly Friday nights)

Movies:

Zambian film "Bana Chimbusa" special screening (Ster-Kinekor, June 28)
Marvel's "Black Panther 3" opens nationwide

Fairs/Festivals:

Lusaka Agricultural Show preparations begin (July event)
Kabwata Cultural Village craft market (daily)
Winter Food Festival (Arcades Shopping Centre, june 20-17)

Final Notes

Lusaka continues its transformation as Zambia's economic and political hub, with visible infrastructure improvements contrasting with persistent service delivery challenges. While macroeconomic stability improves, ordinary citizens still grapple with high living costs. The city's vibrant cultural scene offers respite from political tensions as the nation prepares for crucial elections. With copper prices rebounding and debt restructuring complete, Lusaka stands at a crossroads between sustained growth and the risk of complacency in governance reforms. The coming months will test whether recent gains can translate into tangible benefits for all residents.