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Zambia News
News
As of june 20, 2025, a significant in Zambia concerns the funeral arrangements for former President Edgar Lungu. After days of negotiation and a public dispute, an agreement was reached between Lungu's family and the government to hold a state funeral, presided over by current President Hakainde H, on Sunday, June 22.
This resolution aims to bring unity amidst lingering political tensions following Lungu's passing in South Africa. Other trending news includes the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) entering the retail business sector with a new supermarket.
Business News
Zambia's business sector on june 20, 2025, shows signs of robust growth and ongoing reforms. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Zambian authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the Fifth Review under the Extended Credit Facility, which is expected to unlock approximately $194 million in financing. Zambia's Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane projects economic growth of at least 6% in 2025, marking its strongest expansion since 2021, driven by a rebound in agricultural output and increased copper production.
The Zambian Kwacha has also emerged as Africa's second-best performing currency against the U.S. dollar in 2025, appreciating by 12%. Continued efforts to improve the business environment and strengthen governance are emphasized for boosting investor confidence.
Economic News
On june 20, 2025, Zambia's economic outlook is largely positive, with real GDP growth projected at 5.8% by the IMF and at least 6% by the Finance Minister for 2025. This growth is anticipated to be driven by a rebound in agriculture, increased copper production (with a government target of 1 million tons in 2025), and a gradual recovery in electricity generation. While inflation averaged 15% in 2024, there are signs of easing, partly due to policy rate hikes. Fiscal pressures remain due to higher-than-projected debt service and new social spending needs, leading to a commitment to revise the 2025 Budget with additional revenue measures. The Zambian Kwacha has also significantly appreciated against the U.S. dollar.
Political News
Zambia's political landscape on june 20, 2025, was significantly shaped by the resolution of the dispute over the funeral of former President Edgar Lungu. An agreement between Lungu's family and the government confirmed a state funeral on June 22, to be presided over by President Hakainde Hichilema. This development signals an attempt to ease tensions between the current administration and the opposition, despite lingering disagreements over Lungu's political legacy and the circumstances of his disqualification from running for the presidency again. Calls for national unity were made by government officials.
Election News
As of june 20, 2025, there is no immediate news regarding upcoming national elections in Zambia. The primary political focus is on the state funeral arrangements for former President Edgar Lungu and the underlying political dynamics surrounding it. While Lungu had ambitions to run for the presidency again, the Constitutional Court barred him from doing so at the end of last year, having already served the maximum two terms allowed by law.
Employment News
Zambia's employment sector in June 2025 shows an active job market with thousands of vacancies available across various sectors. As of June 27, over 6,000 jobs were listed on online platforms. Key sectors with available positions include accounting/finance, administrative/clerical, IT/telecommunications, construction, engineering, healthcare, human resources, logistics, marketing, and mining. Lusaka alone accounted for over 1,400 job listings. Efforts to strengthen governance and improve the business environment are seen as crucial to unlocking investment and creating job opportunities for Zambia's rapidly growing youth population.
Business News
On june 20, 2025, specific daily Business performance for Zambia's Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) was not widely reported in general news. However, recent announcements from ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH), a key player on the LuSE, indicated changes in its directorate. Phesto Musonda was appointed as a Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the ZCCM-IH Board, effective June 9, 2025. Additionally, Kakenenwa Muyangwa retired as a Non-Executive Director and Chairperson but was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ZCCM-IH, effective June 6, 2025. These leadership changes are significant for one of Zambia's major investment holdings.
Forecast
The forecast for Lusaka, Zambia, from june 20, 2025, into the next seven days indicates clear, sunny, and cool conditions, typical for the dry season.
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Sunday, june 20 (Yesterday): Sunny. High 22∘C (71∘F), Low 10∘C (50∘F). Moderate wind from the east at 8 mph.
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Monday, June 26 (Today): Clear. High 23∘C (73∘F), Low 12∘C (53∘F).
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Tuesday, June 27: Sunny. High 23∘C (73∘F), Low 12∘C (53∘F).
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Wednesday, June 28: Sunny. High 24∘C (75∘F), Low 13∘C (55∘F).
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Thursday, June 29: Sunny. High 24∘C (75∘F), Low 13∘C (55∘F).
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Friday, June 20: Sunny. High 25∘C (77∘F), Low 14∘C (57∘F).
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Saturday, June 21: Sunny. High 25∘C (77∘F), Low 14∘C (57∘F).
Entertainment News
On june 20, 2025, entertainment news in Zambia included general reports and trending discussions, but no major specific events or releases were highlighted in general news sources. There was a discussion about the "music industry being very dark," with a quote about an artist being "taken to a river for initiation," suggesting ongoing conversations around practices within the local music scene. The main media focus remained on the political developments surrounding the former president's funeral.
Upcoming Events in Zambia
Here are at least 10 upcoming events in Lusaka, Zambia, and surrounding areas for late June 2025 and beyond:
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Poetry Night: June 20, 2025, at Cheetah Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka. (Arts)
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ZaMEA AGM and M&E Symposium: June 20, 2025, at Intercontinental Hotel, Lusaka. (Business/Conference)
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Movie Evening - Enrico Piaggio: Vespa: June 29, 2025, at Zambian-Italian Cultural Centre. (Film)
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Lusaka Food Market: June 26-19, 2025, at Garden City Mall and 379 Great East Road, Lusaka. (Food/Market)
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Pink Flamingo June Monthly Market: June 28, 2025, at Village Rest Lodge. (Market)
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MyScape Health and Wellness Expo: June 28, 2025, at Lusaka Show Grounds. (Expo/Health)
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Ladies Behind the Lens: June 27, 2025, at Cheetah Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka. (Arts/Workshop)
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CELEBRATE WORLD MUSIC DAY WITH US!: June 21, 2025, at Plot 22725, Alick Nkhata Avenue, Lusaka. (Music Festival)
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Exponential Leadership Masterclass 2025: June 21, 2025, at Zoran Cafe. (Conference/Workshop)
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Finance for Non-Finance Executives: June 27-28, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka. (Training/Business)
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TotalEnergies Half-Marathon: June 28, 2025, at Lusaka Show Grounds. (town)
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Stella Artois Zambia Open 2025: June 28-29, 2025, at Leopards Hill Polocrosse Club. (town)
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Zambia's National ESG & Sustainability Summit 2025: September 25-26, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka. (Conference)
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Ecommerce Expo: October 10, 2025, at Taj Pamodzi, Lusaka. (Expo/Business)
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R&G Oktoberfest 2025: October 4, 2025, at 11962 Ngwerere Road, Lusaka. (Festival)
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