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Social Aid Under Pressure

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CSPR warns that rising debt costs, lower revenue and unpredictable Treasury releases are squeezing funding for social programmes By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 20-08-2026 -- The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has warned that Zambia’s social programmes are coming under pressure as Government grapples with lower-than-planned revenue, increased domestic borrowing and high debt-service costs. CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mukelabai said the country had recorded positive economic developments, including stronger economic growth, falling inflation, a stronger Kwacha and progress in debt restructuring. However, she said the gains were being recorded against a budget that remained under strain. Mukelabai said Government collected less revenue than planned during the first half of 2026, with most revenue lines underperforming, particularly Value Added Tax (VAT). She said Government also introduced a K26.3 billion supplementary budget to meet higher public service wages, ...
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Unit of Purpose

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Alliance partners pledge support for Hichilema’s second term, urging unity, job creation, lower living costs and stronger economic opportunities for ordinary Zambians By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia, 20-08-2026 — Political parties in the UPND Alliance have assured Zambians that President Hakainde Hichilema will use his second term to deliver tangible economic gains to ordinary citizens, while calling on the people to put aside political differences and unite behind the country's development agenda. The Alliance partners, who spoke after the August 13 general elections, said the end of the election campaign should mark the beginning of a new phase in which political parties and citizens concentrate on national development, economic opportunities and the welfare of ordinary Zambians. UPND Alliance chairperson Charles Milupi challenged the private sector to ensure Zambia's economic growth translates into better jobs, improved wages and greater opportunities for citizens, ...
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RP ACCEPTS HH's VICTORY

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New opposition party concedes defeat, rules out election petition and calls for national healing By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — 20-08-2026 The Resolute Party has conceded defeat in the August 13 general election and ruled out challenging the presidential results in court, saying the country must now put the election behind it and focus on healing and development. Party president Martin Phiri said Resolute had accepted President Hakainde Hichilema’s victory and would not petition the presidential election, arguing that the outcome was decisive and that a legal challenge would be counterproductive. “We have resolved as a party that petitioning the election at this stage would be counterproductive,” Phiri said. He congratulated Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) on their victory, while also commending Brian Mundubile and his running mate, McBeye Zulu, for what he described as a spirited campaign. The Resolute Party participated in the election ...
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ACCESS BANK BACKS ZESCO UNITED COMEBACK

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New K3 million sponsorship package expected to strengthen club operations, community engagement and the team’s push for success By Francis Maingaila Lusaka , Zambia24, — 19-08-2026 -- Access Bank Zambia h as challenged Zesco United to rediscover its winning mentality and reclaim its place among Zambia’s football elite as the bank unveiled new kits for the club. Access Bank Executive Director Helen Lunda said the new jerseys represented more than match-day wear, describing them as a symbol of Zesco United’s identity, history, supporters and responsibility to the club. Lunda said Zesco United’s record of nine MTN Super League titles, two ABSA Cup victories and nine CAF Champions League appearances demonstrated the pedigree of a club accustomed to success. She acknowledged that Zesco United’s previous season had been difficult by the club’s own standards but said the setback should not define the team. “The real question is: how do you respond?” Ndunda asked, challenging the player...
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NEW CASH FOR AFRICAN AIRLINES

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AU Group MEA and EIRS launch insurance-backed platform to unlock aircraft financing across Africa By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA, Zambia — African airlines could soon have greater access to financing for aircraft and engines following the launch of a new insurance-backed aviation finance platform by AU Group MEA and EIRS. The two companies say the AU EIRS Aviation Cover is designed to help airlines overcome difficulties in securing funding while giving banks and other lenders greater protection against the risk of default. According to AU Group MEA Chief Executive Officer Aurélien Paradis, the platform can provide up to 90 percent indemnification of missed principal and interest payments on eligible aircraft and engine financing transactions. Paradis said the cover includes new aircraft, mid-life and refurbished aircraft, as well as new and refurbished engines. He said the broader coverage reflects the reality of African aviation, where many airlines rely on used and refurbished aircraft ...
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NRPUP ACCEPTS RESULTS

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Tembo vows to check government, defend democracy and hold leaders accountable to Zambians By Francis Maingaila ♥️  LUSAKA, Zambia — 19-08-2026 -- The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP) has accepted the election results announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), congratulating President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) on their victory. NRPUP president Ezra Tembo said the party had accepted the outcome and was ready to take up its responsibility as the official opposition, pledging to provide checks and balances while ensuring that the government remained accountable to the people. Tembo said the party also congratulated its presidential candidate and running mate for mounting what he described as a spirited campaign, particularly considering that the party was less than three months old when it participated in the election. He said NRPUP was proud of its performance, especially after securing more than 60 Memb...
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BEYOND THE VOTE COUNT

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Swala Pilu warns Zambia’s mental health is the next frontier after Hichilema’s re-election By Francis Maingaila ♥️ LUSAKA, Zambia24 — 19 August 2026 — As Zambia begins to move on from the excitement, disappointment and tension of the 2026 General Elections, a mental health organisation has warned that the country must now pay attention to the emotional scars left behind by the polls. Swala Pilu Executive Director and Founder Mary Kufanga says the psychological impact of the elections could linger long after the votes have been counted, with some citizens struggling to come to terms with the outcome. Speaking during a media engagement in Lusaka today, Ms. Kufanga said the elections had touched almost every aspect of people's lives, with many Zambians closely following the results and anxiously waiting to know who would govern the country for the next five years. She congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election but appealed to political leaders and citizens ...
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