In a bid to strengthen economic cooperation, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia held high-level bilateral talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, focusing on trade, investment, and knowledge exchange across key economic sectors.

The discussions underscored Egypt’s advancement in infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and health areas where Zambia aims to leverage Egyptian expertise to drive economic growth. Both leaders emphasized the need for expanded collaboration between public and private sectors, to foster cross-border investment opportunities.

Zambian authorities have issued a flood warning for several regions as a tropical low-pressure system continues to strengthen over the Mozambique Channel, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the southern half of the country.

<p>&nbsp;In a strategic move to enhance fuel security and stabilize pricing, the Zambian government has entered into discussions with Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This potential partnership is expected to reduce fuel costs, strengthen energy security, and stimulate economic growth in Zambia.</p>

The Zambian government has suspended the 15% export duty on gemstones and precious metals but retains key taxes to sustain revenue. A 6% mineral royalty tax, higher than Brazil’s 2% and Colombia’s 2.5%, and a 30% corporate income tax remain in effect.

Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane emphasized Zambia’s role as a top global gemstone exporter. The 15% export duty, introduced in 2019 to encourage local value addition, was suspended in 2020 and remains lifted to maintain industry competitiveness.

A major water contamination incident has disrupted supply in Kitwe and Kalulushi. The pollution, traced to Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited, resulted from a breached tailings dam, releasing acidic effluent with heavy metals into the Mwambashi River.

Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, confirmed that 75% of leach residue entered the river, affecting thousands of residents, damaging crops, and killing fish.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal drug activities, leading to the dismantling of cannabis cultivation networks in North-Western and Northern Provinces.

In a series of operations, DEC officers uncovered substantial amounts of illegally cultivated cannabis, resulting in multiple arrests and drug seizures.

Mopani Copper Mines PLC has dismissed claims made by Kankoyo Constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Heartson Mabeta, regarding a meeting between his office and Mopani Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles Sakanya, over the Mufulira copper slag dump, also known as the Mufulira Black Mountain.

The Zambian government has announced the suspension of export duty on precious stones and metals, a move aimed at stimulating the mining sector and increasing international trade competitiveness. This development follows the issuance of Statutory Instrument No. 4 of 2025, titled The Customs and Excise (Precious Stones and Metals) (Export Duty) (Suspension) Order, 2025.

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has appointed Eng. Collins Mbulo as its new Director General, effective January 22, 2025. This strategic appointment is expected to drive the country’s digital transformation efforts forward.

Eng. Mbulo has an impressive track record with over 17 years of experience in the telecommunications and Information Technology (IT) sector. He has worked in various capacities, spearheading ICT initiatives and providing expert advice to both public and private sector organizations, both locally and internationally.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Electoral Committee has released the list of successful candidates for the upcoming elections, with incumbent Andrew Kamanga standing unopposed for the presidency. The committee has also provided an appeal window for unsuccessful candidates, running from February 17 to February 22, 2025.

FAZ Electoral Committee chairperson Ronald Hatoongo announced the successful candidates, confirming that only two contenders will compete for the vice presidency: incumbent Justin Mumba and challenger Christopher Kasale.