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Politics

Former Local Government Minister and longtime UPND loyalist, Garry Nkombo was physically attacked by suspected UPND cadres while filing his nomination papers as an independent parliamentary candidate in Mazabuka Central on 20 May.

The incident has raised national debate after President Hakainde Hichilema condemned the violence and ordered the arrest of those involved, describing the attacks as unacceptable, undemocratic, and a direct violation of the rule of law.

However, speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Caritas Zambia Executive Director, Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga described the President’s warnings as “fake,” arguing that authorities have repeatedly failed to act decisively against political violence.

“Even this idea of saying you’ll be on your own if you do this and that, those are fake things because what people need to see is action and people should be arrested there and then,” said Fr. Mapulanga.

He questioned why police officers who were present during the disturbances in Mazabuka allegedly failed to immediately arrest the attackers despite the violence unfolding in full public view.

“When that thing was happening, the police were there, so why didn’t they arrest them there and then because if it was on the other side the police would have acted very quickly,” said Fr. Mapulanga.

He further argued that the Mazabuka incident shows that political cadre violence remains active despite repeated claims by government that cadreism had been eliminated after the UPND formed government in 2021.

“Cadreism has not gone and what we saw in Mazabuka is a clear sign that it is resurfacing even now,” said Fr. Mapulanga.

A check on Nkombo’s history with the UPND by ZBT revealed that he first entered Parliament on the UPND ticket in 2006 and successfully retained the Mazabuka Central seat in the 2011, 2016 and 2021 elections while also rising to become the party’s National Chairperson for Elections and later Party Whip in Parliament.

Following the UPND’s 2021 victory, Nkombo was appointed Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, where he became one of government’s most visible political figures before President Hichilema abruptly dismissed him from Cabinet on March 28, 2025, amid growing speculation of internal tensions within the ruling party.

Nkombo’s political sidelining deepened further in March 2026 after the UPND removed him from the party’s National Management Committee and stripped him of his elections portfolio, replacing him with Likando Mufalali following months of speculation about alleged presidential ambitions.

Meanwhile, Fr. Mapulanga warned that the growing confusion surrounding electoral reforms, political alliances and violence risks undermining public trust ahead of the 2026 general elections if authorities continue pretending to enforce the law selectively.

Article by Phillip Sinkala

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Former Local Government Minister and longtime UPND

Lifestyle

The Zambia Online Taxi Drivers Association has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s recent establishment of a Driver’s Desk at State House, stating that the initiative has failed to address the urgent needs of the rapidly expanding online transport sector.

Speaking to the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Association President Lucas Chanda highlighted that more than 60,000 drivers across Zambia continue to grapple with operational challenges, safety issues, and a lack of clear policy support despite the industry’s growing significance to the national economy and job market.

 “We have about 60,000 drivers countrywide. This is a huge industry, and we need serious government intervention. We have been crying and talking about the same issues over and over, but nothing concrete has been done,” said Chanda.

 He noted that drivers had initially hoped the Driver’s Desk at State House would deliver direct solutions to their longstanding concerns. However, Chanda lamented that no meaningful progress has been made since its introduction, leaving drivers disappointed and issues unresolved.

As Zambia approaches the election period and the dissolution of parliament, Chanda urged the government to prioritize the welfare of online taxi drivers, emphasizing their vital contribution to employment and urban mobility.

 He called for urgent reforms and more robust engagement between authorities and driver representatives to safeguard the future of the sector and ensure that policy keeps pace with the evolving needs of the industry.

Article by Karen Ngulube

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The Zambia Online Taxi Drivers Association has

Sport

According to a verified report, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in 2025 recorded K589,520 income from player transfers, a slight increase from K558,525 recorded in 2024. Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times, Elite Stars Academy proprietor Choolwe Handila described the record as concerning, highlighting that this reflects the degradation of football in the country over the past few years.

 Normally, FAZ does not directly benefit from player transfers, but they are able to rake in administrative and international levies. The association charges international clearance levies to process and register player transfers through the FIFA Transfer Matching System.

 However, the lowly record also reflects the lack of shipment of many players abroad, but also the Super League usually does not have much activity during the transfer window; fewer moves for players imply less income for FAZ. Meanwhile, Handila raised alarm over the lack of disclosure of transfer fees in most cases, stating that there is a need for the association to create policy that compels the clubs to disclose.

He added that the status quo creates dishonest dealings, especially amongst top clubs that usually manipulate academies into selling players at a lowly price, as low as a pair of jerseys and boots. A practice that deprives the academies and clubs that groomed the players from getting a handsome share.

But it also promotes exploitation on the part of the player; there is a need for value for talent. Handila bemoaned the frequency of such cases in the local league but added that the lack of a clearcut policy is problematic.

“It comes down to clubs and academies; if we are going to sell a player, there is always a selfish interest that always comes in because they want to have a certain chunk of the money; there are a lot of undisclosed fees in our transfer market.” “That’s why it’s easy for these big clubs to come to academies and offer a pair of jerseys for a player or K10,000, but the truth remains they should start disclosing the amount made from player sales.”

Article by Samuel Mutale

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According to a verified report, the Football

Sport

When it comes to sports being a business, creating handsome returns and profits for athletes and Zambian clubs and federations, the sector is one-sided, football being the only sport improving gradually. Lobbying from the government, the corporate world, or individuals; missing tournaments—these are the scenarios that characterize the sports sector, a situation that has stunted the growth of the sport. What are the government and allies doing about it?

 Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times, National Sports Council of Zambia Chief Executive Officer Sombo Musunsa revealed that the council has been initiating capacity-building workshops in a bid to ensure that the federations stand alone in revenue generation. Most of the corporate sponsorship is focused on football.

But Musunsa revealed that the council is on the verge of signing an MOU with the Ministry of Tourism to leverage sports as a platform for marketing the country. “We are creating a framework of sports tourism and hospitality; this is going to be a game changer in terms of sport being a key contributor and also having a framework that can be used to track where the resources are going.”

 He added that the council has also started to engage smallscale manufacturers that deal with sportswear and equipment, companies like Alive and Kicking. “How can we grow as a business instead of us buying from any other source? We are engaging our own, and we are pleading that they are extended to the rural areas, and these companies have been supplying to the national teams and local service providers as well.”

He cited the case of marathons as a smart way of incentivizing sport, in which several people are participating, and the athletes are able to earn something.

And the business community is being empowered, the hospitality, transport, and other sectors benefiting directly. Interestingly, Musunsa revealed that the council is on the verge of creating a key business case for sport that is liable to be shared with the ministry of finance and other allies attached to the sports project.

 “Enabling us to tell stakeholders and partners that sport is a viable tool, sport can be used as a tool to gain so much publicity, and we’re hosting events. These have a commercial component, incentives for the runners and those that are making merchandise, and opportunities to even sell their merchandise, and the hotels are benefiting from the venture, ultimately commercializing sport.”

 As the country continues to fill the trophy cabinet to the brim, the business side of sport must be considered, policy must turn to implementation, and implementation to the growth of the sport dearly cherished by many Zambians.

Article by Samuel Phiri

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When it comes to sports being a

Real Estate

The Landlords and Tenants Information Referral Centre has criticized the practice of landlords discriminating against who occupies the property based on status— married or single.

 According to research conducted by the Zambian Business Times, most landlords in Lusaka and across the country are in the habit of restricting who occupies their property, a trend that has raised alarm among tenants.

 Speaking in an interview, LTIRC Director Roban Muke stated that the trend is illegal and goes against the Rent Act but questioned that the government has failed to incite rent controllers to curb such disputes.

“Some even say I don’t want those with kids or those that are unmarried, which is contrary to the Rent Act, but talking about marriage, most women are not married, so the discrimination is bad; it is denying people the right to shelter. If you are doing that, apply for a plot, and then it becomes residential; if it’s a business, it must be registered,” he added.

 He urged the government to step in and clamp down on the practice, especially the Ministry of Local Government appointing rent controllers, which is already in the law and just requires enforcement.

 “It is there in the act, but we have not been seeing any rent controllers visiting. There is a need to address this matter to sanitize the situation in the private sector. Private landlords are consuming and providing shelter; now let them understand what the meaning of the housing business is because landlords say, ‘I built it with my own money,’ and talent cannot do anything, but a landlord can be sued and sue. The talent has got rog.”

Article by Samuel Mutale

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The Landlords and Tenants Information Referral Centre

Tech

 The Professional Teachers Union of Zambia (PROTUZ) has warned that the resulting surge in enrollment is stretching teachers and infrastructure to their limits. PROTUZ General Secretary Kangwa Musenga told the Zambian Business Times (ZBT) that although the policy has boosted morale, especially among former dropouts, it has also led to significant overcrowding. “Free education has brought quite a lot of morale, especially to those who were dropouts,” Musenga said.

Musenga revealed that many returning learners, some as old as 11 years, are enrolling in Grade One, leaving teachers overwhelmed. “The schools are now overwhelmed with quite a lot of school dropouts getting back to school,” he noted.

 He emphasized the urgent need for more classroom space and additional trained teachers, particularly in rural and secondary schools, to cope with the increased demand.

 Despite these challenges, Musenga affirmed teachers’ commitment to delivering quality education. Musenga also confirmed that teachers with extra responsibilities are receiving allowances from the government, including responsibility and extra annuity payments.

However, he called on the government to further improve conditions of service and accelerate the upgrading of deserving teachers to prevent dissatisfaction in the sector.

As Zambia’s free education policy continues to transform access to schooling, PROTUZ is urging swift action to ensure that quality education is not compromised by overcrowded classrooms and strained resources.

Article by Catherine Mwansa

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 The Professional Teachers Union of Zambia (PROTUZ)

Agribusiness

African Bird’s Eye (ABE) chili is emerging as one of Zambia’s most lucrative smallholder crops, with net profits ranging from K200,000 to K300,000 per hectare over a threeyear production cycle. This is according to agronomist Clever Munsunge, who is also the 1st Runner-up for 2026 Southern Africa’s Agronomist of the Year.

 Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT) Munsunge attributed the crop’s profitability to robust export demand and relatively low input costs.

 “ABE chilies can generate up to K50,000 or more in gross revenue from one hectare monthly,” he revealed. Unlike maize and soya, ABE chili is a perennial crop, continuously producing for two to three years and reducing the need for frequent replanting and land preparation. The crop’s natural resistance to pests and drought further minimizes the need for expensive pesticides and fertilizers.

 However, the initial investment is significant. Farmers typically allocate most of their income in the first two to three months to seeds, land preparation, and irrigation equipment. Once established, the ongoing costs drop, with harvesting labor and routine plant maintenance constituting the main monthly expenses.

 “With good management and favorable prices, about 70% of the K50,000 monthly revenue can be retained as profit,” Munsunge explained.

This equates to an estimated K35,000 monthly profit per hectare at maturity, although actual figures depend on produce quality and market prices.

 Munsunge cautioned that harvesting and drying present the greatest risks to profitability. A single hectare can yield over 1,000 kg each month, necessitating timely harvesting to prevent spoilage.

Export buyers also require dry, stalk-less chilies at specific moisture levels, standards many farmers struggle to meet due to limited access to proper drying infrastructure, especially during the rainy season. “Poor quality means rejected loads and lost revenue,” he emphasized.

To maximize returns, Munsunge recommends that farmers invest in drying and processing facilities to meet international quality standards and secure premium prices.

Article by Francine Chibuye

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African Bird’s Eye (ABE) chili is emerging

Agribusiness

Soybean farmers in Serenje District, Central Province, are urging the government to urgently announce the official buying price for the 2025/2026 marketing season, warning that prolonged delays have left them vulnerable to exploitative private traders. Soybeans remain a critical cash crop for farmers across Central Province, with demand heavily driven by domestic stock feed manufacturers, edible oil processors, and regional export markets.

 However, the absence of a government-backed benchmark has disrupted the market. In an interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Francis Chibuye, the Executive Director of Seedlink Investments, expressed deep concern over the ongoing regulatory silence, noting that it has created an environment ripe for exploitation.

 “Farmers in Serenje District are deeply frustrated by current market conditions,” Chibuye stated. “Because the government has delayed announcing the official floor price, unlicensed private traders, commonly referred to as ‘briefcase buyers’ have moved in. They are currently purchasing soybeans at a mere K7 to K8 per kg. This is unsustainable and forces our farmers to operate at a significant loss.”

At the current unauthorized rates of K30 to K35 per 5kg, the market price translates to roughly K6,000 to K7,000 per metric tonne. Agricultural experts note that this falls drastically below the average cost of production for the majority of small-scale farmers in the region.

Chibuye emphasized that the primary issue is the lack of communication regarding the marketing calendar. “The urgent need right now is for the government to provide an official update and clear timeline on when the commodity’s floor price will be established,” he added.

 Industry analysts warn that the proliferation of unregulated farmgate buying undercuts structured agricultural marketing, distorts competitive pricing ahead of the formal season, and denies smallholders fair returns on their investments. Left without an official benchmark, small-scale farmers lack bargaining leverage and are frequently forced to sell their yields out of desperation to cover immediate household expenses.

Article by Francine Chibuye

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Soybean farmers in Serenje District, Central Province,

Mining

The recent surge in diesel prices to nearly K35 per litre has sent shockwaves through Zambia’s small-scale mining sector, raising serious questions about the industry’s survival amid escalating operational costs. In just two to three months, diesel prices have surged by nearly 50%, rising from around K23 per litre in March 2026 to approximately K34 per litre in May 2026.

 The mining sector, which is vital to Zambia’s economic growth, is among the hardest hit by the fuel price hike. With diesel being the lifeblood of their operations, powering excavators, bulldozers, pumps, and generators, the new price level has dramatically increased daily expenses.

The Federation of Small-Scale Mining Associations of Zambia (FSSMAZ) has raised concerns over the recent increase in diesel prices, warning that the hike will further burden small-scale miners already grappling with multiple challenges.

 Diesel, predominantly used in the mining sector, has surged to approximately K34 per litre, up from K29 last month and K23 the previous month.

 According to the Federation of Small-Scale Mining Associations of Zambia, this sharp rise is expected to significantly escalate operational costs especially for small-scale miners, many of whom rely on diesel-powered machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and large water pumps.

Speaking exclusively to the Zambian Business Times – ZBTs, FSSMAZ President Joseph Mwansa noted that it has now become quite expensive for small-scale miners, especially those using heavy machinery to operate.

“Managing operations will be very difficult due to the diesel price increments.” Mwansa acknowledged that while the price adjustment stems from global factors, particularly the conflict between the US and the Netherlands, the impact on Zambia’s mining industry is severe. “It’s not good for our industry. “It will affect us negatively.

However, we understand the government’s position, as this is an external factor beyond its control. Still, operating mines will become more costly,” he added. When asked to quantify the impact, Mwansa said, “I cannot give an exact percentage, but the reality is that every miner will be affected. Our sector relies heavily on machinery for production, and without it, progress in mining becomes nearly impossible.” The government has set ambitious production goals, 1 million metric tons of copper by 2026 and 3 million by 2031. Mwansa, however, cautioned that rising diesel prices could jeopardize these targets.

“The price increase is just one of many factors that we feel might impact our production projections. We hope that once global issues are resolved, diesel prices will stabilize. Meanwhile, achieving these targets will require comprehensive support.” Remarked Mwansa

Article by Tyndale Muchiya

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The recent surge in diesel prices to

Companies

Copperbelt Energy Corporation CEC, a Zambian Incorporated power company acting as a specialized, privately-owned utility listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange LuSE has continued to record a decrease in share price. A check by the Zambia’s business Times-ZBT from the Stockbrokers Zambia weekly report indicates that for the market period ended 24 April 2026 and 8th May 2026 the company recorded a drop in their share price despite recording an increase in the value of shares purchased.

 According to the stock brokers weekly report for the market period ended 24 April 2026, Copperbelt Energy Corporation CEC share price recorded a drop by 0.52% and price strode at K17.4 with a turnover of K391.1 thousand.

 However, the Stockbrokers Zambia report for the market period ended 8th May saw CEC record another drop in share price by -0.17% with pricing settling at K17.24 and the companies value of shares purchased stood at 747.2 thousand which is an increase compared to the market turnover seen in the other year.

 Despite CEC recording a drop in share price on the exchange, the company is among the three companies on the exchange that has reached the $1 billion dollar market capitalization and the bigger question is what could be the factors that are causing a drop in the share price.

 Meanwhile, Zambia Business Times- reached out to an expert whose name is withheld to get clarity on the factors contributing to CEC drop in share price. In response the broker attributed the decrease in the company’s share price due to the undeclared dividends and many share holders are holding back. “ CEC is yet to declare their dividend and if they would declare a divide, that will trigger a movement in the share price, because everyone will want to participate and receive that dividends, and shareholder who have been been there for sometime are now seeing this as a good opportunity to come out as people want to come in and get a share in the company.”

He also added that towards the end of last year CEC around this period the named company started to record an increase in their share price and week-in- week out driven by market sentiment from retail investors.

 “Last year towards the end, around this time, the share price for Copperbelt had started increasing quite drastically and every week, the share price was increasing because the market sentiment was driven by the retail investors”.

 He added that in most cases the movement in sharp prices is usually driven by dividends and companies making huge changes in terms of investments “To move the share price you just need to buy 100 shares, so at that point anyone can move the share price for instance if the share price is at K6 and you have a K600 and last year around this same period CECs share price was soarig but not based on the back of anything, because usually the movement in share price is driven by dividends, because the company is making huge changes due to investments being made but for CEC their was nothing in particular.”

 He further noted that even though the retail participation has allowed people to come into the market, it has also brought in a lot of movement in terms of share prices.

Article Justine Phiri

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Copperbelt Energy Corporation CEC, a Zambian Incorporated

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