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Zambia’s 2026 polls take center stage as Hichilema declares “We must win big”

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Zambia’s 2026 polls take center stage as Hichilema declares “We must win big”


By Burnett Munthali 

President Hakainde Hichilema has told United Party for National Development members in Mongu that the 2026 general elections will not be treated as a political game. 

Speaking during a meeting with UPND candidates and party officials on Tuesday, the President said the upcoming polls are “serious business” that demand unity, discipline, and a clear focus on delivery. 

“We must win big,” Hichilema declared to a cheering crowd, urging the party to consolidate gains made since 2021 and to avoid complacency. 

He emphasized that the government’s record on economic stabilization, debt restructuring, and social programs would form the basis of the party’s campaign message. 



The President warned against internal divisions and urged candidates to engage voters on issues rather than personalities. 

He said the administration had worked to restore macroeconomic stability, attract investment, and expand access to education and healthcare, and that these achievements needed to be protected at the ballot box. 

Hichilema also called on party structures to mobilize effectively at the grassroots level, noting that voter turnout and turnout management would be decisive in 2026. 

The Mongu rally drew thousands of UPND supporters who turned out to welcome the Head of State, underscoring the party’s push to maintain momentum in Western Province. 

Political analysts say the President’s remarks signal an early and aggressive campaign posture as Zambia prepares for what is expected to be a closely watched electoral contest. 

With the August 12, 2021 election still fresh in public memory, Hichilema’s message appears aimed at framing 2026 as a referendum on governance and delivery rather than on slogans alone.

Champions Stadium to Undergo K200 Million Renovation

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Champions Stadium to Undergo K200 Million Renovation



By Rahim Abdul

A total of K200 million is expected to be spent on the renovation of Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa District, following damage caused by strong winds and heavy rains earlier this month.

Owner of the facility, King Msaiwale Kabvina, said preparations for the rehabilitation project are already underway after securing the required funding.

Kabvina explained that construction works are expected to commence soon, with the entire renovation project scheduled for completion in 2027.



He said the rehabilitation will focus on restoring damaged infrastructure and improving the stadium’s facilities to meet the needs of football teams and supporters.

Champions Stadium has become an important venue in Malawi’s top-flight football after FDH Bank Premiership sides Kamuzu Barracks and Mafco FC selected it as their home ground.

The two teams have been using the facility for their league matches, making it one of the busiest football venues in the Central Region.

According to Kabvina, the planned renovations will ensure that the stadium remains suitable for hosting elite football competitions.

The stadium suffered significant damage on June 6 this year when heavy rains accompanied by strong winds ripped off parts of the roof and damaged sections of the spectator stands.

The destruction raised concerns about the venue’s readiness to continue hosting major football matches without urgent repairs.

However, the announcement of the K200 million renovation project has brought relief to football stakeholders and supporters who rely on the stadium as a key sporting venue in the district.

Musician Peter Sambo questions appeal for funds to bring back stranded Malawians

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Musician Peter Sambo questions appeal for funds to bring back stranded Malawians



By Rahim Abdul

Musician Peter Sambo has questioned the government’s reported appeal for public assistance to facilitate the return of about 10,000 Malawians from abroad, saying the development raises serious concerns about the country’s capacity to care for its own citizens.

In a strongly worded Facebook post, Sambo said he was struggling to understand why a nation would seek external help to transport its own people back home, arguing that such a responsibility should fall squarely on the government.

The musician wondered how much money would actually be required to bring the affected citizens back and whether Malawi had reached a point where it could no longer afford transportation costs for its nationals.



Sambo stated that it was difficult to accept claims that Malawians, whom he described as rightful owners of the country’s land, could fail to return home simply because of transport challenges.

According to the artist, the situation reflects deeper governance questions that deserve honest public discussion rather than political silence.

He further argued that excessive dependence on appeals and donations risks portraying the country as unable to solve challenges that should ordinarily be handled through state resources.

Sambo also criticised what he described as a tendency among politicians to engage citizens mainly during election periods, saying national leaders should remain connected to people’s concerns at all times.

The musician stressed that his remarks were not intended as an attack on any political party but rather as constructive criticism aimed at encouraging accountability.

Identifying himself as a supporter of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Sambo said his comments should be viewed as an effort to highlight issues that require urgent attention from authorities.

His post has since sparked debate on social media, with some users supporting his concerns while others argue that international cooperation is sometimes necessary when governments face major logistical and financial challenges.

Malawi closes 2025-2026 forestry season with 59 Million trees planted, survival rate remains key concern

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Malawi closes 2025-2026 forestry season with 59 Million trees planted, survival rate remains key concern


By Jones Gadama

Malawi has closed the 2025-2026 National Forestry Season with 59 million trees planted across the country, Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskesi announced on Tuesday.

The minister also reported that 8,142 hectares of natural regeneration were managed during the period, which ran from December 15, 2025 to April 15, 2026.

Wiskesi made the announcement as government wrapped up the annual tree-planting campaign aimed at reversing deforestation, restoring watersheds and building resilience to climate change.

The 59 million seedlings represent continued investment in national reforestation targets, with communities, schools, government departments, NGOs and the private sector participating in planting activities across all regions.

While celebrating the number of trees planted, Wiskesi flagged tree survival as a persistent challenge.

Patricia Wiskes



She said data from the previous season showed an average survival rate of 60 percent, meaning four out of every 10 seedlings did not reach maturity. The minister attributed low survival to factors including erratic rainfall, poor post-planting care, livestock grazing, fires and limited resources for follow-up maintenance.

“Planting trees is only half the work. Protecting and nurturing them to maturity is what will determine whether Malawi wins the war against deforestation,” Wiskesi said.

She called on district councils, extension workers and communities to strengthen monitoring and aftercare, including pit preparation, timely planting, weeding, fire protection and guarding seedlings from animals.

The 8,142 hectares of managed natural regeneration reported during the season highlight government’s push to complement planting with protection of existing forests and woodlands.

Natural regeneration involves conserving stumps and young trees to regrow without new planting, a cost-effective method being promoted in degraded areas.

Environmentalists and forestry officials present at the closure said improving survival rates is critical if Malawi is to meet its restoration commitments under regional and international agreements.

They noted that with climate variability affecting rainfall patterns, community ownership and proper seedling selection will be key to ensuring planted trees survive beyond the first year.

District councils have been urged to integrate tree care into local development plans and to mobilize resources for protection beyond the official planting season.

Wiskesi said the Ministry of Natural Resources will continue working with partners to provide technical support, seedlings and training to communities, while also enforcing laws against illegal cutting of trees.

As the 2026-2027 season approaches, government says focus will shift from numbers planted to measurable survival and forest cover increase.

For Malawi, the success of the forestry season will ultimately be judged not by seedlings in the ground in April, but by standing trees during the next dry season.

Blantyre City Chief Raises Over K50 Million for Independence Celebrations

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Blantyre City Chief Raises Over K50 Million for Independence Celebrations



By Rahim Abdul

Blantyre City Chief Isaac Jomo Osman has announced that more than K50 million has been raised to support this year’s Independence Day commemorations scheduled for July 6,2026.

Speaking in Blantyre on Tuesday, Osman said the funds were contributed by well-wishers and members of the public who are committed to making the national celebrations a success.

He said the event will take place at the Independence Arch in Blantyre and will bring together people from different walks of life to celebrate Malawi’s freedom and national unity.

Jomo ,BT mayor with Mutharika



According to Osman, the celebrations will begin with prayers aimed at seeking God’s guidance and blessings for the nation before other activities commence.

He explained that children will take centre stage during part of the programme, showcasing various performances before the main event involving adults.

Osman emphasized that no government funds are being used to finance the celebrations, describing the initiative as a community-driven effort.

“We are not using government money. These funds have been raised by people who want the best for the country and wish to contribute towards a successful celebration,” he said.

The city chief also revealed that renowned music group Black Missionaries will be among the artists expected to entertain revellers during the event.

In addition, the popular Mibawa Band has been lined up to perform, promising an exciting atmosphere for those attending the celebrations.

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