Zambia’s Digital Finance Surges as Mobile Money Transactions Top K100 Billion in March
……………….Historic milestone signals accelerated adoption of cashless platforms and strengthens fintech’s role in the national economy.

Zambia’s mobile money sector has reached an unprecedented milestone, with transactions exceeding K100 billion in March 2025 alone the highest monthly figure ever recorded, according to data released by the Bank of Zambia (BoZ).

The development marks a pivotal moment for the country’s digital financial ecosystem, reflecting the accelerated shift toward cashless, technology-driven financial services. Industry analysts attribute the surge to a combination of increased smartphone penetration, growing trust in digital platforms, and the expanding footprint of fintech solutions across urban and rural areas.

“This milestone is a clear indicator of Zambia’s digital transformation trajectory. It shows the public’s growing confidence in mobile money platforms for conducting everyday transactions,” said a fintech expert from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA).

Mobile money has become a cornerstone of financial inclusion, especially for underbanked populations. From market vendors to SMEs and salaried professionals, users are leveraging mobile platforms for peer-to-peer transfers, utility payments, airtime purchases, merchant services, and even micro-loans.

Financial technology firms and mobile network operators have responded to the growing demand by diversifying their service offerings, enhancing user interfaces, and strengthening transaction security protocols. The sector’s growth is also being supported by government policies aimed at promoting digital finance and reducing reliance on physical cash.

Analysts forecast continued upward momentum, with projections indicating mobile money could surpass K1 trillion in cumulative transactions by the end of 2025, if the current trend holds.

As Zambia continues to position itself as a regional leader in digital finance, stakeholders anticipate heightened investment in fintech infrastructure, cross-sector digital partnerships, and broader efforts to bridge the digital divide.

April 30, 2025
©️ KUMWESU

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA SHOULD DEPOLITICIZE THE CIVIL SERVICE

Lusaka, Tuesday- 29th April, 2025.

The Civil service is expected to be driven by informed professional decisions, these decisions are made by persons who are qualified in different areas. These professionals are expected to put the interest of the nation first in all they do.

The current administration under Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, promised that the civil service will be allowed to operate without politicizing it. Today, the case is difference.

Mr. Patrick Kangwa, Secretary to cabinet recently, sounded a warning to civil servants involved in politics to resign from the civil service, adding that the two, do not mix. This happened following several reported cases of district commissioners, permanent secretaries and other senior civil servants found actively politicking in favor of the Upnd.

He said drawing  government salary but hustling for their party on the side, is robbing the people of Zambia.

“You can’t eat from two pots!” That’s the hard truth from Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, who has thrown down the gauntlet to civil servants moonlighting in politics—especially District Commissioners.

He said this at the First Senior Public Service Management Meeting of 2025. Mr. Kangwa didn’t mince his words. He warned that any government worker caught using public time and resources for political campaigns will face disciplinary action.

District Commissioners were singled out for skipping work in favour of party politics. Mr. Kangwa was clear: “If you want to be a politician, resign and join the fray like everyone else.”

We agree with the Secretary to the Cabinet. The Socialist Party has been speaking about this issue on several occasions.

During the Dilika ward by elections, Malan Zimba, a District Commissioner led a group UPND thugs during the campaigns and attacked us in magwero.
President Hichilema should learn from his Secretary to the Cabinet and stop this politicization of the civil service. It is Mr. Hichilema who is to blame. He publicly endorsed this!

We challenge government to state facts here. Our sources have informed us that DCs have been mobilized to go and roll out cash for work and social cash transfer in Lumezi Constituency ahead of the 26th June, 2025 by elections.

We challenge government to give the nation clarity if this is true or not. If this is true, we call on Secretary to Cabinet to act immediately, this amounts to corruption and looting.

Stanley Muba’sa
National Youth Secretary
Socialist Party

NAQEZ PROPOSES NATIONWIDE STRIKE OVER UNFULFILLED TEACHER UPGRADES

The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) is left with no option but to propose a nationwide industrial strike in response to the government’s continued failure to fulfill its solemn promise of upgrading all deserving teachers to higher salary scales.

In the last three years, the Republican President, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Education have made repeated public assurances that over 40,000 teachers would be moved into appropriate salary brackets. Yet today, those promises remain unfulfilled  –  leaving teachers disheartened, disrespected and demoralised.

This betrayal has far-reaching consequences. It is not only a slap in the face of our dedicated educators but a serious threat to the quality of education in Zambia. When teachers are denied their due, learners suffer and the entire nation is pushed backward.

In the week that ended yesterday, Republican President Hakainde Hichilema reminded the nation by saying, “Education is number one … Without education, the country is dead.” We fully agree with this profound truth, but if education is indeed the lifeline of the nation, then its heartbeat  –  the teacher  –  must not be suffocated by injustice and neglect.

NAQEZ, like teacher unions and other stakeholders, has made every effort to engage Government through dialogue, but these efforts have been met with silence and inaction. It is now evident that only firm, coordinated industrial action can compell the government to act.

We, therefore, call upon all teacher unions to begin mobilising their members in accordance with Sections 76, 77 and 78 of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act. The time for patience has expired. The time for action is now.

Teachers have been stretched to their breaking point. They have been used, ignored and denied justice for far too long. Their sacrifices are the backbone of Zambia’s development  –  they deserve more than empty promises.

While NAQEZ understands the implications of a national strike, we believe that such action is now inevitable and indeed necessary, if justice is to be delivered to our hardworking teachers.

Enough is enough. No teacher must be left behind.

Issued by:
Dr. Aaron Chansa,
Executive Director – NAQEZ
Email: qualityeducationzambia@gmail.com
Website: www.naqez.org

Is the Deregistration of NAQEZ Legally Justified or a Threat to Civil Society? Did NAQEZ Act Ultra Vires?

By Joe Prince Makungu – The VOICE

The Government has NOT publicly provided a detailed LEGAL JUSTIFICATION for the recent deregistration NOTICE issued to the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ). Consequently, the LEGALITY of this move remains a matter of SPECULATION and growing concern within legal, academic and civil society circles.

Did NAQEZ Act Ultra Vires?

The term ULTRA VIRES refers to actions taken BEYOND the jurisdiction or legal powers/ authority granted to an organization by its constitution, laws or governing statutes.

At present, there is no publicly available evidence suggesting that NAQEZ acted ultra vires. The organization seemed to have been operating within its established mandate of ADVOCACY for quality education, policy dialogue and representation of educators’ interests.

Its recent call for a nationwide teachers’ STRIKE, though controversial, arguably falls WITHIN the legitimate scope of civil society’s rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, as enshrined pursuant to Articles 20 and 21 of the Zambian Constitution and in accordance with Zambia’s obligations under international human rights instruments.

Furthermore, Article 118(2)(e) of the Zambian Constitution mandates all authorities to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, implying that deregistration should only be used as a LAST resort, not the first step.

Unless the government can clearly DEMONSTRATE that NAQEZ violated provisions of the NGO Act, breached its own constitution, or engaged in prohibited activities such as inciting violence or participating in PARTISAN politics, any claim that NAQEZ acted ULTRA VIRES remains legally unsubstantiated.

CRITICISM of government policy or peaceful mobilization of professional stakeholders does NOT in itself constitute reasonable grounds for deregistration.

LEGAL CONCERNS AND DUE PROCESS OF LAW

The primary concern is the apparent lack of DUE PROCESS in the deregistration action. Even if the government believes NAQEZ VIOLATED legal provisions, it remains bound by constitutional and administrative law principles to:

☑️Clearly inform the organization of any alleged violations;
☑️Offer an opportunity for the organization to be heard through a fair and impartial process;
☑️Provide written reasons for its decision;
☑️Allow for an appeal or judicial review.

FAILURE to observe these procedural steps raises the risk of arbitrary administrative action, which could be CHALLENGED in the courts as unconstitutional.

CONCLUSION

In the ABSENCE of official documentation outlining the legal grounds for deregistration, the government’s action against NAQEZ appears legally QUESTIONABLE. There is no public indication that the organization acted OUTSIDE its legal mandate. On the contrary, the LACK of transparency and DISREGARD for due process of law could be viewed as ULTRA VIRES on the part of the regulatory authorities themselves.

The IMPLICATIONS are serious. This move may send a chilling MESSAGE to other CIVIL SOCIETY organizations that SPEAKING OUT against government policy, even lawfully — could result in PUNITIVE action. Such a precedent undermines Zambia’s stated commitments to democratic governance, transparency and FREEDOM of expression.

As the situation evolves, attention now turns to the government’s NEXT steps. Will it provide a credible LEGAL BASIS for deregistration? Will NAQEZ seek legal redress? And will civil society, regional bodies and international observers rally to DEFEND the rule of law and constitutional freedoms?

Ultimately, how NAQEZ is treated will serve as a LITMUS TEST for Zambia’s commitment to DEMOCRATIC values. In a functioning democracy, the VOICE of CIVIL SOCIETY is not a threat, but a necessary force for progress.

By Joe Prince Makungu – The VOICE

BE ALERT; SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES

Last week and in a bold move, to forestall discipline and unity in the Tonse Grand Alliance, President  Edgar Lungu quashed the so called disciplinary processes that were raised against Patriotic Front Acting President, Given Lubinda and Secretary General, Raphael Nakacinda.

The disciplinary  actions were raised by PeP President  and Tonse Alliance Spokesperson, Sean Tembo against the duo for meeting Socialist Party President , Dr. Fred Mmembe.

The duo were accused of plotting against the former President as revealed by details of a leaked audio where two junior officials in the Socialist Party were caught discussing the chances and good prospects of their President in the Alliance.

President Lungu proceeded to appoint Lubinda as Acting President of Tonse Grand Alliance.

President Lungu also removed former State House Special Assistant for Politics, Zumani Zimba as Consultant for Tonse Alliance.

Zumani Zimba was also removed as Adminsitrator for Edgar Lungu’s official Facebook page.

And Lubinda directed Nakacinda as Secretary General of Tonse Grand Alliance to form a new WhatsApp Group for the Council of Presidents (CoP) excluding Zumani Zimba.

This was to secure grip of the Alliance and its internal mechanism.

Now Sean Tembo has warned anyone joining the new WhatsApp Group directed by the Acting President of Tonse as an act of indiscipline.

Sean Tembo has instead directed that all Presidents and officials return to his old WhatsApp groups.

Below is the “Internal Memo” over the WhatsApp Group.

INTERNAL NOTICE

Good evening Colleagues,

I have noted with regret that four (4) members of the Council of Leaders (CoL) have exited this official CoL group in preference for a parallel group that has been established by some unscrupulous and indisciplined members. 

I have further noted that there are some members of the CoL who are influencing their colleagues to leave this platform in preference for a parallel platform.

May it be known to all men and women on this platform that the TONSE ALLIANCE Chairman, His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has always emphasized the need for unity and harmony within the TONSE ALLIANCE.

May it be further known to all men and women in the Council of Leaders that the act of creating parallel platforms and encouraging members to leave the official blog to a parallel blog amounts to misconduct and indiscipline.

In the premises above, l wish to direct, as l hereby do, that everyone who has since exited this official group, in preference for a parallel group, must return to this group within 24 hours from issue of this notice.

Any non-compliance to this directive may attract disciplinary action from the Adhoc Disciplinary Committee. Please further note that the TONSE ALLIANCE is a disciplined political movement, and any acts of indiscipline shall receive appropriate reproach and action, in accordance with prevailing statutes.

This notice has been issued in consultation with the TONSE ALLIANCE Chairman.

Thank you.

Issued by:

Sean E. Tembo (SET)
PeP President & TONSE ALLIANCE Spokesperson
Lusaka, Zambia

Kumwesu opinion | Zambia’s Energy Dreams: Big Promises, Dim Light

Another day, another power deal.
Another grand promise, another flickering bulb.

Zambia’s government announced it had secured a stunning 5,000 megawatts of clean energy investment from the UK-based Echo Eight Investments Limited, promising to end the country’s crippling load-shedding by December 2025.

A few months earlier, it was the 2,000 megawatts solar partnership with the UAE’s Masdar, hailed as the solution to our blackouts and a power import deal with Tanzania via the newly launched Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector project.

Yet, while ministers celebrate and newspapers splash bold headlines, most Zambians are still boiling maize by candlelight and charging phones at the nearest barbershop.

Let’s be honest: We have heard it all before.

Energy Minister Makozo Chikote says Echo Eight will deploy 5,000 megawatts “within six months” once approvals are in. Six months! In a country where building a single school takes years. Where approvals for even a small business stall endlessly in dusty government offices.

Yes, Echo Eight says they have capital ready. Yes, they promise patented 3D solar technologies and rooftop wind turbines. It sounds impressive almost too impressive. Skepticism is not cynicism; it’s experience.

After all, the Masdar deal, signed with great excitement in 2023, is still stuck at promises. No panels, no plants, no lights just press statements.

The government is good at signing papers. Not so good at building infrastructure.

They announce, they pose for photos, they assure “fast-tracking” for credible investors then the projects disappear into a swamp of red tape, inefficiency, and political forgetfulness.

Meanwhile, we, the people, wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Zambia’s energy sector doesn’t just need more megawatts. It needs a complete system overhaul cutting corruption, fixing broken institutions, enforcing accountability, and insisting on strict timelines.

Otherwise, these shiny new deals will fade like the others, leaving us in the dark.

With elections barely a year away, such big announcements are politically convenient. “We are ending load-shedding!” sounds great on a campaign poster. But Zambians are tired of promises that only burn out faster than the kerosene lamps we still use.

Real progress isn’t measured by how many MOUs you sign in London boardrooms. It’s measured by whether the lights come on at night in Chingola, Chipata, and Chalala.

Until then, excuse us if we keep our celebrations muted. We’ve been promised bright futures before and ended up sitting in the dark.

April 28, 2025
©️ KUMWESU