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 By Maxwell Shumba | BalanceHub The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged former Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Henry Tukombe and former Head of Procurement and Supply Jacob Masatunya over alleged irregularities in a school supplies procurement contract linked to a US$401.84 million government loan obligation. The arrests mark another significant development in Zambia's ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and combat corruption in the management of public resources. What the ACC Is Alleging According to ACC Head of Corporate Communications Joseph Mwenya, the two former public officials allegedly allowed a procurement process involving Hong Kong-based Mikalile Trading Company Limited to proceed without following mandatory public procurement procedures. The contract was for the supply of various school items across Zambia and carried a principal value of US$259.25 million. With interest of US$138.7 million and arrangement fees amounting to US$3...

 💼 Business Monday | 7 September 2026 By Maxwell Shumba | BalanceHub Every morning across Zambia, thousands of entrepreneurs unlock their shops before sunrise. Some prepare fresh bread for customers, others arrange vegetables on market stalls, open barber shops, repair mobile phones, tailor school uniforms or prepare buses for another day's work. Behind every small business is someone chasing a dream of financial independence. Many of these businesses grow into respected brands that support families and create jobs. Others, however, struggle to survive or eventually close. Understanding why some businesses succeed while others struggle is one of the most important lessons for anyone hoping to become an entrepreneur. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) are a vital part of Zambia's economy. They contribute significantly to employment, income generation and economic activity, making them essential to the country's development.  One of the biggest reasons some busi...

By Maxwell Shumba | BalanceHub United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe has called on the United Nations (UN) to respect Zambia's sovereignty and allow the country's judicial system to independently handle ongoing treason and insurgency-related cases. (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe  His remarks come amid growing debate following concerns raised by a United Nations official over the detention of several opposition figures facing treason charges. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Simuuwe argued that individuals accused of serious offences such as treason and insurgency should be subjected to Zambia's legal process rather than being treated as political detainees before the courts have determined their cases. He said Zambia has established institutions capable of fairly handling criminal matters and urged international organisations to respect the country's constitutional and judicial independence. According to Simuuwe, prematu...

By Maxwell Shumba | BalanceHub Police in Mpongwe District on Zambia's Copperbelt Province have arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with an alleged fraud involving the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) after recovering 216 bags of fertiliser valued at K226,800. The case has raised fresh concerns about the illegal diversion of government agricultural inputs, highlighting the challenges authorities continue to face in safeguarding one of Zambia's most important farming support programmes. Suspect Arrested The suspect has been identified as Chilando Kahokola, a merchandiser for Bayer SeedCo attached to Luanshya Agro in Mpongwe. According to Copperbelt Division Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga, the matter was reported to Mpongwe Police Station on August 28, 2026 after an agro-dealer supervisor noticed suspicious activity during the loading of fertiliser. The supervisor reportedly observed a truck being loaded with 32 bags of fertiliser that had not been issued against any ...

By Maxwell Shumba | BalanceHub Zambia's financial markets have received a significant vote of confidence following President Hakainde Hichilema's re-election, with the country's borrowing costs falling sharply after a government bond auction attracted overwhelming investor demand. The development is being viewed by economists and financial analysts as an early indication that investors expect continued political stability and economic reforms under the new administration. Strong Demand at Government Bond Auction According to Bloomberg, Zambia's first local currency government bond auction since the August 2026 general election attracted bids worth 37 percent more than the 6.3 billion kwacha the government intended to raise. The auction marked a dramatic turnaround from the previous sale in June, which failed to attract enough investors and was undersubscribed. The strong appetite for government securities pushed borrowing costs lower, allowing the government to raise fu...

By Maxwell Shumba | BalanceHub The countdown to one of Zambia's biggest entertainment events has officially begun after Stanbic Bank Zambia unveiled an exciting lineup of local artists set to perform alongside American global music superstar Jason Derulo at the 2026 Stanbic Music Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, the festival promises to be more than just a music concert. It is shaping up to be a celebration of Zambian talent, cultural diversity, and environmental responsibility, bringing together some of the country's most celebrated musicians on one stage. A Powerful Blend of Local and International Talent Headlining this year's festival is internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and performer Jason Derulo, whose chart-topping hits such as Talk Dirty, Savage Love, Whatcha Say, and Want to Want Me have earned him millions of fans worldwide. Sharing the spotlight with him will be an impressive lineup of Zambian music stars, including: - Yo Maps - Mamp...