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  💼 Business Monday | 21 September 2026 By Maxwell Shumba | BalanceHub Most small businesses in Zambia don't fail because the owner didn't work hard. They fail because of a handful of quiet, everyday mistakes and most owners don't see them until it's too late. Every year, thousands of Zambians start businesses: grocery shops, restaurants, salons, bakeries, farms, clothing stores, welding shops, phone repair stalls. Some grow into businesses that employ people and send children to school. Others stay stuck for years busy every day, but somehow never moving forward. The owner opens early, closes late, works harder than anyone they know… and still can't explain where the money went. Hard work matters. But hard work built on the wrong foundation only wears you out faster. Here are seven mistakes that hold back too many Zambian businesses — and exactly what to do about each one. Mistake One: Mixing Business Money with Personal Money Picture this. It's Monday mornin...

By Maxwell Shumba | For BalanceHub A Turning Point in Zambia’s Economic Story Zambia’s economy appears to be entering a new phase of recovery and stability. According to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats), the country’s annual inflation rate has dropped to 11.9% in October 2025, down from 12.3% recorded in September. This marks one of the clearest signs that the economic reforms implemented by President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration — led by Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane — are beginning to deliver visible results. Dr. Musokotwane, who has spearheaded fiscal consolidation and reform-driven growth strategies since 2021, described the figures as “evidence that Zambia’s economic fundamentals are improving.” Understanding the Drop in Inflation Inflation is one of the most critical indicators of an economy’s health. It determines the cost of living, the value of the Kwacha, and the affordability of goods and services for ordinary citizens. Accor...