The government has warned against attempts to politicise the summoning of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), saying the matter is strictly between law enforcement and the individual concerned.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, said the Archbishop has been summoned to appear before the DEC on Monday, January 5, 2026, in his personal capacity and not as a representative of the Catholic Church.

“This matter has nothing to do with the Catholic Church. It is a matter between the Drug Enforcement Commission and Archbishop, Alick Banda, as an individual,” Mwiimbu said, emphasising that no one is above the law.

Read more: Banda: Catholic Archbishops berate Hichilema government, allege state-sponsored persecution of cleric

He noted that the Constitution obliged every citizen to cooperate with lawful investigations. “Under Article 43(1)(f), every Zambian is required to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. That is a constitutional requirement,” he said.

Mwiimbu warned that calls by political actors and members of the public to gather at DEC offices would be unlawful.

“Law and order will prevail.
The Public Order Act is still in force, and anyone wishing to engage in public processions must notify the police,” he said, adding: “I call upon all law-abiding citizens not to participate in illegal gatherings.”

The minister recalled that President Hakainde Hichilema, while in opposition, appeared before police more than 15 times without mobilising supporters, noting that law enforcement strictly enforced regulations at the time.

“The police were firm. They never allowed anyone to appear in support. That was the order of the day,” Mwiimbu said.

He said Archbishop Banda’s appearance before the DEC would follow lawful procedures, with the Commission determining who may accompany him, including legal representatives and, if permitted, bishops.

Mwiimbu said political processions or mass mobilisation would not be allowed.

“This issue is being politicised, and that is not acceptable. The Archbishop is a religious leader. He is not a political player,” Mwiimbu said, rejecting claims that the government was targeting the Church.

He reassured the public that religious activities, including prayers, would not be interfered with.

“No one will interfere with prayers. That right is guaranteed,” Mwiimbu said, adding that security agencies would provide protection to ensure public safety while due process is followed.

The minister confirmed that government had received a letter from the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops seeking dialogue and said President Hichilema was open to engagement.

“As the President has stated, dialogue is the only way forward. Government looks forward to engaging the Church on issues of national interest,” Mwiimbu said.

“We are one Zambia, one nation. Let us allow the law to take its course in a calm and orderly manner,” he said.

A consortium of 10 civil society organisations has defended the Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) decision to summon the Archbishop of Lusaka over a motor vehicle allegedly linked to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), stating that religious office does not place any individual above the law.

Addressing a press briefing held at Mika Hotel in Lusaka on Sunday, Consortium Chairperson, Isaac Mwanza, said the investigation should not be framed as an attack on the Catholic Church or an attempt to silence its prophetic voice, as suggested by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).

Mwanza said while expressions of solidarity by the Church were understandable, they must not be interpreted as efforts to interfere with a lawful investigative process.

He said the law addresses conduct, not status, title, or ecclesiastical authority, and that no individual is exempt from accountability under the rule of law.

The consortium said legitimate questions had arisen following disclosures made in court proceedings linked to the former ZRA Commissioner General, where it was alleged that the motor vehicle was initially intended for a ZRA employee under a purchase arrangement but later ended up in the possession of the Archbishop.

Mwanza said issues requiring clarification included how the vehicle changed ownership, who facilitated its registration, what documentation was used, and whether lawyers or other professionals were involved in the transaction.

“These are questions of accountability, not persecution,” he said, adding that answering them was consistent with transparency and could help establish whether wrongdoing occurred.

The consortium said both Zambian law and Catholic canon law require clergy to uphold legal and ethical standards, noting that canon law treats the misappropriation or improper handling of gifts as a serious offence.

Mwanza cited a recent case in which Archbishop Alick Banda suspended a Catholic priest following the death of a girl at a priest’s residence, a process that later resulted in the priest being cleared, as an example of respect for due process within the Church.

He emphasised that being summoned for questioning does not imply guilt, but is a lawful step in establishing facts, adding that the Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence and equal application of the law.

Mwanza said the only constitutionally recognised immunity from prosecution applies to the sitting President, and that clergy, like all citizens, are subject to investigation where questions arise.

He added that the Constitution obliges all persons to cooperate with lawful investigations by state institutions, including the DEC, while also protecting individuals from abuse of process.

The consortium urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as the matter unfolds, while encouraging the DEC to communicate more clearly within the limits of the law to prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary tension.

It also called on the ZCCB to complement state investigations with internal canonical processes provided for under Church law, noting that accountability mechanisms already exist within the Catholic Church for matters involving bishops.

Mwanza said the matter should not be interpreted as a sign of strained relations between the Church and the State, adding that lawful engagement between religious leaders and state institutions should strengthen public confidence in justice and accountability.

He said the moral authority of the Church is best preserved through patience, transparency and respect for due process, rather than public pressure or institutional mobilisation.

The consortium said that faith and the rule of law are complementary pillars of a just society, and that allowing investigations to proceed fairly and independently would reinforce public trust in both civic and religious institutions.

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The post Hichilema govt restates position on Archbishop Banda, insists matter is between state and cleric; warns troublemakers first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka has directed all priests within the metropolitan archdiocese to read a solidarity message issued by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) in support of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda during all Sunday Masses.

The directive follows the summoning of Archbishop Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), a development that has sparked mixed public reactions as the Catholic Church in Zambia rallies behind its leader.

In an urgent communiqué issued on Saturday, Lusaka Archdiocese Vicar General, Father Andrew Simpasa, instructed priests to read the ZCCB statement during announcements at all Masses on Sunday, January 4, 2026, which marks the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Read more: Banda: Catholic Archbishops berate Hichilema government, allege state-sponsored persecution of cleric

“This serves to inform the faithful, religious and all parish priests in the Archdiocese of Lusaka that the ZCCB statement of solidarity with Archbishop Banda and the Catholic faithful in Zambia must be read by the presiding priest at all Masses during announcements,” Fr. Simpasa said.

He also invited the faithful to attend a special Mass on Monday at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka at 08:00 hours.

“After which, in compliance with the laws of our Republic, His Grace will dutifully report to the Drug Enforcement Commission,” Fr. Simpasa said.

Archbishop Banda had reportedly been summoned to appear before the DEC for questioning in connection with a motor vehicle allegedly donated to him by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

Meanwhile, DEC Director General Nason Banda has dismissed claims that the summoning of the Archbishop was politically or religiously motivated.

“The summoning of Archbishop Banda should not be viewed through political or religious lenses,” Banda said, adding that the Commission was carrying out its statutory mandate.

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The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has expressed solidarity with Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, describing his summoning by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) as an attempt to silence the Catholic Church’s prophetic voice on national governance.

In a statement issued on January 2, 2026, the bishops said they were aware that Archbishop Banda had been summoned to appear before the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit of the DEC on January 5, following a letter delivered to him on December 31, 2025.

The bishops accused the state of using public institutions to target the Archbishop because of his stance on governance and accountability.

“As ZCCB, we view this action as an attempt to suppress his voice as a Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Lusaka and a member of ZCCB,” the statement reads.

Read more: Catholic Church alleges persecution, urges prayer, unity as anti-graft agency set to probe Archbishop Banda

They further alleged that Archbishop Banda had been subjected to sustained attacks and intimidation, which they described as politically motivated.

“Archbishop Banda has faced consistent name-calling and what we can now recognize as state-sponsored persecution. We consider it an abuse of authority for the ruling party to utilize state machinery against an individual due to his stance on national governance and his efforts to hold the government accountable,” the bishops stated.

The ZCCB said the Catholic Church had historically played a critical role in promoting justice, faith, and service to Zambians, and warned against attempts to undermine its leadership and mission.

“Today, as attempts are made to silence her prophetic voice and undermine her pastoral mission, we affirm that the Church’s role in defending truth, justice, and human dignity cannot be diminished or suppressed,” the statement reads.

The bishops condemned what they termed intimidation and harassment against the Church and its leaders, warning that such actions threatened national unity.

“We therefore condemn all forms of intimidation, harassment, and persecution directed against the Catholic Church and her leaders. Such actions not only wound the ‘Body of Christ’, the Church, but also threaten the moral fabric and unity of our nation,” the statement said.

The bishops stressed that the Church must remain free to speak on national issues and guide the country morally.

“The Church’s voice must remain free to speak truth to powers that be, to comfort the afflicted, and to guide Zambia toward a future rooted in our motto: One Zambia One Nation!” the bishops said.

The ZCCB reaffirmed its full support for Archbishop Banda and called for dialogue rather than confrontation.

“We reaffirm that it is morally wrong to use state institutions to persecute those who hold dissent views and/or provide oversight on matters of governance. Dialogue and mutual respect should be the way to go,” the statement reads.

The bishops also urged Catholics and other citizens to remain calm and prayerful as the country approaches the general elections.

“We exhort the Catholic faithful and all people of good will to continue praying for calm, peace and unity in our nation, especially as we get closer to this year’s general elections,” they said.

The statement was signed by ZCCB President, Archbishop Ignatius Chama of Kasama.


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The post Banda: Catholic Archbishops berate Hichilema government, allege state-sponsored persecution of cleric first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

In case you missed some of the stories, here are the top 10 stories of the week.

1. Tension arose Wednesday within the Catholic community as the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) summoned Archbishop of Lusaka, Alick Banda, to appear before its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) in connection with unstated ongoing investigations. Read more…

2. President of the Local Catholic Clergy in Zambia, Rev. Fr. Augustine Mwewa, has called on Catholics to respond with prayer, unity and courage following the summoning of Lusaka Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). Read more…

3. The Zambian government, through the office of Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, has reportedly handed over US$4 million in compensation to illegal miners, commonly known as Jerabos, who were removed from the Sensele copper pit in Chingola following a fatal mining incident. Read more…

4. Passengers, motorists are reportedly still stranded as repair works have stalled due to heavy rains at the collapsed Great East Road section in Runfusa District. Read more…

5. Zambia has become the first African country to formally accept China’s Yuan for the payment of mining taxes and royalties, highlighting Beijing’s growing financial influence in the continent’s strategic resource sectors. Read more…

Read More: UBZ, APC announce intention to withdraw from TONSE Alliance, as PF internal wrangles deepen

6. Copper capped off 2025 with its best annual performance since 2009, propelled by tightening global supply and rising expectations that demand linked to electrification will outstrip production in the years ahead. Read more…

7. The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has maintained the pump price of petrol while reducing the prices of diesel, kerosene and Jet A-1 for January 2026. Read more…

8. The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers (COM) has approved an equity contribution of US$220 million each by Zambia and Zimbabwe towards the construction of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES), a US$4.2 billion regional power project. Read more…

9. The United States has carried out a military strike against Islamic State (IS) militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of the Nigerian government, U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday. Read more…

10. Zambia’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to an abrupt end following a heavy 3–0 defeat to Morocco in their final Group A match on Monday. Read more…

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The post DEC insists on Archbishop Banda probe, ‘Jerabos’ in Zambia receive $4 million compensation.See our top 10 stories of the week. first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

The Zambian government, through the office of Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, has reportedly handed over US$4 million in compensation to illegal miners, commonly known as Jerabos, who were removed from the Sensele copper pit in Chingola following a fatal mining incident.

The compensation, provided by a yet-to-be-named investor, was officially handed over on Friday at the Chingola Civic Centre and is expected to benefit more than 4,000 Jerabos who had been operating at the copper dump.

About two years ago, government resolved to remove illegal miners from the Sensele site following a mine collapse that claimed at least 36 lives, with some bodies yet to be retrieved.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Kabuswe said government had insisted that the affected miners received compensation before the investor took over the site.

Read more : Breaking! Illegal miner returns to site where 30 died, gets buried alive while scavenging for copper ore

“We had to put our foot down to ensure that you walk away with something before the owner of the mine decided to remove you,” Kabuswe said.

He noted that the US$4 million compensation package would have a positive economic impact on Chingola and acknowledged calls from the miners for an alternative place where they could continue mining legally and safely.

Kabuswe emphasized that government was committed to ensuring mining activities were conducted in a safe environment to prevent the loss of lives, as witnessed at Sensele.

He also urged the beneficiaries to support the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema as the country approached the next general elections.

Earlier, Jerabos steering committee chairperson, Joseph Kazhila, thanked government and the investor for fulfilling the commitment to provide an exit package, but said the amount would not be sufficient in the long term.

“This money will be a drop in the ocean. We appeal to government to identify an alternative place where Jerabos can mine safely,” Kazhila said.

He praised President Hichilema, Minister Kabuswe and Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo for considering the plight of the Jerabos.

Jerabos leader, Douglas Chilembe, also thanked government for the compensation and reiterated the need for authorities to allocate a designated mining area, noting that the list of beneficiaries exceeds 4,000 miners.

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The post Chingola ‘Jerabos’ receive $4 million compensation from Zambian govt after Sensele mine eviction, demand more first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Zambia has become the first African country to formally accept China’s Yuan for the payment of mining taxes and royalties, highlighting Beijing’s growing financial influence in the continent’s strategic resource sectors.

Chinese-owned mining companies operating in Zambia have begun settling part of their tax and royalty obligations in Yuan, marking a significant shift in how Africa’s second-largest copper producer manages revenue from its mining industry, according to Business Insider.

The Bank of Zambia has confirmed that payments in renminbi began in October, making Zambia the first country on the continent to officially acknowledge the acceptance of mining-tax payments in the Chinese currency.

Bloomberg reports that the move reflects China’s expanding role in Zambia’s economy, where it is both the largest buyer of copper and one of the country’s biggest creditors.

Read more: Chinese company receives investment license for $1.1 billion Ndola refinery project

The central bank said the decision aligned with Zambia’s export patterns and its broader reserve-management strategy.

“A large portion of copper exports go to China, and Chinese mining firms already receive some, if not all, of their export payments to China in renminbi,” the Bank of Zambia said in a response to emailed questions.

“The Bank of Zambia has diversification and the build-up of reserves as a key objective, and purchasing renminbi enables the bank to actualise this objective,” it added.

The central bank further noted that holding Yuan would help Zambia service its Chinese debt more efficiently, allowing the country “to service its debts to China in a more cost-effective manner.”

Zambia’s decision comes as Africa increasingly becomes a testing ground for China’s long-standing efforts to internationalise its currency.

Several African countries are exploring ways to reduce reliance on the US dollar in trade and debt servicing, particularly where China is a major lender.

In October, Business Insider Africa reported that Kenya converted part of its Chinese debt into Yuan to ease pressure on its strained public finances. The restructuring of a US$5 billion railway loan from the Export-Import Bank of China into Yuan-denominated debt is expected to save Kenya about US$250 million annually.

Ethiopia has also opened discussions on similar arrangements, while Zambia itself had previously indicated it was considering such options.

To support the new system, the Bank of Zambia last month began publishing an official renminbi-Kwacha exchange rate, enabling mining companies to choose whether to sell dollars or Yuan when meeting their tax obligations.

The arrangement builds on regulations introduced in 2018 and expanded in 2020, which require mining firms to sell foreign-currency earnings to the central bank to bolster Zambia’s reserves during its debt crisis.

The acceptance of Yuan payments signals a deepening of China’s footprint in Africa’s mining economy, with its influence now extending beyond trade and financing into the currency systems that underpin the continent’s resource revenues.

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President of the Local Catholic Clergy in Zambia, Rev. Fr. Augustine Mwewa, has called on Catholics to respond with prayer, unity and courage following the summoning of Lusaka Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).

The DEC had written to Archbishop Banda, inviting him to appear before its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit on January 5, 2026.

Reacting to the development, Fr. Mwewa urged Catholic clergy, religious and the lay faithful not to be intimidated by what he described as a controversial move.

“This persecution was there and it will continue. We expect more. It has been shown that the current Government has started a war against the Catholic Church, but we pray for Archbishop Banda, all the Bishops, priests and the lay faithful,” said Fr. Mwewa of Holy Family Parish in Lulamba, Chingola.

According to an official Radio Icengelo Facebook post dated January 1, 2026, Fr. Mwewa accused the government of intolerance towards divergent views, arguing that criticism was being met with intimidation.

Read more: Opposition figures rally behind Archbishop Banda, knock Drug Enforcement Commission over planned probe

“The Government doesn’t want divergent views because it has not performed as promised. Out of ten, I can give them one or two, but they are claiming that they have performed,” he said.

He cited unfulfilled campaign promises, including the cost of mealie meal, fertiliser prices, fuel costs and power supply, as well as delayed payments to farmers.

“They promised us mealie meal at K50, cheap fertiliser, fuel, no load shedding. Where is FRA to pay farmers? Go to cooperatives and you will find that half of these farmers have not been paid,” Fr. Mwewa said.

The Catholic cleric warned that pressure on the Church was likely to intensify, urging believers to remain spiritually grounded and united.

“The worst is coming. These guys are coming after the Church and they are trying to isolate Bishops, priests and certain leaders,” he said.

He encouraged Catholics to actively participate in national affairs while remaining peaceful and prayerful.

“As Catholics, we need prayers for this country. We need to be on our knees for the nation. As Catholics, we are free to speak out. We also need to take care of our voters’ cards. We can only fight these people with prayer and unity,” Fr. Mwewa said.

He further cautioned that laws, including cyber legislation, could be used to silence dissenting voices but urged believers not to retreat.

“They may use cyber law against you, but speak out against all evils,” he added.

Fr. Mwewa also called on Church leaders across denominations to remain faithful to their prophetic mission and resist political compromise.

“I invite all Church leaders, not only Catholics, do not be bribed. Do not sell your prophetic voice. We have seen some of our pastors and former pastors eating at the feet of the Government while denouncing the Church and praising wrong things,” he said.

He accused the government of employing tactics aimed at silencing critics.

“We will not allow anyone to intimidate us. It is a pity the Government has chosen to declare war against the Catholic Church. The Government has been saying it will be using different mingalato (tactics). This is the mingalato we are seeing,” Fr. Mwewa said.

“They want to suppress any voice that denounces the wrongs or evils they have done and the promises they have failed to fulfil,” he added.

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Some stakeholders have criticised the government, acting through the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), for summoning Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda in connection with undisclosed investigations, describing the move as politically motivated.

According to a formal notice dated December 31, 2025, the Commission directed Archbishop Banda to report to the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit offices at the former Ministry of Justice Building on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:00 hours, without fail.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Patriotic Front (PF) presidential aspirant, Makebi Zulu condemned the UPND government’s decision to summon Archbishop Banda under what he described as the guise of anti–money laundering investigations.

Zulu said the action was not only unwarranted but deeply alarming, arguing that it reflected a deliberate attempt to intimidate a respected religious leader who has consistently spoken truth to power.

“The Catholic Church has long stood as a moral compass for our nation, guiding society through principles of integrity, justice, and compassion,” Zulu stated.

He emphasised that Archbishop Banda had been a courageous and consistent voice for accountability, fearlessly highlighting corruption, injustice, and poor governance.

Zulu stressed that targeting him amounted to an attack on the moral ideals and democratic values he represents, describing the incident as another example of selective justice.

He further pointed out that while ministers and ruling party officials facing allegations were shielded and their identities concealed, the government had chosen to publicly malign a man of faith.

Meanwhile, Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) spokesperson, Anthony Chibuye, claimed that instead of fostering unity and development, Zambia was in the hands of what he described as hypocrites and criminals who have divided the country.

Chibuye said the UPND government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, had disrespected the church through intimidation and corruption.

“In this way, the FDD wishes to warn the cadres of Hichilema at the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) who have been instructed to intimidate and disrespect His Grace Bishop Dr. Alick Banda,” he said.

Chibuye described the summoning of Archbishop Banda as politically motivated and an act of intimidation and disrespect not only to the clergy but to the general populace.

He claimed that the alleged fight President Hichilema had long waged against the Catholic Church and Archbishop Banda was no secret, arguing that there had been several attempts to humiliate and intimidate the clergyman.

Read More: Tension as Drug Enforcement Commission summons Catholic Archbishop Banda over anti-money laundering probe

“Therefore, the FDD wishes to call on all Catholic faithful to stand strong and defend the Church, which has long been a beacon of hope for millions of the downtrodden in our society,” Chibuye said.

Similarly, former Kasenengwa Constituency lawmaker, Sensio Banda, said the decision to summon Archbishop Banda on the eve of an election cycle had been portrayed in some quarters as evidence that Zambia’s law enforcement agencies were embracing procedural accountability.

However, Banda argued that to many citizens struggling under the weight of a collapsing economy, the move appeared less like a principled stand for justice and more like a carefully timed distraction.

“At the centre of the investigation is a Toyota Hilux, allegedly gifted to the Archbishop during the previous administration. In isolation, the matter is not trivial. The law must apply equally to all, regardless of clerical collar or political standing,” Banda said.

He said Zambia was not suffering from petty corruption but was bleeding from grand, systemic leakages, citing the 2024 Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Trends Report, which estimated that US$3.5 billion (about K81 billion) was lost to illicit financial flows in a single year.

Banda said these losses stemmed from tax evasion, illegal mining, trade mis-invoicing, and complex corporate schemes that quietly drain the national treasury.

“Where are the summons for the directors of multinational firms flagged in FIC reports? Where are the visible investigations into the networks facilitating illegal mineral exports and capital flight? These questions remain unanswered,” he said.

He also cited the ZAMMSA scandal, involving 61 containers of medical supplies, which resulted in the withdrawal of US$50 million in U.S. health aid.

“While a handful of junior and middle-level officials were arrested, the public has yet to see accountability commensurate with the scale of the failure, one that left clinics without essential medicines,” Banda said.

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The post Opposition figures rally behind Archbishop Banda, knock Drug Enforcement Commission over planned probe first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Tension arose Wednesday within the Catholic community as the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) summoned Archbishop of Lusaka, Alick Banda, to appear before its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) in connection with unstated ongoing investigations.

According to a formal notice dated 31st December 2025, the Commission directed Archbishop Banda to report to the AMLIU offices situated at the former Ministry of Justice Building on Monday, 5th January 2026 at 10:00 hours, without fail.

Read more: Anti-graft agency, DEC, summons Tasila, Lungu’s daughter, over alleged money laundering probe

The notice, issued under Section 26(e) of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001, requires the Archbishop to appear before an Anti-Money Laundering Officer.

The document, addressed to Archbishop Alick Banda, Archdiocese of Lusaka, was signed by the Head of AMLIU, for the Director General of the Drug Enforcement Commission.

While the notice does not disclose the nature of the investigations or the specific allegations prompting the summons, it legally compels the recipient to present themselves before the Commission.

Efforts to obtain an immediate comment from the Archdiocese of Lusaka were unsuccessful by press time.

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The post Tension as Drug Enforcement Commission summons Catholic Archbishop Banda over anti-money laundering probe first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has maintained the pump price of petrol while reducing the prices of diesel, kerosene and Jet A-1 for January 2026.

This means petrol will remain at K29.92 per litre, while the price of diesel has been reduced from K26.98 to K25.11 per litre.

Kerosene has been adjusted downward from K26.51 to K23.88 per litre, while Jet A-1 has also been reduced to K25.03 per litre.

Read more: Breaking! ERB raises September fuel prices as Kwacha depreciation offsets global oil decline

ERB Board Chairperson, James Banda, said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the price adjustments were influenced by favourable macroeconomic developments recorded in December 2025.

He said the local currency appreciated by 3.13 percent against the United States dollar, moving from an average exchange rate of K23.24/US$ to a closing rate of K22.52/US$.

“Further, international oil prices generally decreased since the last fuel price review on November 30, 2025. Following this movement, the ERB has revised downwards the pump prices for diesel, kerosene and Jet A-1, while petrol will be maintained at K29.92 per litre,” Banda stated.

He said the new fuel price structure will take effect at midnight on December 31, 2025, and will remain in force until the next fuel price review by the ERB.

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The post Breaking! January petrol price maintained at K29.92, as Energy Regulation Board cuts diesel, kerosene, jet A-1 prices first appeared on Zambia Monitor.