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  Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Friday that China is closely monitoring Zambia’s debt restructuring negotiations and will assist in resolving issues . Mao emphasized China’s significant role in these efforts, noting that China, as co-chair of Zambia’s Official Creditors Committee, was the first to help Zambia pay off its debt, leading to notable restructuring results. China remains committed to supporting underdeveloped nations in debt management and calls for international cooperation to aid Zambia and other African countries. Despite a deal with bilateral lenders last year covering over $6 billion, Zambia still faces around $7 billion in outstanding debt owed to bondholders and commercial banks. The search for debt relief has been challenging, with official creditors rejecting a bondholder agreement last October. China’s involvement has been crucial in Zambia’s debt restructuring, highlighting its commitment to economic stability in underdeveloped co...

  On April 27, 1993, tragedy struck the Zambian national football team, the Chipolopolo , in a devastating plane crash. While en route to a World Cup qualifying match in Senegal, their aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after departing from Libreville, Gabon. This heartbreaking incident claimed the lives of all passengers, including players and coaching staff, leaving Zambia in profound mourning. Among those onboard was Kalusha Bwalya, a prominent player for the Zambian team. Fate intervened as he missed the flight due to club commitments with PSV Eindhoven. Though spared from the crash, Bwalya was deeply affected by the loss of his comrades. In the aftermath, Bwalya emerged as a leading figure in Zambian football, serving as both national team coach and president of the Football Association of Zambia. His dedication to the sport and remembrance of those lost became central to his journey. Every April 27, Zambia honors the victims of the Chipolopolo crash, reflecting ...

  On Friday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris made her last stop on a continental tour in Zambia. There, she called again for a “rapid finalization” of the country’s major debt restructuring. The United States has made creditors, like China, ignore the country’s estimated $17.3 billion in international debt. 2020 saw the COVID pandemic and the collapse of Zambia. Harris told a press conference after meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka,  “We will continue to push for a quick end to Zambia’s debt treatment and restructuring.” “The international community must assist developing nations like Zambia in regaining their footing. Thus, I will once again urge all bilateral debtors to reduce their debt significantly, as I have done so many times before.” The arrival of Ms. Harris follows that of Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, by a few months. The US is trying to show its power in response to China’s investments on the resource-rich cont...