Amini Centre for Policy Research

POLITICAL PARTY MANIFESTO ANALYSES

On 16th and 20th April, Amini participated in the analysis of political party manifestos training organised by Global Platform Zambia.

The training convened diverse young people from across the country comprised of representatives from political parties, civil society, aspiring candidates and individuals.

As Zambia heads toward the 2026 general elections, Amini continues to analyse the various political party manifestos for the benefit of electorates.

Check out the recent manifesto analysis

https://www.aminicpr.org/post/a-brief-analysis-of-the-upnd-manifesto-s-foreign-policy

ActionAid

2026 BENCHMARK BOND POLICY

Zambia’s 2026 Benchmark Bond Policy which was launched in March by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, may sound technical, but at its heart, it is trying to solve a very practical problem, making the financial system easier to understand, trust and use.

Are you a financial literacy coach, participating in the financial market or simply a citizen?
Check out the treatise below 👇🏾

Can A More Predictable Bond Market Unlock Zambia’s Financial Potential? Most people do not spend their time thinking about government bonds. And that is fair. Terms like “yield curves” and “liquidity” can feel distant from everyday life. But what if these ideas quietly shape how affordable loans are, how businesses grow and even how stable the economy feels?Zamb...

On Friday, 13th March 2026, we held the 7th edition of Meet the Diplomat, hosted at the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Zambia. The session featured the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zambia and was held under the theme “Understanding the Zambia–Palestine Relations and the Question of Palestine.”

The engagement brought together young people and practitioners of international relations to interact directly with the Ambassador.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the historical and diplomatic ties between Zambia and Palestine, as well as the broader international discourse surrounding the Question of Palestine.

The discussion explored the role of diplomacy in addressing complex global challenges, the importance of dialogue in international relations and the ways in which young people can meaningfully participate in shaping conversations on global justice, peace and cooperation.

We are grateful to the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Zambia for hosting this important dialogue and for creating space for young people to engage with diplomatic leadership. We also thank our partners, the International Relations Association of Zambia (IRAZ) and the University of Zambia United Nations Youth Association (UNZA-YUNA) for their collaboration in making this engagement possible.

We look forward to continuing to build platforms that connect young people to diplomacy and global conversations. 🇿🇲🤝🇵🇸

Meet the Diplomat is a monthly public dialogue initiative by Amini Centre for Policy Research (ACPR) that aims at bridging the gap between citizenry and diplomacy.

Check out our website www.aminicpr.org to learn more about the work that we do and if you would like to be a part of similar events in future!

European Union in Zambia European Union and the Palestinians تلفزيون فلسطين Palestine TV

Happy Youth Day!
&Soar

Amini Centre for policy Research joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Women's Day.

Happy International Women's Day.

MEET THE DIPLOMAT | EPISODE 7 🇵🇸

Amini Centre for Policy Research, in collaboration with the International Relations Association of Zambia and UNZA YUNA, invites applications from young people to attend the 7th episode of our flagship Meet the Diplomat series.

This episode will feature H.E. E. Keswani, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zambia, under the theme: “Understanding the Zambia–Palestine Relations and the Question of Palestine.”

Date: 13th March 2026

Time: 09:00hrs – 11:30hrs

Venue: Embassy of the State of Palestine in Zambia

We are selecting 20 young people passionate about international relations, peace & security, global politics, diplomacy, media and ethical reporting. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with a senior diplomat, gain insights into global affairs and be part of meaningful dialogue.

Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/260603467497061

For details: +260 976 301 382 / +260 969 772 739

Book Review | Inside the Presidency: Trials and Tribulations of a Zambian Spin Doctor

As we remember the life of Zambia's 4th President, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, we reshare the book review by Reginald Ntomba.

President Banda was born today on 19th February, 1937.

"A compassionate father figure concerned with people’s welfare, a man who loved outdoor life, eating from restaurants and visiting friends and refusing the tight security around him to be a barrier to mingling with the commoner." -Reginald Ntomba.

Full treatise:

Inside the Presidency: Trials and Tribulations of a Zambian Spin Doctor Author: Dickson JerePublishers: Nsemia Inc.There are few Zambians who have written about their experiences of working with Presidents, among them Vernon Mwaanga, Valentine Musakanya and Martin Kalungu Banda. Their books, though, covered other subjects. So Jere’s book stands out for being solely de...

Voter Turnout in Zambia’s General Elections: What Do the Trends Reveal?

From record-high participation in Chililabombwe to lowest turnout in Chienge, the data shows significant variation across constituencies in the 2011, 2016 and 2021 parliamentary elections.

What factors most influence voter turnout in Zambia? What explains these differences? Voter mobilisation, competitiveness, gender representation or administrative gaps?

At Amini Centre for Policy Research, we analyse the numbers to strengthen democratic accountability and informed civic engagement.

UPND'S FOREIGN POLICY | 2021-2026 PARTY MANIFESTO

How commited are political parties in Zambia to actualising their party manifestos?

We analysed the ruling UPND's 2021-2026 manifesto on Foreign Policy.

In our mandate to promoting accountable governance, we recommend that the government should introduce transparent recruitment and training mechanisms through an independent Foreign Service Commission to institutionalise merit-based appointments.

Read more: https://www.aminicpr.org/post/a-brief-analysis-of-the-upnd-manifesto-s-foreign-policy

2021 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS BY NUMBER OF CONTESTING MPs

🤔Why do some constituencies attract more parliamentary candidates than others?

🤔Are there specific barriers to entering and staying in the race that lead to constituencies like Mkushi South to have 2 parliamentary candidates?

🤔On the contrary, what is happening in constituencies like Kasenengwa that is promoting higher participation numbers?

The 2021 Parliamentary Elections in Zambia revealed differences in the level of electoral competition across constituencies, particularly when measured by the number of candidates contesting for parliamentary seats. Some constituencies experienced significantly higher political participation than others.

Kasenengwa Constituency in Eastern Province recorded the highest number of contesting Members of Parliament (MPs) in the 2021 elections, with a total of 12 candidates vying for the seat. This marked the highest level of constituency-level competition in the country during that election cycle. The large number of contestants suggests a highly competitive political environment, offering electorates a wide range of choices and reflecting strong engagement from political parties and independent candidates alike. Such participation may point to strategic political interest in the constituency, shifting local dynamics or broader provincial trends influencing candidate entry.

In contrast, Mkushi South Constituency in Central Province recorded the lowest number of contesting MPs, with only 2 candidates participating in the race. This limited level of competition stands in sharp contrast to Kasenengwa’s experience and indicates the uneven nature of electoral contestation across the country.

At Amini Centre for Policy Research under the Electoral Analysis thematic area, we are constantly researching factors influencing electoral participation in Zambia, with a special focus on youth, women and persons with disabilities.

National Democratic Institute Center for Young Leaders in Africa-Zambia European Union in Zambia Electoral Commission of Zambia

For now, what remains true is that the value of this policy will be determined by measurable economic outcomes rather than intent. Its success will lie in whether it delivers more predictable mining revenues, eases pressure on the public finances and improves Zambia’s ability to manage and regulate the mineral sector in the national interest.

https://www.aminicpr.org/post/implications-for-zambia-s-economy-for-introducing-mining-taxes-in-yuan