2025 in Zambia

Events in the year 2025 in Zambia.

Events

18 February – 2025 Sino-Metals Leach Zambia dam disaster: A tailings dam belonging to a Chinese-operated copper mine collapses in northern Zambia, causing 50 million liters of waste containing concentrated acid, dissolved solids and heavy metals to enter a tributary of the Kafue River and prompting a shutdown of the water supply in Kitwe.

8 April – President Hichilema signs a law requiring the interception and surveillance of all electronic communications in the country.

8 May – The United States halts the provision of $50 million in medical aid to Zambia, citing "systematic theft" of donations.

25 June – A court in South Africa orders a suspension of the burial of former president Edgar Lungu amid a dispute between Lungu's family and the Zambian government over the funeral arrangements.

3 July – Two foreign tourists are killed in an elephant attack in South Luangwa National Park.
5 July – A minivan collides with a locomotive in Mpika, killing nine people.
21 July – The government announces an agreement to build a $1.1 billion crude oil refinery and energy complex in Ndola.

6 August – The US Embassy orders all American government personnel to leave areas affected by the 2025 Sino-Metals Leach Zambia dam disaster in February, citing continuing contamination and the possible presence of airborne hazards.
8 August – A court in South Africa orders the family of deceased former president Edgar Lungu to repatriate his remains to Zambia and allow the government to hold a state funeral for him. A final appeal by Lungu's family is rejected on 16 September.

15 September – Two people, including a Mozambican national, are sentenced to two years' imprisonment for plotting to assassinate President Hichilema through witchcraft rituals.
16 September – Around 176 farmers file a lawsuit against multiple Chinese-linked mining firms for $80 billion over agricultural damages caused by the 2025 Sino-Metals Leach Zambia dam disaster in February.

8 November – President Hichilema is heckled by stone-throwers while giving a speech in Chingola, resulting in 27 arrests.

1 December – Zambia begins administering the HIV prevention injection drug lenacapavir.
16 December – US President Donald Trump issues a proclamation imposing partial travel restrictions on Zambian nationals travelling to the United States.
18 December – Multiple constitutional amendments are signed by President Hichilema, including the expansion of the National Assembly from 167 to 280 members.