This year saw a continuation of the trend of democratic erosion in the country. The Patriotic Front (PF) government, headed by President Edgar Lungu, used selected laws and regulations to demobilise critical voices and institutions. The Constitution Amendment Bill aroused fierce contestation, with several sections of civil society claiming that it undermined basic democratic principles and urging the government to withdraw it. A series of by-elections triggered violence between the PF and the major opposition party, the United Party for National Development (UPND). Incumbent and opposition parties faced increased intra-party polarisation. China played a key role in financing the country’s largest infrastructure projects despite mounting resentment against the country. New accords were signed with Russia, India, and Japan. Zambia opened a consulate in Dubai. The economy grew by only 2% due to the severe droughts which impacted electricity generation, agriculture production, mining outputs, and other sectors of activity. The IMF paid visits to the country and warned about the need for reduced external borrowing and sustained fiscal adjustment in order to improve macroeconomic performance.