The Zambia Motor Rally, a cornerstone of the African Rally Championship with roots back to 1969, was officially shelved for 2025. The Zambia Motor Sport Association (ZMSA) cited unsustainable FIA affiliation fees and logistical complications as the primary factors.
ZMSA President Sam Ching'ambu initially targeted a return in 2026 with restructured sponsorship. But in January 2026 he confirmed the association's financial challenges continue: there will be no 2026 edition, and no Zambian representation in the ARC — the rally's second hiatus, after the wilderness years of 1977–1984.
The federation says it aims to work with the private sector and potential sponsors to restore Zambia's place in the ARC series. No return date has been set.
"One of the reasons include the challenges in paying affiliation fees to Federation of International Automobiles (FIA), they are too high."
No date has been announced. When ZMSA confirms the rally's return, this clock starts ticking.
AWAITING OFFICIAL DATES FROM ZMSA · Follow ZMSA on Facebook for the announcement.
The last dance. Wildcat Energy Zambia International Rally runs in Ndola — Karan Patel completes his hat-trick, only 2 of 18 crews finish.
ZMSA shelves the 2025 rally. FIA affiliation fees "too high"; Zambia withdraws from the ARC entirely. Ching'ambu targets a 2026 return.
The setback: ZMSA confirms it will not host the 2026 rally and will have no representation in the ARC, as financial challenges persist.
Restructured sponsorship, private-sector partnership — and, one day, the dust rising over Chisamba again.