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Zambia Eyes Digital Glory

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Government and young innovators push to create homegrown tech solutions ahead of the Digital World Cup. Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (March 31, 2026 ) — Zambia is positioning itself to achieve digital glory on the global stage as the government urges citizens to move from being consumers of technology to creators of solutions that address local challenges ahead of the in Geneva. Minister of Technology and Science said at the E-Mark AI and Robotics Challenge National Finale that strong partnerships between government, the private sector, and civil society are essential for driving progress in digital infrastructure and connectivity. He commended the innovators at the event, noting that the ultimate goal is for Zambians to develop solutions capable of driving meaningful change, citing achievements such as Cobot as examples of local innovation. “We must not be a country that consumes technology. We must be a country that creates solutions to the challenges we face,” Mutati said, adding that...

Law Enforcement Under Watch

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CSOs Urge Hichilema to Enforce Rule of Law Ahead of 2026 Elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (March 31, 2026 ) — Civil society groups have commended President Hakainde Hichilema for directing the Zambia Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to avoid arrests before completing investigations. “President Hichilema’s directive is consistent with the rule of law and due process,” said Solomon Ngoma, Vice Chairperson of the Consortium of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance and Constitutionalism . “It also reflects the values he stood for as opposition leader, when many citizens were arrested and victimised.” Ngoma expressed concern, however, that police and other agencies often ignore these directives. “Persistent disregard of presidential guidance risks reducing it to mere rhetoric and undermines public confidence in both the Presidency and law enforcement institutions,” he said. The consortium also warned about the political influence of...

New Push for Inclusive Education

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State and Special Hope Network sign MoU that will f ocus on equity, access and community awareness and transform learning for children with disabilities By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (March 31, 2026 )— Zambia has launched a new push for inclusive education following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Education and Special Hope Network, aimed at improving equity, access and community awareness to transform learning for children with disabilities. The agreement seeks to integrate specialised support into the national education system, strengthen teacher capacity, and ensure learners with intellectual disabilities have equal access to quality education. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Special Hope Network President Eric Nelson said the partnership marks a shift towards a more coordinated and inclusive national approach. “This is not merely the signing of a document, but the formalisation of a shared vision where every child,...

$1B U.S. Aid Could Undermine Zambia

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Civil society warns that health assistance linked to mineral access threatens transparency, national sovereignty, and long-term health goals By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (30 March 2026 ) --- A coalition of Zambian civil society organizations (CSOs) has warned that the proposed $1 billion U.S. health aid deal could undermine Zambia if signed without full public disclosure and parliamentary oversight. Ms. Chitimbwa Chifunda, Oxfam Zambia Country Director, told journalists at a media briefing on behalf of other CSOs that proceeding under the current terms could compromise transparency, accountability, and national sovereignty . The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reportedly worth USD 1.012 billion over five years , is designed to support HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, vaccines, maternal and child health, and pandemic surveillance programs. Ms. Chifunda explained that lifesaving health assistance should not be tied to access to Zambia’s critical minerals or other ...

Zambia Probes Silent Killers

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The ZNPHI days, the survey will examine lifestyle and health risks whereas the  indings will guide future health policies, Data to support prevention and control efforts By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia (30-03-2026) – Zambia is set to probe the growing burden of “silent killer” diseases through a nationwide survey aimed at examining lifestyle and health risks, with findings expected to guide future health policies and strengthen prevention and control efforts. ZNPHI Director General Professor Roma Chilengi told journalists at the media briefing that the institute will soon undertake a nationwide STEPS Survey to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), marking a major step in understanding the country’s rising cases of chronic illnesses. Professor Chilengi said the survey will be conducted across all districts and will involve more than 5,700 participants selected through a scientific sampling process to ensure national representation. He said the exercise ...

Eswatini Air Enters Zambia Market

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ZTA says new Lusaka–Manzini air route will deepen economic and tourism cooperation, improve regional connectivity, and cut travel time By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24-- (30-03-2026) -- Eswatini Air has entered the Zambian market with the launch of a direct flight from Lusaka to Manzini, a development the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) says will deepen economic and tourism cooperation, improve regional connectivity, and significantly reduce travel time. Eswatini Air Director Commercial, Mr. Getaneh Woldemichael, described the route as a milestone for both the airline and the region. He explained that travellers no longer need to make long, often inconvenient connections through Johannesburg, with the new non-stop service cutting travel time from around four and a half hours to about two hours. Woldemichael emphasized the airline’s commitment to affordability, offering competitive fares to make air travel more accessible. He also noted that if demand meets expectations, Eswat...

5G Boosts Connectivity

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Chaaba says Infrastructure development and regulatory reforms propel sector expansion By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — (27-03-2026) ---The rollout of 5G networks and ongoing infrastructure development are driving significant growth in Zambia’s ICT sector, according to the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA). Hanford Chaaba, Manager of Corporate Communications at ZICTA told Zambia24 that the 2025 ICT and Postal Sector Market Performance Report shows mobile subscriptions rose 13.1 percent, from 23.2 million in 2024 to 26.2 million in 2025, while internet subscriptions increased by 10.1 percent to 14.7 million.  Chaaba, the sector’s growth is fueled by higher demand for broadband services, more affordable ICT packages, and greater adoption of digital platforms. Mr. Chaaba said regulatory reforms and network expansion, including the 5G rollout, are key drivers of the sector’s performance. “Investments in network capacity and digital platforms, comb...