"The GOAT Media Centre"

PF Official Says UPND Should Not Be Blamed for Economic Challenges Left by Previous Administration By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  - 17-07-2026 - Opposition Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General for Administration Edwin Lifwekelo has defended the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), arguing that the party is not responsible for Zambia’s current economic hardships, which he attributes to challenges inherited from the previous PF administration. Mr. Lifwekelo told Zambia24 in a statement that President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration has spent nearly five years addressing economic challenges left behind by the PF government, adding that the current cost of living pressures and unemployment levels are a result of past leadership failures. He said he agreed with former Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane’s observation that Zambia’s poverty and unemployment challenges were linked to the PF administration’s failure to invest for the future and introdu...

The Fight for Adolescent Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in East and Southern Africa By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 15-07-2026 -- For many adolescents across East and Southern Africa, seeking healthcare is not always a straightforward journey. Young persons may walk into a clinic looking for help, but instead of receiving care, often meet with questions about their age, parents, or guardians. "Where are your parents?" "Why have you come alone?" For some adolescents, these questions become the first barrier standing between them and the healthcare services needed. This challenge is at the centre of the Step Up 4 Access Campaign, a regional initiative addressing legal and policy barriers to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services.  Supported under the Regional SRHR Fund by Hivos and partners, the campaign brings together organisations in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to push for clearer, harmonise...

CSALR urges Zambians to protect development gains through informed choices By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 16-07-2026 -- The Civil Society Alliance on Legal Reforms (CSALR) has urged Zambians to take ownership of the country’s future by making informed and responsible choices in the forthcoming general election. The Alliance says the power to influence the direction of national development rests with citizens through the decisions they make at the ballot box, urging voters to carefully consider policies, leadership records, and development plans before casting their votes. Speaking during a town hall meeting in Rufunsa District, CSALR Alliance Chairperson Dr. Caroline Katotobwe said elections provide citizens with an opportunity to shape the future of the country by choosing leaders who can address their concerns and advance national development. Dr. Katotobwe said voters should look beyond political slogans, party loyalty, and personalities, and instead focus on the poli...

Fully booked exhibition space signals confidence in agriculture, trade and investment opportunities By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka , Zambia24 – 16-07-2026 - The 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show is set to provide a major boost to Zambia’s economy after organisers announced that all exhibition space has been fully booked, signalling renewed confidence from businesses, farmers and investors despite the uncertainties surrounding the election period. The annual showcase, which has grown beyond a traditional agricultural exhibition into a major trade and investment platform, will bring together farmers, corporate entities, government institutions, innovators and international exhibitors to explore opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, finance, technology and commerce. Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia (ACSZ) Vice President Mr. Rene (R.) Lourens said the overwhelming response from exhibitors demonstrates t...

Think tank says diplomats and civil servants must stay out of partisan politics or resign By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24, Wednesday, July 15, 2026 — The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has called on Ambassador Andrew Banda and other serving ambassadors to refrain from engaging in partisan politics, insisting that diplomats and civil servants must remain politically neutral in accordance with the Constitution. AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma expressed concern over what the organisation described as partisan remarks recently made by Ambassador Banda, arguing that ambassadors are career diplomats whose duty is to represent the Republic of Zambia rather than political parties. Ngoma said ambassadors who openly campaign for political parties undermine the professionalism of the diplomatic service, compromise Zambia's international standing and weaken the country's foreign relations. He further urged senior civil servants to respect the dire...

ZMAI Social Care Foundation and SAWOV urge Zambians to look out for one another through early support, compassion and meaningful conversations By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (14-06-2026) -- Mental health advocates have urged Zambians to make checking on family members, friends, and neighbours a routine practice as part of efforts to address depression, reduce stigma, and provide early support to people experiencing emotional challenges. The call was made during the launch of the “Check Your Neighbor” Campaign , a national mental health awareness initiative by ZMAI Social Care Foundation in partnership with Support A Woman of Valor (SAWOV) . The campaign seeks to encourage open conversations about mental health and promote a culture where individuals feel supported through simple acts of care, including making phone calls, offering encouragement, and showing concern for others. SAWOV president Mirriam Mumba, popularly known as Suwilanji , said the initiative comes at a...