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Agriculture at a Turning Point

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Government and stakeholders at Agritech Expo 2026 intensify push for technology, productivity, and commercial farming transformation, calling for urgent adoption of modern tools and systems to boost yields and strengthen national food security. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Chishimba, Zambia24 — (17-4-2026) -- The 2026 Agritech Expo has officially opened at the Gold Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) in Chishimba, bringing together government leaders, farmers, researchers, and private sector players at a time when Zambia’s agricultural sector is under pressure to modernise and significantly raise productivity levels. Government and stakeholders have intensified calls for a shift toward technology-driven, commercially oriented farming, stressing that agriculture is now at a critical turning point that demands urgent adoption of modern tools, systems, and innovation to boost yields and strengthen national food security. The Zambian government has renewed its call for increased produ...
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Bayer Unveils Climate-Smart Seed

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New high-yield hybrid boosts food security while promoting resilient farming under changing climate conditions By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (17-4-2026) - Bayer Zambia has unveiled its new climate-smart maize seed, DKC 86-43, at the Chishamba Agritech Expo, in a move aimed at strengthening food security, improving farmer productivity, and promoting environmentally resilient agriculture in the face of changing climate conditions. Speaking during the launch, crop systems agronomist Cannon Mukuma said the hybrid was developed to address key challenges in Zambia’s agricultural sector, particularly the effects of climate variability on crop production and rural livelihoods. Mukuma said the introduction of climate-smart seed varieties is critical, as farming remains central not only to household incomes but also to food security and the sustainability of rural communities. He explained that DKC 86-43 is a medium-maturing hybrid, reaching physiological maturity in about 125...
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ZCID Hails Fair Delimitation

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Kabwe says 70 new constituencies reflect fairness and boost representation ahead of 2026 polls and urges political players to accept outcome and engage constructively By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24. (16th April 2026 ) — The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has hailed the delimitation of 70 new constituencies by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as fair and reflective of improved representation, while urging political players to accept the outcome and engage constructively ahead of the 2026 General Elections. Doreen Njovu-Kabwe, ZCID Executive Director, told Zambia24 that the newly created constituencies demonstrate a balanced approach to population distribution and will significantly enhance representation across the country. She said the delimitation process reflects fairness and inclusivity, which are essential in strengthening public trust in Zambia’s electoral system and ensuring credible electoral outcomes. Njovu-Kabwe further called on political stak...
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Mulungushi Reborn After 20 Years

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A $140 million Zambia–China partnership revives textile giant, and investment bringing jobs and industrial momentum signals renewed confidence in Zambia’s industry Kabwe, Zambia24 (April 16 — 2026) — Mulungushi Textiles has been reborn after 20 years of closure, with President Hakainde Hichilema officially reopening the plant under a US$140 million Zambia–China joint venture that is expected to create jobs, drive industrial momentum, and signal renewed investor confidence in Zambia’s manufacturing sector. Speaking at the ceremony, President Hichilema said the reopening transforms a long-idle national asset into a productive enterprise. “This facility must now work for the people,” he said, describing the project as a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to development through investment and strategic partnerships. He said the plant will support local industries and provide a reliable market for cotton farmers, while contributing to economic growth. The President urged...
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Investment Must Deliver Jobs, Not Just Growth

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Government, Labour, Employers and SMEs Push Competing Views on Inclusive Industrialisation By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24, (April 15 , 2026) — The Zambia–Africa Investment and Industrialisation Summit 2026 has opened in Lusaka with calls for investment that creates jobs, protects workers and drives inclusive growth, as government, labour, employers and development actors outlined priorities for Africa’s industrial transformation. Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda M. Tambatamba said when she offocated at the Zambia–Africa Investment and Industrialisation Summit 2026 that investment must be measured not only by capital inflows but by its ability to generate employment and improve livelihoods. She said economic growth without jobs is not inclusive, while development that excludes people is not sustainable. “Growth without employment is not inclusive; development without people is not sustainable,” she said, adding that investment must deliver “more jobs, better...
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Compliance Levels Improve

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NCC records strong growth in contractor compliance in Q1 2026 as registrations rise under tighter oversight, but disparity persists despite strong local participation By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka,.Zambia24  -- (15-4-2026)   Compliance levels in Zambia’s construction sector improved in the first quarter of 2026, with contractor registrations rising by 23 percent under heightened regulatory oversight, the National Council for Construction (NCC) has announced. NCC Executive Director Professor Paul Makasa said the council issued 10,107 contractor registration certificates between January and March 2026, up from 8,239 during the same period in 2025 , signalling increased formalisation and adherence to industry regulations. “The increase reflects a growing level of compliance within the sector as more contractors are entering the regulatory framework,” Makasa said. He, however, cautioned that registration alone does not guarantee compliance, stressing the need for sustained inspecti...
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No Bail for Sexual Offences

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NGOCC rejoyces saying the new law will strengthen GBV response and protect victims By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (14-4-2026) -- The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) says the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2026, which makes sexual offences non-bailable, marks a major step in strengthening the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Anne Mbewe-Anamela, Executive Director of Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council, told Zambia24 that removing bail reduces the risk of suspects interfering with investigations, tampering with evidence, or intimidating witnesses Mbewe-Anamela said the law sends a clear message that sexual offences are serious crimes that require firm action. She said it will help improve prosecutions and restore public confidence in the justice system. She said the reform follows sustained advocacy by civil society, including NGOCC, which had pushed for sexual of...
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