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Bayer Tees Off Community Development

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Kabwe Golf tournament blends agriculture innovation, youth development and farmer engagement By Francis Maingaila Kabwe, Zambia – (25-04-2026) — Bayer Zambia brought together golfers, business partners and community stakeholders at Kabwe Golf Club over the weekend for a sponsored corporate golf day that combined competitive play with community impact and stakeholder engagement. The field attracted about 60 players, including junior golfers from surrounding communities, with the tournament staged as a full 18-hole competitive format that brought together amateurs, club players and corporate golfers in a shared tee-off experience. Bayer Zambia Operations Manager Victoria Kamona said the golf day forms part of the company’s 2026 Back of Day initiative, designed to strengthen stakeholder relationships through sport while supporting youth development in golf. “This is not just about the scorecard. It is about engagement, development and building long-term relationships on and off the...

Civil Society Rejects Bill

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Groups warn Electoral Process Amendment risks weakening transparency, voter participation and democratic safeguards Civil society organisations have rejected the Electoral Process (Amendment) Bill No. 44 of 2026, with Peter Mwanangombe warning that several of its provisions could undermine transparency, voter participation and key democratic safeguards. Mwanangombe, speaking on behalf of the Alliance for Community Action (ACA) , Caritas Zambia , Chapter One Foundation , and the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) , said the groups had formally submitted a memorandum to Parliament calling for significant revisions to the Bill. He said while the National Assembly’s move to seek public input was commendable, the current draft falls short of regional and international standards. The submission follows earlier consultations with the Electoral Commission of Zambia and a Ministry of Justice engagement held in March. Mwanangombe said one of the major concerns is the requirement f...

AIPAC Warns Bill 46 Threatens Democracy

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Civil society group says proposed law could erode parliamentary immunity and weaken separation of powers By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24, (April 25, 2026 ) — The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has strongly opposed Bill 46 currently before Parliament, warning that its enactment in its present form would pose serious risks to Zambia’s democratic framework, parliamentary immunity, and the principle of separation of powers. AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma said the proposed legislation could make Zambia the first country to abolish parliamentary immunity, exposing Members of Parliament (MPs) to possible loss of their seats and imprisonment for alleged misconduct within the House. Ngoma said parliamentary immunity remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, allowing lawmakers to debate freely, challenge policy, and hold the Executive to account without fear of retaliation. “Abolishing this protection would undermine the independence of the Natio...

KCM Deal in Doubt

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ZCLU cites supplier exclusion, slow job creation and urges enforcement of local content laws By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (25-4-2026) ---The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) says the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) deal is in doubt, raising concern over the mine’s alleged failure to honour commitments on local supplier inclusion and job creation. ZCLU Executive Director said Isaac Mwanza the organisation has received complaints from local businesses claiming that is not adhering to promises of inclusive procurement following its return under . Mwanza has called on the to enforce compliance with Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2025, which is aimed at promoting local participation in the mining sector. He warned that sidelining Zambian suppliers risks weakening citizen-owned enterprises and undermining broader economic growth. Mwanza further cautioned that the reported practices could erode public confidence in the (UPND) administration, which had assured citizens that...

Digital Screening for aspirant Candidates

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ECZ rolls out online system for verification of academic qualifications ahead of 2026 General Elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (24-4-2026) -- The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) has introduced an online system to facilitate the digital screening of aspiring candidates ahead of the 2026 General Elections, as part of efforts to streamline the verification of academic qualifications required by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). ECZ Executive Director Dr. Michael M. Chilala said the system has been developed to ensure smooth confirmation of Grade 12 certificates or equivalent qualifications for individuals seeking elective office in the August 13, 2026 polls. Speaking on Friday, April 24, 2026, Dr. Chilala said the initiative is aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility in the verification process, which is a legal requirement for all aspiring candidates. He said Zambia will go to the polls on August 13, 2026, adding that all candidates must su...

ZCSA Warns Against Unsafe Products

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 Mansa Consumers urged to reject banned goods and illicit spirits as agency intensifies nationwide enforcement By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (24-4-2026) -- The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has warned traders and consumers in Mansa against dealing in substandard and hazardous products, including used undergarments and unregistered alcoholic beverages. Speaking during a roadshow at UB Market on Friday, ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka said the agency is intensifying efforts to protect public health through enforcement and consumer awareness. Hatyoka, speaking on behalf of ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga, said the agency regulates a wide range of products and is mandated to ensure they meet required safety standards. He warned that used undergarments and illicit spirits pose serious health risks, including infections and life-threatening conditions, and remain prohibited under existing regulations. “Consumers must avo...

JZAP Welcomes New Financial Law, Warns Predatory Lenders

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By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (23 April 2026) --' Justice for Zambian Citizens Against Predatory Lenders (JZAP) has welcomed the enactment of the Banking and Financial Services Act, 2026, describing it as a decisive step aimed at restoring order, accountability, and fairness in Zambia’s lending sector. Daimone Siulapwa, Governance and Social Activist, told Zambia24 that the new law represents a major turning point in addressing long-standing abuses in the financial services sector, particularly by unregulated and predatory lenders. He said for years many Zambians have been exposed to exploitative lending practices, including hidden charges, unlawful deductions, intimidation, and abusive debt collection methods, largely due to weak regulatory oversight. “For years, Zambians have been subjected to exploitation by unregulated and predatory lenders operating with little accountability. That era is now over,” he said. The new law places all financial service providers und...