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Protect Forests, Secure Food

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MESSI says conservation is critical for sustainable agriculture, linking trees to food systems, urging a shift from destructive charcoal practices, and warning environmental damage hurts livelihoods. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — (21-08-2026) -- The Mupapa Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiative (MESSI) has called on Zambians to protect forests, plant more trees, and take collective responsibility for safeguarding the environment, fighting climate change, and securing the country’s food systems, stressing that forest conservation is essential for sustainable agriculture, food security, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of present and future generations. MESSI Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ruth Chande Ironside, said a healthy environment is fundamental to a healthy economy and national food security.  She highlighted that forests are more than just trees; they support agriculture, provide food, regulate climate, and generate economic opportuni...

Protect Forests, Secure Food

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MESSI says conservation is critical for sustainable agriculture, linking trees to food systems, urging a shift from destructive charcoal practices, and warning environmental damage hurts livelihoods. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — (21-08-2026) -- The Mupapa Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiative (MESSI) has called on Zambians to protect forests, plant more trees, and take collective responsibility for safeguarding the environment, fighting climate change, and securing the country’s food systems, stressing that forest conservation is essential for sustainable agriculture, food security, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of present and future generations. MESSI Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ruth Chande Ironside, said a healthy environment is fundamental to a healthy economy and national food security.  She highlighted that forests are more than just trees; they support agriculture, provide food, regulate climate, and generate economic opportuni...

NGOCC Slams Misogyny

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Mbewe-Anamela Warns of rising attacks on women leaders By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24, --- (March 20, 2026) — The (NGOCC) has slammed what it describes as rising misogyny targeting women leaders, warning that such attacks threaten democratic values and undermine women’s participation in governance. NGOCC Executive Director Anne Mbewe-Anamela told Zambia24 that the organisation is deeply concerned by repeated disparaging remarks directed at female leaders, citing recent public commentary by Mwewa Chitambala as an example of the trend. The organisation said the remarks reflect a pattern of questioning women’s competence based on gender stereotypes rather than merit, describing the rhetoric as “regressive” and harmful to national development. “We firmly believe that the progress of our great nation depends on the full and respectful involvement of all Zambian citizens,” NGOCC stated.  “When women in positions of responsibility are subjected to demeaning commentary about their tempe...

Climate Fund Meeting Comes to Zambia

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Livingstone summit to shape global climate response mechanisms By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (20-03-2026) -- Zambia is set to host a major global climate event, with the 8th Board Meeting of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage coming to the country, as Livingstone prepares to welcome international delegates for talks aimed at shaping global climate response mechanisms. The high-level meeting, scheduled for April 2 to 4, 2026, places Zambia at the centre of global climate finance discussions amid growing concerns over access to funding, climate vulnerability, and accountability. Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba said during a media briefing that Zambia will become the first African country to host the meeting, which serves as the supreme decision-making body of the global fund. Mr Chibamba said the development reflects international confidence in Zambia’s institutional capacity and commitment to advancing climate act...

Extended Hours Risk Deepening Poverty

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Without safeguards, small traders and informal workers could bear the costs Lusaka, Zamhia24 --- (20th March 2026 ) – The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has cautioned the government that without proper planning, enforcement, and infrastructure support, the recently approved 24-hour economy could deepen poverty and insecurity rather than deliver inclusive growth. CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai told Zambia24 that while the principle of extended commercial hours could create additional earning opportunities for small and micro-traders, the policy is voluntary. She said it aligns with Zambia’s broader efforts to enhance regional trade through initiatives such as 24-hour border posts, the Nacala and Lobito trade corridors, and the Solwezi–Kipushi road linking North Western Province to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mukelabai expressed concern that a policy of this scale, affecting millions of vulnerable Zambians—including women traders, informal secto...

Wonderful Group Sponsors NLC

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Mulenga says the K500,000 pledge highlights commitment to Zambia’s land development and governance By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – Wonderful Group has pledged K500,000 as the anchor sponsor for the 2026 National Land Conference, (NLC) underlining its commitment to Zambia’s land governance and sustainable development while supporting the country’s efforts to unlock the value of land through inclusive partnerships. Gift Sialubalo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, welcomed the sponsorship, noting that the conference provides a platform for key stakeholders to address challenges in land administration. “ The conference will bring together traditional leaders, community representatives, developers, government officials, and international stakeholders to propose solutions for sustainable land development,” Sialubalo said. He praised Wonderful Group’s support as a “strong statement of commitment to Zambia, where land systems provide housing, drive economic ...

Protecting Women in Elections

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New push to ensure safe participation in 2026 general elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (March 19, 2026) — Lifeline/Childline Zambia says it is stepping up efforts aimed at protecting women in elections by increasing public awareness of the 933 Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE) Hotline ahead of the 2026 General Elections Florence Chileshe Nkhuwa said the move is part of a broader push to ensure women participate safely in the electoral process, following growing concerns about sexual exploitation, harassment, and intimidation during political adoption and campaign activities Nkhuwa said the hotline provides a confidential, toll-free platform where women can report election-related violence, including sexual coercion, intimidation, harassment, and abuse linked to political participation. She explained that survivors and witnesses can call 933, 116, or 944 to access counselling, referrals, and immediate support services. Nkhuwa said recent media report...