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$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 ...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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Check Labels, Avoid Unsafe Goods

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ZCSA Warns Public to Be Wary of Unsafe Products During Kuomboka Ceremony By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (March 27, 2026 ) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has warned the public to be cautious of unsafe products and advised actionable steps—buy certified products, read labels, and report suspicious items—to protect their health during celebrations. According to Onishias Maamba, Public Relations Officer of ZCSA , large gatherings such as the Kuomboka Ceremony attract traders selling unverified products, which pose serious risks to public health and safety. Speaking on Thursday, March 26, 2026, ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka , led a delegation from ZCSA and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in a courtesy call on Western Province Principal Education Standards Officer (PESO), Richard Imasiku , on the sidelines of the Kuomboka celebrations. The visit aimed to emphasize consumer safety and raise awar...
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Secure and Simple

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Bevura App Launches to Expand Financial Inclusion in Zambia By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambis24. ---(March 27, 2026) — Zambians now have a new tool to manage their money securely, conveniently, and inclusively with the launch of the Bevura e-wallet platform by Yafika Mobile Money. The platform is designed to simplify payments, savings, and financial management, addressing challenges faced by traders, farmers, students, and entrepreneurs, particularly those underserved by formal banking systems. Minister of Technology and Science, , who was represented by Bonaventure Mutale, a senior planner at the Ministry, said the launch aligns with Zambia’s agenda of building an inclusive, opportunity-driven digital economy. “Bevura is not just about technology; it is about people,” Mutale said. “It is about making financial services accessible and secure for everyone—from market traders in city markets who lose hours depositing cash, to farmers in Eastern Province struggling to access credit,...
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Equal Access to Finance

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Economic empowerment is both a right and a strategic national priority. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia (27-03-2026) — Experts at the Women’s Economic Empowerment and Wealth Creation Conference in Lusaka said equal access to finance is critical to unlocking women’s economic potential, as limited access to credit, weak market linkages, and restrictive business environments continue to hinder women’s full participation in Zambia’s economy. Speaking at the Access Bank-sponsored Non-Governmental Organisations Gender Coordinating Council (NGOCC) conference held at Urban Hotel in Lusaka, Andrea Habweza, Gender Division Director under the Office of the President, said the government recognizes the persistent challenges affecting women and has taken deliberate steps to create an enabling environment for their economic participation. “Women play a critical role in driving small and medium enterprises, yet many remain underserved due to limited access to affordable credit, markets, and ...
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