"The GOAT Media Centre"

AfDB and ARSO-backed laboratory equipment handed to ZABS to strengthen product testing, reduce trade barriers and accelerate regional integration along the Lobito Corridor. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka,  Zambia24  -- (July 21 , 2026) – Zambia has strengthened its trade competitiveness after the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) received new laboratory equipment to improve product testing, certification and quality assurance services. According to a joint statement issued by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Principal Public Relations Officer Ms. Everness Nankala and Zambia Bureau of Standards Senior Communications Officer Mr. Lupiya Mazunda , the equipment was procured under the US$8.1 million Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project with financial support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and donated by the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO). The equipment was officially handed over on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade ...

NGOCC demands police accountability after tear gas fired during political gathering leaves girl injured By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka,  Zambia24  -- July 21, 2026 — The Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has demanded accountability from the Zambia Police following an incident in Kalingalinga where a young girl was injured after officers fired tear gas at supporters of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP). NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe described the police action as overzealous, warning that the use of force in residential areas could endanger vulnerable members of communities. "The incident, which resulted in the discharge of tear gas and the injury of a young girl, is deeply troubling," Ms. Katebe said. She said the Zambia Police Service must prioritise the safety of citizens, particularly women and children, during operations. "Zambia Police must prioritise the safety and protection of ...

Government, ZACCI and SADC push for stronger business capacity to unlock Africa’s single market opportunities By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 (July 21, 2026) — Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been placed at the centre of Zambia’s strategy to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with government, the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat calling for increased private sector capacity building. The stakeholders say empowering businesses with knowledge on trade agreements, export requirements and market access procedures will enable Zambian companies to compete effectively in regional and continental markets. Officially opening an AfCFTA capacity-building workshop in Lusaka, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Lilian Bwalya said Zambia remains committed to preparing businesses to take advantage of opportunities created under the continental trade...

TOFAZA says Kalonga Gawa Undi’s decision to stop Virginia tobacco cultivation will protect forests, promote public health and support sustainable livelihoods for farmers By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  21, July 21 — The Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA) has welcomed Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi’s decision to stop Virginia tobacco cultivation in the Chewa chiefdoms, describing the move as a significant step towards environmental protection and sustainable development. TOFAZA Executive Director Brenda Chitindi said the decision by the Chewa traditional leadership demonstrates bold action at a time when communities are facing increasing challenges from climate change, land degradation and environmental pressure. Ms. Chitindi said the move will help protect forests, public health and natural resources, while showing the important role traditional leaders can play in promoting sustainable practices within communities. She said the decision provides an example...

MINISTRY DISTANCES ITSELF FROM ARRESTED ZNBC JOURNALIST, SAYING PROFESSIONAL STATUS DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION WHEN LAWS ARE BROKEN By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (21-07-2026) --- The Ministry of Information and Media (MIM) has distanced itself from the arrest of a Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) journalist over alleged cyber-related offences, stating that journalists are not immune from prosecution when they break the law. Ministry Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said the government respects the role of the media but emphasised that members of the profession must be held accountable for their actions like any other citizen. Speaking during a media briefing, Mr. Kawana said the journalist involved in the matter would face the legal process and defend themselves before the courts. “We want to make it very clear that there is no journalist who is above the law. Once you break the law, do not hide behind the jacket of your profession,” Mr. Kawa...

Civil society forum demands police accountability over Lusaka shooting and urges political leaders to protect peace ahead of polls By Francis Maingaila The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) has condemned acts of political violence in Lusaka that allegedly left a nine-year-old girl injured during an opposition political roadshow, warning that violence threatens the country’s democratic process ahead of the August 13 General Elections. CSEIFZ Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of HANZ, Ms. Nakiwe Simpungwe, told Zambia24 that the reported shooting of nine-year-old Mercy Kunda was deeply concerning and showed the urgent need to protect innocent citizens during the election period. Ms. Simpungwe said children and other members of the public should never be caught up in political confrontations, adding that elections should be a period where citizens freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. She called on the Zambia Police to pro...