"The GOAT Media Centre"

ZMAI Social Care Foundation and SAWOV urge Zambians to look out for one another through early support, compassion and meaningful conversations By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (14-06-2026) -- Mental health advocates have urged Zambians to make checking on family members, friends, and neighbours a routine practice as part of efforts to address depression, reduce stigma, and provide early support to people experiencing emotional challenges. The call was made during the launch of the “Check Your Neighbor” Campaign , a national mental health awareness initiative by ZMAI Social Care Foundation in partnership with Support A Woman of Valor (SAWOV) . The campaign seeks to encourage open conversations about mental health and promote a culture where individuals feel supported through simple acts of care, including making phone calls, offering encouragement, and showing concern for others. SAWOV president Mirriam Mumba, popularly known as Suwilanji , said the initiative comes at a...

NACOSU defend Hichilema’s record, citing free education, CDF bursaries, restored meal allowances and social protection programmes as evidence of improved opportunities for young people. Student leaders have rallied behind President Hakainde Hichilema's re-election bid, crediting the UPND government's free education policy, Constituency Development Fund (CDF) bursaries, restored meal allowances and expanded social protection programmes with transforming the lives of thousands of young Zambians and opening opportunities that were previously beyond their reach. The National Council of Students Union (NACOSU) has urged students across the country to vote for President Hichilema in the August 13 general election, saying the ruling UPND administration has delivered tangible development and created a better environment for young people. The endorsement comes as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of Zambia's general election, with youth and student constituencies emerg...

K4.3 billion Presidential Energy Initiative to deliver 312MW of clean power, boost irrigation and create new revenue streams for councils Lusaka , Zambia24 – (14-07-2026) --  Zambia’s energy landscape is set for a major transformation after Government signed Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts for the implementation of a 312-megawatt (MW) solar power project covering all 156 constituencies in the country. The project, being implemented under the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative (PCEI) , will see each constituency allocated a 2MW solar photovoltaic power plant as part of Government’s efforts to address the country’s electricity deficit and increase investment in renewable energy. The initiative, estimated to cost approximately K4.3 billion , is expected to commence immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony, with completion targeted within 12 months from the date of site mobilisation . Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, Ministry of...

As Government Drives Responsible AI Adoption and Inclusive Digital Transformation and  stronger policies, regional cooperation as COMESA develops AI and digital inclusion frameworks under IDEA programme By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka. Zambia24 – (13-7-2026) --  Zambia has called for stronger regional cooperation, responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and inclusive access to digital technologies as COMESA member states begin consultations aimed at developing regional frameworks for artificial intelligence and digital inclusion. Speaking at the opening of the consultative engagement and awareness training on AI, emerging technologies and digital inclusion, Ministry of Science and Technology Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habeenzu said Zambia was committed to ensuring that digital transformation delivered meaningful benefits to citizens while promoting innovation and responsible governance. Habeenzu said artificial intelligence presented significant opportunities for econom...

Choomba Kaoma and Edgar Silwimba cite economic reforms, debt restructuring, free education and youth empowerment as reasons voters should consider another Hichilema term By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (12-07-2026) -- Youth activist Choomba Kaoma and Lusaka businessman and politician Edgar Silwimba have credited the United Party for National Development (UPND) government with stabilising Zambia’s economy, expanding education opportunities and creating empowerment programmes for young people, arguing that President Hakainde Hichilema’s record since taking office in 2021 deserves consideration ahead of the August 13 general elections. The two supporters said voters should judge the administration based on its achievements, including economic reforms, debt restructuring, the Free Education Policy, youth empowerment initiatives and efforts to improve governance. Silwimba said the change of government in 2021 marked a turning point after years of economic difficulties, risi...

He Urges Voters to Judge Government Performance Since 2021 and reject violence ahead of the August 13 elections By Francis Maingaila Chilanga, Zambia24  - 12-07-2026  - President Hakainde Hichilema has defended his administration’s performance, saying the progress recorded under the United Party for National Development (UPND) government in education, infrastructure and national development should guide voters’ decisions in the August 13 General Election. Speaking at a public rally in Chilanga District, President Hichilema urged Zambians to reject political violence and support a peaceful electoral process, saying the country’s democratic gains must be protected. The President said voters should assess the performance of his administration since it came into power in 2021 by comparing the conditions that existed before the UPND formed government with the situation prevailing today. He said his government had implemented programmes aimed at improving the lives of citizens, includ...