Posts

Threats Over Petition

Image
Mwanza faces backlash after High Court challenge to 101 independent candidates By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (29-050-2026) --- Governance activist is facing threats Isaac Mwanza following his decision to petition the High Court seeking to disqualify 101 parliamentary candidates who filed nominations as independents for the August 13, 2026 general elections, a move he says is grounded in constitutionalism and good governance. Mr. Mwanza has confirmed that individuals in various WhatsApp groups have not only criticised his legal action but have also issued threats against his life. He says the messages and calls intensified after he and a consortium of civil society organisations initiated court proceedings challenging the eligibility of the affected candidates. He has since condemned the threats, describing them as inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law. He argues that good governance requires that electoral disputes be handled through lawful ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kaumbwe Gets Solar Power

Image
Chinese donation powers schools and health centres as Zambia advances rural electrification drive By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (29-05-2026) -- Kaumbwe Constituency has received a major solar power boost following the donation of solar mini-grid systems from Chinese company Simba New Materials Technology Company Limited, with the Government of Zambia officially receiving the equipment for installation at selected schools and rural health facilities as part of efforts to expand clean and reliable electricity access in underserved areas. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Professor Ephraim Mushifwa said the project marks a significant step in government’s drive to increase access to sustainable energy, particularly in rural communities such as Kaumbwe. He said the first phase of the project will see the installation of solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage units at nine public schools and five rural health centres....
Post a Comment
Read more

Menstrual Health a Public Responsibility

Image
NGO WASH Forum, Ministry of Education, calls for stronger policies and collective action to keep girls in school By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 28-05-2026 -- Menstrual health is a serious public development issue, not a private or taboo matter, requiring urgent collective action, with stakeholders emphasizing that it is a public responsibility whose neglect affects education, equality, and national development. Bubala Muyovwe, the Zambia NGO WASH Forum National Coordinator, said during the commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day that the Forum is calling for stronger policies, increased funding, and better integration of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) into national Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes to address persistent challenges affecting women and girls. She said menstrual health remains under-prioritised despite its direct impact on education, dignity, and gender equality. Muyovwe said many girls continue to miss school due to lack of sanitary product...
Post a Comment
Read more

Strong Harvest, Weak Systems

Image
Zambia records 4.9 million tonnes maize output, but CSPR warns of climate, storage, and market risks The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) says Zambia’s projected maize harvest of about 4.9 million metric tonnes for the 2025/2026 farming season reflects a strong recovery in the agriculture sector, but warns that structural weaknesses could undermine the gains. Isabel Mukelabeli, Executive Director of CSPR, said the estimate from the shows an improvement from last season’s 3.6 million metric tonnes, driven by better production following recent climate shocks. Mukelabeli said the harvest is above Government’s 2026 target of 4.5 million metric tonnes and supports progress toward the 10 million metric tonnes goal by 2030, but stressed that the gains remain fragile. She said Zambia’s continued reliance on rain-fed agriculture leaves production highly exposed to droughts and climate variability, calling for increased investment in irrigation and water harvesting systems. Muke...
Post a Comment
Read more

Economic Gains Must Be Protected

Image
Hikaumba urged the Zambian electorate to re-elect HH, saying Zambia must safeguard economic recoveries, jobs and development progress made under the UPND administration By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (26-05-2026) — The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has urged Zambians to support President in the August 13 general elections, saying the country’s economic recovery and development progress must be protected through continuity in leadership. MDC vice president told journalists in an interview that President Hichilema deserves another term, saying his administration has delivered economic stabilisation, debt restructuring, job creation and improved public service delivery. Hikaumba said citizens are already beginning to feel the impact of ongoing reforms, reflected in improved access to education, employment opportunities and development projects across the country. He said Zambia previously faced high debt, rising living costs and limited government capacity to deli...
Post a Comment
Read more

Katuta Promises Teaching Hospitals Nationwide

Image
Independent presidential candidate says provincial health infrastructure expansion will improve healthcare access and medical training Iusaka, Zambia24-- (26-05-2026) - Independent presidential candidate has pledged to establish teaching hospitals in all provincial headquarters across Zambia if elected in the August 2026 general elections. Speaking on the Power FM Breakfast Show on Wednesday morning, Ms. Katuta said the proposed hospitals would help improve access to quality healthcare services while strengthening medical training institutions across the country. She said her administration would prioritise investment in the health sector to ensure citizens in all provinces have access to specialised treatment and better-equipped medical facilities. Ms. Katuta also urged Zambians to support independent candidates seeking various leadership positions, including Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and Councillors, arguing that independent leaders are more accountabl...
Post a Comment
Read more

Relief Still Limited

Image
CSPR says policy rate cut may not translate into cheaper credit or meaningful household relief without structural reforms in banking and fiscal policy By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (26-05-2026) --- The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has welcomed the Bank of Zambia’s decision to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 25 basis points to 13.25 percent but says the expected relief for households and businesses remains uncertain. Isabel Mukelabeli told Zambia24 that the rate cut reflects improving economic conditions, including lower inflation and more stable external finances following the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held on 11–12 May and announced by Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya. Mukelabeli said the decision follows a long tightening cycle that began in 2022, when the policy rate stood at 9.25 percent and later rose to 14.5 percent in January 2025 to contain inflationary pressures. Mukelabeli said inflation has now declined from 11.9 ...
Post a Comment
Read more