Posts

KBF Claims Dismissed

Image
Katuta camp says remarks on independent candidates misinterpret Constitution By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (5-May, 2026 ) — The camp of independent presidential candidate Dr. Given Katuta has dismissed assertions by Kelvin Bwalya Fube on the viability and accountability of independent candidates, describing the claims as misleading and legally flawed. Richard Bravo Mulenga, presidential spokesperson, told Zambia24 that the arguments advanced by the Zambia Must Prosper leader misinterpret Zambia’s constitutional framework, which permits both party-sponsored and independent candidates to contest the presidency.. Mulenga said the Constitution of Zambia does not restrict presidential eligibility to political party members, citing Article 100 of the Constitution of Zambia, which does not require party affiliation. On accountability, he said a president answers to the electorate, not a political party, questioning suggestions that Hakainde Hichilema is accountable to t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Safety Fears Over Fuel Sites

Image
Cliffe Warns of Disaster Risk as ERB Tightens Crackdown on Unlicensed Fuel Sites Lusaka, Zambia24 – (April 5, 2026) -- Safety concerns over Zambia’s rapidly expanding fuel and energy infrastructure have intensified following renewed warnings about unlicensed developments, with an oil and gas expert cautioning that weak oversight could trigger catastrophic incidents if enforcement is not strengthened. Jamie Cliffe, Chairman of SMTS Group, has backed calls for stricter regulation by the (ERB), warning that the proliferation of fuel stations, depots, and transport hubs across the country is outpacing safety controls and increasing the risk of large-scale disasters. Speaking to Zambia24, Cliffe said the sector’s rapid growth demands tighter supervision to ensure all facilities comply with safety and environmental standards before they begin operations. His remarks follow an ERB directive issued on April 4 requiring that all energy-related facilities—including petrol stations, fuel depo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Act Now to Save Lives

Image
Zambia urged to intensify hypertension prevention and curb tobacco harm through urgent Tobacco Control Bill action By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (5-5-2026) -- Zambia must take hypertension seriously, reduce tobacco harm, and act now—starting with signing the Tobacco Control Bill into law—while citizens also take responsibility for knowing and managing their blood pressure. Brenda Chitindi, a member of the Zambia Heart and Stroke Foundation, has called for urgent national action to address the growing burden of high blood pressure. She warned that the condition remains a “silent killer” affecting thousands of people across the country. “High blood pressure is a silent killer. It has no symptoms, yet it is one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure in Zambia,” Chitindi said. She made the remarks in Lusaka during May Measurement Month 2026, a global campaign led by the International Society of Hypertension, which promotes widespread blood ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Fuel Tax Risks Fiscal Gains

Image
ZICA raised concern over emerging fiscal risks despite encouraging macroeconomic improvements recorded in early 2026. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (5-5-2026) - The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) has cautioned that the government’s decision to suspend fuel import taxes may undermine recent fiscal gains, as Zambia continues to navigate external shocks linked to global oil price volatility arising from the US–Iran conflict. Speaking at a quarterly economic briefing, ZICA President Yande Siame Mwenye said Cabinet’s 31st March 2026 decision to zero-rate VAT and suspend excise duty on fuel imports, though intended to stabilise prices, has effectively reintroduced subsidy-like pressures on the national budget. “The distinction between a tax suspension and a subsidy is minimal,” Mwenye said. “Both effectively redirect government revenue towards stabilising fuel prices.” She warned that the resulting fiscal gap could threaten key budgetary allocations, inc...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shock Cancellation of RightsCon 2026

Image
Zambia’s last-minute withdrawal from hosting global digital rights forum raises concern over democratic openness and international credibility By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (5-5-2026) -- The shock cancellation of RightsCon 2026 —an event widely expected to position Zambia prominently on the global stage as a champion of digital rights, civic engagement, and democratic openness—has triggered concern among civil society actors and international stakeholders. George Shonga, Executive Director of the Measures of Justice and Democracy Foundation, described the decision by the Government of the Republic of Zambia to call off the conference just days before its scheduled commencement in Lusaka as “both regrettable and deeply concerning.” He noted that the sudden cancellation represents more than a logistical setback. According to him, it is a missed historic opportunity for Zambia and the Southern African region to host one of the world’s most influential platforms on huma...
Post a Comment
Read more

DIGITAL MATERNAL HEALTH

Image
Zambia to advances digital systems, AI strategy, and ethical data use to improve women’s health outcomes By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24. --- (4 May 2026) -- Zambia is accelerating its shift toward digital maternal healthcare systems, as government officials, UN agencies, and development partners warn that technological innovation must be matched with stronger safeguards for data protection, equity, and trust to improve outcomes for women and girls. The discussions, held under the theme “Data, Dignity and Delivering Impact: Scaling Women’s Health Innovation through Equitable and Ethical Technology in Zambia”, focused on how digital transformation can strengthen maternal health services, reduce preventable deaths, and improve health system efficiency without compromising patient rights. UNFPA Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Ms. Lydia Zigomo, said digital technology must be treated as a human rights enabler, warning that unequal access and weak governance ris...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ethical Media Reporting on Women

Image
NGOCC Calls for Responsible Journalism and Positive Portrayal of Women and Girls Ahead of the August General Elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --  (3rd May 2026 ) -'The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called on the media in Zambia to strengthen positive and inclusive reporting on women and girls, warning against the continued use of harmful stereotypes and gender-based attacks, particularly as the country heads towards the August general elections. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe told Zambia24 that the media must play a responsible role in promoting gender equality and protecting women from harmful portrayals. She said NGOCC joins the global community in commemorating World Press Freedom Day under the theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.” She also praised the media for its role in promoting democracy, accountability, and gender equality. Katebe sai...
Post a Comment
Read more