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United for Peaceful Elections

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Interfaith consortium launches nationwide peace, voter education and election monitoring initiative as religious and civic leaders urge Zambians to reject violence and safeguard democracy ahead of the August 13 polls. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 24-07-2026 — An interfaith consortium has launched a nationwide peace initiative aimed at promoting responsible participation, voter education and credible elections ahead of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 general elections. The Consortium for Peaceful Elections 2026 , comprising the Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Zambia, Zambia National Muslim Community Association (ZANAMACA), Zambia Reconstruction Organisation, Zambia Monitoring and Reporting Agency (ZAMRA) and other interfaith partners, said the initiative would focus on preventing electoral violence and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process. Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Grand Mufti Assadullah , representi...
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Dangerous Election Promises

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Hikaumba says unfunded campaign pledges risk Zambia's economic stability, urges voters to scrutinise promises ahead of the August 13 polls. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka , Zambia24 – 25-07-2026 -- Former Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Vice President Leonard Hikaumba has criticised presidential candidate Brian Mundubile's campaign promises, describing them as unrealistic and economically unsustainable. Hikaumba who questioned how Mundubile would finance pledges to provide excavators to marketeers, 10 bags of fertiliser to every farmer, free books for all pupils and make youths millionaires said while the promises may appeal to voters, they lacked clear funding mechanisms. "You cannot run a household, let alone a nation, on empty rhetoric," Hikaumba said. He argued that leaders should explain how they intend to finance their commitments before making promises to the public. Hikaumba accused Mundubile of ...
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ZAFOD Welcomes Hybrid System but Warns ECZ on Accessibility Gaps

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Federation applauds shift to physical applications but raises concerns over late changes, limited timeframe and barriers facing disabled election observers By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (24-07-2026) -- The Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) has welcomed the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) decision to introduce a hybrid accreditation system for election observers ahead of the 13 August general elections, but has warned that the late announcement and inadequate stakeholder engagement could undermine efforts to ensure an inclusive electoral process. In a statement issued Thursday, ZAFOD Federal Director Justine Bbakali said the federation appreciated the ECZ’s response to concerns raised in May over the initial decision to introduce an online-only accreditation system, which ZAFOD argued would have disadvantaged many persons with disabilities and their organisations seeking to participate as election observers. The revised hybrid system, which ...
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Protecting Dignity Online

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NGOCC condemns alleged obscene social media content, calls for police action and stronger parental guidance By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24, July 23, 2026 — The Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has condemned the alleged production and circulation of obscene material involving a female social media personality, saying such content violates the law and undermines the dignity of women. NGOCC Executive Director Anne Mbewe-Anamela said the organisation was concerned by the ease with which obscene content is produced and shared on social media, warning that it can have lasting consequences, particularly for young people. "As an organisation that champions the dignity, rights and wellbeing of women and girls, NGOCC is deeply troubled by the ease with which obscene content can be produced and spread across social media platforms," Ms Mbewe-Anamela said. She urged parents and guardians to take a more active role in guiding children and ...
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Trade and Opportunity

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Seychelles, COMESA strengthen regional ties with entrepreneurship and digital trade initiatives By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — 23-07-2026 -- Seychelles and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have strengthened their partnership on trade and opportunity with the launch of a new regional entrepreneurship programme for women and youth, alongside renewed efforts to advance digital trade and regional integration. The announcements were made during COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe's official visit to Seychelles, where she held talks with President Dr Patrick Herminie at State House. The meeting focused on expanding economic opportunities through entrepreneurship, digital innovation and closer regional cooperation. President Herminie confirmed that Seychelles will host a new COMESA-backed regional training initiative for women and youth entrepreneurs. The programme, delivered through the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (CO...
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Fuel Game Changer

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New Lusaka depot expands reserves as Government cuts petroleum debt burden By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24, -- July 23, 2026 — Zambia has completed construction of its largest-ever fuel storage facility, a 102,000-cubic-metre depot in Lusaka, in a major step aimed at strengthening national energy security and protecting the country from global petroleum supply disruptions. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Prof. Ephraim Munshifwa announced the development during a guided media tour of the newly constructed facility, describing it as one of Government’s flagship investments in petroleum infrastructure. The depot, which represents a major expansion of Zambia’s strategic fuel reserves, has the capacity to store 60,000 cubic metres of diesel, 40,000 cubic metres of petrol and 2,000 cubic metres of kerosene. Prof. Munshifwa said the facility would provide Zambia with a stronger buffer against international fuel supply shocks while supporting the country’s growing...
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ERB, ZMA ACT

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Regulators move to enforce fuel measurement rules as petroleum companies face sanctions for non-compliance By Francis Maingaila ❤️ Lusaka, Zambia24, July 23, 2026 — The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and the Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) have warned petroleum industry players that they risk administrative, regulatory and legal sanctions for failing to comply with guidelines governing fuel measurement and the management of storage and in-transit losses. According to a joint press statement issued by ERB Manager for Public Relations Namukolo Kasumpa and ZMA Senior Public Relations Officer Sandra Mwila, the two regulators have moved to strengthen enforcement of the guidelines following reports of operational challenges affecting compliance within the petroleum supply chain. The guidelines, which were developed in consultation with petroleum industry stakeholders, are aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and consistency in the measurement and reconciliation of petroleum pro...
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