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CSPR Demands Fair Fuel Policy

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Mukelabai urges the government to disclose fiscal impact of fuel measures and warns policy ignores needs of low-income families By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (02-04-2026) --- The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) is demanding a fair fuel policy, urging the Government to ensure its response to the current fuel crisis protects low-income households, remains transparent, and safeguards the country’s fiscal stability. CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai says the decision to zero-rate Value Added Tax and suspend Excise Duty on petrol and diesel, while necessary, ignores the needs of the poor by excluding kerosene, a key source of energy for many rural and low-income families. She noted that the measures were introduced after a special Cabinet meeting chaired by to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices linked to the . CSPR said the policy disproportionately benefits urban consumers, while the rural poor face sharp increases in kerosene pric...
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Malaria Threatens Health and Economy

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Half a million Zambians affected; EMC seeks K10 million for prevention programs By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia – (02-02-2026) - Malaria continues to pose a severe threat to both the health of Zambians and the national economy, the End Malaria Council (EMC) has warned, calling on government, private sector, and development partners to intensify efforts to eliminate the disease. Speaking at the EMC 2nd Quarter Board Meeting, Malcolm Chabala, Advocacy and Communication Chairperson , highlighted the devastating impact of malaria. “In 2025 alone, 1,219 people died from malaria. Every day, we record an average of 25,532 cases, with three to four deaths daily . Everyone is at risk from a single mosquito bite,” Chabala said. He emphasized that the disease affects more than just health. “Each malaria episode results in an estimated two and a half days of absenteeism , reducing national productivity and weakening the economy,” he said. Chabala reported that the EMC achieved all plann...
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New Push Against Malaria

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World Vision, End Malaria Council Join Forces to Eliminate Malaria in Zambia By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – 2 April 2026 – Zambia is intensifying its push against malaria as World Vision Zambia and the End Malaria Council formalise a partnership to strengthen malaria prevention, treatment, and community awareness, particularly in rural areas where the disease continues to claim lives daily. The partnership was cemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a high-level engagement attended by government officials, private sector leaders, and international partners from across Africa. Marc Nosbach, National Director for World Vision Zambia, highlighted the organisation’s strong presence in over 64 districts across all provinces. Through its programmes and VisionFund, its microfinance arm, World Vision currently reaches more than 2.1 million people under its strategic plan. “This collaboration is exciting because it allows us to deepen engagement in commun...
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Paint Safety Law Coming Soon

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ZCSA steps up enforcement, finalises mandatory requirements as public health protection takes centre stage By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia – (April 2, 2026 ) --- The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) says a paint safety law is coming soon as it steps up enforcement efforts and finalises mandatory requirements aimed at protecting children from lead poisoning and safeguarding public health. According to dtatement issued by Onishias Maamba, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said the agency is at an advanced stage of introducing a compulsory standard that will limit lead content in paint to 90 parts per million (PPM), in line with Zambian Standard ZS 1185. Mr. Chizinga said the move is intended to reduce the availability of toxic paints on the market, prevent lead exposure and create a level playing field for manufacturers. “Activities on declaring ZS 1185 as a compulsory standard have reached an advanced stage. We therefore appeal to all stakeholders to support ...
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Lusaka–Manzini Route Begins

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Direct Flight Cuts Travel Time and Expected to Connect Passengers, Offering Faster, More Convenient Travel and Increasing Visitor Numbers By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (01-04-2026) -- A direct flight from Lusaka to Eswatini’s capital, Manzini, has officially been commissioned, cutting travel time and expected to connect passengers through faster, more convenient travel while increasing visitor numbers between the two countries and across the region. The launch, described by officials as a historic milestone, comes after years of planning and high-level discussions that began in June 2022 during a state visit by Zambian leaders to Eswatini. The new route is expected to significantly reduce travel time, eliminate the need for long layovers in third countries, and provide a seamless travel experience for businesspeople, tourists, and students. Hon. Sikumba Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, emphasized that the initiative is anchored on opening up the skies an...
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ECL ally Joins UPND

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As Party Sets 80% Target Ahead of August Polls By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka,.Zambia24   -- (01-04-2026) - The United Party for National Development (UPND) has welcomed Clement Tembo a former associate of late president and Sixth president Edgar Chagwa Lungu into its ranks, with party official Collins Maoma describing the move as a boost to the ruling party’s growing support base. Speaking during a formal reception, Maoma said Tembo’s decision to join the UPND reflects increasing public confidence in the party’s governance agenda and national development policies.  He noted that Tembo’s entry comes at a time when the party is consolidating its position and expanding its appeal across different sectors of society. Maoma said Tembo brings valuable experience and perspective, which he said would contribute to the party’s ongoing efforts to deliver on its promises to the Zambian people.  He emphasized the importance of unity within the party, urging members to embrace new entrants as par...
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Zambia Eyes Digital Glory

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Government and young innovators push to create homegrown tech solutions ahead of the Digital World Cup. Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (March 31, 2026 ) — Zambia is positioning itself to achieve digital glory on the global stage as the government urges citizens to move from being consumers of technology to creators of solutions that address local challenges ahead of the in Geneva. Minister of Technology and Science said at the E-Mark AI and Robotics Challenge National Finale that strong partnerships between government, the private sector, and civil society are essential for driving progress in digital infrastructure and connectivity. He commended the innovators at the event, noting that the ultimate goal is for Zambians to develop solutions capable of driving meaningful change, citing achievements such as Cobot as examples of local innovation. “We must not be a country that consumes technology. We must be a country that creates solutions to the challenges we face,” Mutati said, adding that...
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