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ZCID Hails Fair Delimitation

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Kabwe says 70 new constituencies reflect fairness and boost representation ahead of 2026 polls and urges political players to accept outcome and engage constructively By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24. (16th April 2026 ) — The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has hailed the delimitation of 70 new constituencies by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as fair and reflective of improved representation, while urging political players to accept the outcome and engage constructively ahead of the 2026 General Elections. Doreen Njovu-Kabwe, ZCID Executive Director, told Zambia24 that the newly created constituencies demonstrate a balanced approach to population distribution and will significantly enhance representation across the country. She said the delimitation process reflects fairness and inclusivity, which are essential in strengthening public trust in Zambia’s electoral system and ensuring credible electoral outcomes. Njovu-Kabwe further called on political stak...

Mulungushi Reborn After 20 Years

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A $140 million Zambia–China partnership revives textile giant, and investment bringing jobs and industrial momentum signals renewed confidence in Zambia’s industry Kabwe, Zambia24 (April 16 — 2026) — Mulungushi Textiles has been reborn after 20 years of closure, with President Hakainde Hichilema officially reopening the plant under a US$140 million Zambia–China joint venture that is expected to create jobs, drive industrial momentum, and signal renewed investor confidence in Zambia’s manufacturing sector. Speaking at the ceremony, President Hichilema said the reopening transforms a long-idle national asset into a productive enterprise. “This facility must now work for the people,” he said, describing the project as a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to development through investment and strategic partnerships. He said the plant will support local industries and provide a reliable market for cotton farmers, while contributing to economic growth. The President urged...

Investment Must Deliver Jobs, Not Just Growth

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Government, Labour, Employers and SMEs Push Competing Views on Inclusive Industrialisation By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24, (April 15 , 2026) — The Zambia–Africa Investment and Industrialisation Summit 2026 has opened in Lusaka with calls for investment that creates jobs, protects workers and drives inclusive growth, as government, labour, employers and development actors outlined priorities for Africa’s industrial transformation. Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda M. Tambatamba said when she offocated at the Zambia–Africa Investment and Industrialisation Summit 2026 that investment must be measured not only by capital inflows but by its ability to generate employment and improve livelihoods. She said economic growth without jobs is not inclusive, while development that excludes people is not sustainable. “Growth without employment is not inclusive; development without people is not sustainable,” she said, adding that investment must deliver “more jobs, better...

Compliance Levels Improve

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NCC records strong growth in contractor compliance in Q1 2026 as registrations rise under tighter oversight, but disparity persists despite strong local participation By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka,.Zambia24  -- (15-4-2026)   Compliance levels in Zambia’s construction sector improved in the first quarter of 2026, with contractor registrations rising by 23 percent under heightened regulatory oversight, the National Council for Construction (NCC) has announced. NCC Executive Director Professor Paul Makasa said the council issued 10,107 contractor registration certificates between January and March 2026, up from 8,239 during the same period in 2025 , signalling increased formalisation and adherence to industry regulations. “The increase reflects a growing level of compliance within the sector as more contractors are entering the regulatory framework,” Makasa said. He, however, cautioned that registration alone does not guarantee compliance, stressing the need for sustained inspecti...

No Bail for Sexual Offences

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NGOCC rejoyces saying the new law will strengthen GBV response and protect victims By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (14-4-2026) -- The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) says the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2026, which makes sexual offences non-bailable, marks a major step in strengthening the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Anne Mbewe-Anamela, Executive Director of Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council, told Zambia24 that removing bail reduces the risk of suspects interfering with investigations, tampering with evidence, or intimidating witnesses Mbewe-Anamela said the law sends a clear message that sexual offences are serious crimes that require firm action. She said it will help improve prosecutions and restore public confidence in the justice system. She said the reform follows sustained advocacy by civil society, including NGOCC, which had pushed for sexual of...

CSOs Unveil Constituency Model

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Weighted system used to guide fair representation across provinces and districts By Francis Maingaila ♥️ A consortium of civil society organizations has unveiled a constituency allocation model proposing a technical framework for the distribution of 70 newly created constituencies, amid growing public debate on electoral boundaries and representation. Solomon Ngoma, Consortium Vice Chairperson, told journalists at Mika Hotel in Kabulonga that the briefing was called to present the group’s independent analysis on how the new constituencies could be fairly allocated using a structured model. He said the consortium also sought to clarify its role in promoting transparency in electoral processes, including internal party elections. Ngoma, speaking on behalf of the consortium, said the constituency model is based on a scientific and constitutional approach to delimitation. He said it is intended to guide public understanding of the process, not replace the mandate of the Electoral Commi...

US$1.52bn Power Plan Unveiled

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Zambia targets universal electricity access by 2030 under new Rural Electrification Master Plan By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (13-4-2026) -- Zambia has unveiled a US$1.52 billion power plan aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2030, with a strong focus on expanding supply to rural communities under the updated Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP) 2025–2030. Minister of Energy Hon. Makozo Chikote said the launch of the revised REMP marks a strategic shift from gradual electrification to a more deliberate and accelerated approach to ensuring that all citizens have access to affordable and reliable electricity. Speaking at the launch at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Tuesday, Chikote said the updated plan aligns with Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 7, which prioritise universal access to modern energy. He said electricity remains central to economic growth and national development. The minister noted that the n...