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Regional Diaspora Strategy

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COMESA and IOM push to channel remittances into investment, jobs, and trade corridor development across Eastern and Southern Africa By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — (22 June 2026 ) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), has intensified efforts to mobilise diaspora investment as a driver of economic growth, industrialisation, and regional trade integration. The initiative was advanced during a three-day Diaspora Investment Workshop under the theme “Unlocking Corridor Investment Opportunities,” which brought together diaspora investors, government officials, financial institutions, development partners, and regional organisations. Discussions focused on practical ways to channel diaspora remittances into productive investments, strengthen investment facilitation frameworks, and improve financial inclusion across COMESA Member States. Participants noted that while remittances re...
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UPND Gets Mixed Review

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Five-year AIPAC assessment praises reforms but flags governance, accountability and inclusion gaps By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (June 29, 2026 ) — The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) says the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration has made notable progress in key reforms over five years but continues to face governance and accountability challenges. In a statement signed by AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma and Board Chairperson Likando Kalaluka SC, the think tank observed that Zambia had recorded significant gains in social protection, education, health, debt restructuring and economic stability. Ngoma and Kalaluka said the Social Cash Transfer programme had expanded from about 880,000 households in 2021 to over 1.5 million households, now reaching approximately 7.4 million people. This expansion, according to the statement, has helped reduce poverty and support vulnerable families across the country. The increased Constit...
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Economic Stability at Risk Over Foreign Reserves Use

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Hikaumba warns that drawing down reserves could weaken the kwacha, raise inflation, and undermine Zambia’s long-term economic resilience By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (29-06-2026) — Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Vice President Leonard Hikaumba has cautioned that proposals to use Zambia’s international foreign exchange reserves to ease the cost of living could put the country’s economic stability at risk. Hikaumba was responding to recent remarks attributed to presidential candidate BrianMundubile, who has suggested that government consider utilising foreign reserves as a short-term response to rising living costs. Hikaumba said foreign reserves are a critical safeguard for the economy, supporting the importation of essential goods such as fuel, medicines, fertilizer, and industrial inputs. He warned that drawing down the reserves could weaken the kwacha, triggering currency depreciation and increasing the cost of imported goods, which could worsen inflationary p...
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"We Are Not Done Yet"

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Hichilema says Zambia’s recovery is underway as he seeks renewed mandate to complete economic transformation, while UPND Alliance leaders rally behind his re-election bid ahead of August 13 polls By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (28-06-2026) -- President Hakainde Hichilema has appealed to Zambians to grant his administration another five-year mandate, saying his government has rebuilt the country’s economic foundations after inheriting high debt levels, weakened public services and declining investor confidence.  He argued that a second term would allow his administration to consolidate ongoing reforms and fully deliver their benefits to citizens rather than reversing course to what he described as past governance failures. Officially launching the UPND Alliance campaign for the August 13 general election, President Hakainde Hichilema said the first five years of his administration were focused on stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence and strengthening key ...
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SNOSSA 2027 Set for Zambia

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Country wins hosting rights for continental medical conference expected to boost business tourism and scientific collaboration. Lusaka, Zambia24 --(June 28, 2026 ) — Zambia has won the bid to host the Society for Neuro-Oncology Sub-Saharan Africa (SNOSSA) Conference in 2027 after beating Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a competitive selection process. According to a statement issued by Hildah Mwape, Manager Communications and Corporate Affairs, the hosting rights were awarded during the SNOSSA Conference held in Ghana, where Zambia was officially confirmed as the host for the 2027 edition. The event is expected to attract more than 500 delegates from across Africa and beyond, including neurosurgeons, oncologists, neurologists, researchers and other healthcare professionals. Speaking during the ceremonial handover of the hosting rights in Lusaka, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga said the successful bid marks a major milestone for Zambia...
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CCMG Warns on Children in Campaigns

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Warns practice may contravene Children’s Code Act as group urges political parties to keep minors away from rallies By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (June 26, 2026) — The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has warned against parading children at political campaign events, saying the practice may contravene Zambia’s Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, which prohibits exposing children to situations that risk their safety, dignity and welfare. CCMG Programme Manager Peter Mwanangombe told Zambia24 that involving children in political campaigns is not advisable because such environments are often emotionally charged and can expose minors to intimidation, manipulation and potential harm, undermining their protection and wellbeing. Mwanangombe said the increasing presence of children at rallies and campaign events, including appearances on stage with political leaders, raises serious child protection concerns. Mwanangombe stressed that any involvement of children in...
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New PSP Law introduced

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Reforms to modernise benefits, expand coverage and improve portability By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia 24 -- (24-06-2026) — The Government has introduced a new pension law aimed at improving retirement benefits and strengthening the management of pensions for public service workers. Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) Director General Francis Pindani Nyirenda announced the development in Lusaka on Thursday during a media briefing on the Public Service Pensions Act No. 73 of 2026. Nyirenda said the new law, signed by President Hakainde Hichilema on June 4, replaces the 1996 legislation and introduces a modern framework designed to improve governance, fairness and the long-term sustainability of pensions. He said the reforms are also intended to extend coverage to workers who were excluded from the pension system after 2000 and to ensure equal treatment across the public service. Under the Act, PSPF will now manage two schemes — the existing Public Service Pensions Scheme ...
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