"The GOAT Media Centre"

Lusaka. Zambia24 ,(15-05-2024) - Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) convened with the Minister of Energy and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).  The ERB, tasked with determining, regulating, and reviewing energy sector tariffs and charges, conducts monthly reviews of petroleum product prices to ensure supply security.  The purpose of the meeting was to address reported petroleum supply challenges in Zambia during May 2024 and seek lasting solutions.  Attended by the Honourable Minister of Energy, Ministry officials, ERB Board members and staff, as well as representatives from various OMCs responsible for petroleum importation, distribution, and retail, the gathering aimed to discuss these challenges comprehensively.  During the meeting, OMCs received assurance from the government and regulatory bodies that concerted efforts were underway to resolve their challenges.  Potential solutions discussed included issuing tenders for the Open Access use of the TAZAMA pipeline to facilitate product ...

...Zambian CSOs says the proposed law, which is designed to curtail farmers' rights to recycle seeds, will have devastating consequences for food security and sovereignty By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (09-05-2024) - The Civil Society Organisations have cautioned the Zambian government against adopting the recommendations of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), citing concerns that it will undermine the rights of farmers to own, share, and trade their seeds. Charles Nkoma, Director at Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT), told Zambia24 in an exclusive interview told Zambia24 on the sidelines of the one-day sensitization workshop at Radisson Blu that the proposed law, which is designed to curtail farmers' rights to recycle seeds, will have devastating consequences for food security and sovereignty.  He urged the government to reject the bill in its entirety and instead analyze the agricultural system to determine the kind...

... Chitalu notes that this development points towards positive economic growth ahead. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (27-05-2024) - Zambia's capital markets have shown remarkable resilience, evident through successful green bond issuances and the introduction of new financial instruments, bolstering liquidity. Phillip K Chitalu, CEO of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Zambia, highlighted positive indicators amid market challenges, including a significant surge in the Lusaka All Share Index and market capitalization growth. During a recent media briefing, Chitalu stressed the pivotal role of capital markets as vital economic indicators, fostering liquidity for businesses and investors via diverse financial instruments. He noted a mixed performance in the first quarter of 2024, with fluctuating stock prices influenced by global economic trends and the National Emergency. Chitalu underlined the importance of effective allocation in promoting growth and addressing liqui...

...Chirwa outlines challenges and Progress on the media landscape By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (3-05-2024) - In their pursuit of truth within a transparent society, journalists encounter numerous challenges. These hurdles include physical threats, intimidation, legal constraints, cybersecurity risks, psychological strain, and limited access to information. At the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) event, Jane Chirwa, Programs Manager at the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia, shed light on the manifold obstacles journalists face globally. Chirwa emphasized that journalists brave obstacles such as violence, censorship, and legal constraints like defamation laws and detentions. "These challenges not only compromise the fundamental right to freedom of expression but also endanger democratic values," stated Chirwa. She stressed the critical importance of protecting press freedom, noting that attacks on journalists erode democracy and endanger lives. However, C...