"The GOAT Media Centre"

ZCSA Champions Trade Expansion in Solwezi with New Initiatives and Key Announcements By Francis Maingaila Solwezi, Zambia – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has unveiled several initiatives aimed at fostering local and regional trade through improved product standardization and quality assurance. Gerald Chizinga, ZCSA Executive Director, highlighted that these efforts are expected to enhance the business environment in Solwezi and nearby districts, creating new opportunities for local producers and contributing to Zambia's broader economic development. Mr. Chizinga made these comments during his visit to Solwezi Town Clerk Stanley Mbewe on Thursday, coinciding with the ongoing Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation project assessment and training. He observed that agricultural cooperatives and SMEs in the region often face barriers to accessing wider markets due to a lack of certification from quality institutions. “Solwezi and North-Western Province hold significa...

.. As Shalom Lobby Government Support for Accommodation and Inclusive Education for all Learners irrespective of their status By Francis Maingaila Kanyama, Zambia - (February 7, 2025) - Shalom School in Kanyama is urgently appealing for financial support to construct a 1x3 classroom block to address a growing overcrowding crisis that is straining its ability to provide quality education. Head Teacher Mulonda Manyando made this appeal when Kanyama MP Monti Chinkuli handed over 200 desks to the school. While appreciating the donation, Manyando emphasized that the school continues to struggle with severe infrastructure challenges due to the increasing student population. “Our resources are stretched to the limit, making it difficult to meet the needs of every learner,” he said.  “It is heartbreaking to see parents desperate to enroll their children, yet we simply do not have the capacity.” Manyando urged community members, stakeholders, and organizations to step in and help alleviate ...

.. As Shalom Lobby Government Support for Accommodation and Inclusive Education for all Learners irrespective of their status By Francis Maingaila Kanyama, Zambia - (February 7, 2025) - Shalon School in Kanyama is urgently appealing for financial support to construct a 1x3 classroom block to address a growing overcrowding crisis that is straining its ability to provide quality education. Head Teacher Mulonda Manyando made this appeal when Kanyama MP Monti Chinkuli handed over 200 desks to the school. While appreciating the donation, Manyando emphasized that the school continues to struggle with severe infrastructure challenges due to the increasing student population. “Our resources are stretched to the limit, making it difficult to meet the needs of every learner,” he said.  “It is heartbreaking to see parents desperate to enroll their children, yet we simply do not have the capacity.” Manyando urged community members, stakeholders, and organizations to step in and help alleviate ...

Ms. Isabel Mukelabai, Executive Director, Civil Society for Poverty Reduction By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Thursday, 6th February 2025 – The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has raised concerns over Zambia’s 2025-2027 Medium-Term Budget Plan (MTBP), warning that its ambitious economic targets face significant risks. Executive Director Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai said the government’s reliance on copper exports, a growing debt burden, and rising inflation could undermine fiscal stability and social development. She noted that the government projects 6.6% economic growth in 2025 , driven by increased copper production, but cautioned that this assumption depends on stable global commodity prices, estimated at $10,195 per tonne . She warned that any downturn in copper prices or unfavorable weather conditions affecting agriculture could derail the country’s growth targets. “The heavy dependence on copper exports exposes the economy to external shocks. If global prices fall or ...

.. Urgent  C all for the prosecution of individuals implicated in the mismanagement of the Society Business Park project, By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – The Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA) has issued a strong call for the prosecution of individuals implicated in the mismanagement of the Society Business Park project, a debacle that has cost the government over K100 million. ZIA President Musunka Silungwe revealed that the building has been condemned and is slated for demolition due to critical safety hazards. Addressing journalists at a media briefing held at Mikango Hotel, Silungwe explained that ZIA had offered professional guidance during the project’s development, but this advice was disregarded—resulting in severe structural flaws. "We are here to shed light on the recent developments concerning the Society Business Park and other infrastructure-related concerns," Silungwe stated. An internal investigation by ZIA uncovered that an architect from with...

By Francis Maingaila The Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG) has called for peaceful and credible by-elections in Pambashe and Petauke Constituencies, scheduled for 6 February 2025. ADEG Executive Director Gideon Musonda told Zambia24 that the forthcoming by-elections are seen as a significant test of the Zambia democratic maturity. He urged stakeholders from all political affiliations to demonstrate their commitment to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment to ensure fair and transparent elections, urging all stakeholders, including voters, political parties, and security agencies, to uphold democratic values and prevent electoral malpractices. In a statement, ADEG Executive Director Gideon Musonda emphasized the importance of a peaceful atmosphere, which he stressed is essential for the conduct of democratic, fair, and credible elections. “We appeal to all registered voters to exercise...

NDC Commends Government Efforts for Championing Peace and urges Peaceful upcoming by Elections Lusaka, Zambia – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has commended the government for its ongoing efforts in addressing key national issues, including law enforcement, public health, youth employment, and education. The party has also called for peaceful elections and the promotion of civility in political processes as the country approaches critical by-elections. Speaking at a media conference this afternoon, NDC Secretary General Kennedy Siyanda expressed the party’s strong support for the government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law. He praised the Zambia Police Service for its role in maintaining national order and urged all citizens to embrace peaceful and democratic practices during elections. "We cannot afford to forget where we are coming from. Violence has no place in our country. Let us continue to uphold the rule of law and promote civility in all aspects of o...

.... Zambia’s Capital Markets Demonstrate Resilience Amid Economic Challenges in Q4 2024 By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia – Zambia’s capital markets demonstrated resilience and growth in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, despite economic pressures such as rising inflation and currency depreciation. Phillip Katali Chitalu, Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Zambia, highlighted increased investor activity, strong financial transactions, and regulatory reforms that strengthened market stability. Total savings surged by 30.7%, closing at K221.8 billion as of December 31, 2024. Market capitalization grew by 29.7% to K216 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence driven by stable returns from listed companies. Excluding Shoprite’s 61.5% price increase, however, market capitalization slightly declined by 3.3%, closing at K79 billion. Key stock movements included declines from Standard Chartered Bank (-18.2%), National Breweries (-26.7%)...

... Gaps Assessment and Training for SMEs Launched in North-Western Province to Empower Local Businesses under the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Projec t By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – A Gaps Assessment and Training Workshop for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has officially been launched in North-Western Province under the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project , a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of local businesses to meet national, regional, and international standards. Crusivia C. Hichikumba , Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry responsible for Investment and Industrialisation , opened the workshop, underscoring the project’s critical role in unlocking market access for SMEs within the Lobito Corridor. “The Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project is more than a trade route; it is a gateway to economic transformation. SMEs are the backbone of Zambia’s economy, and through this initiative,...

Collins Kyombela ... Mupapa Initiative and Forestry Department Launch Tree Planting Drive in Mwinilunga to Combat Climate Change and Protect the Environment By Francis Maingaila Mwinilunga, Northwestern Province – January 28, 2025 — The Mupapa Initiative Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiative (MESSI), in partnership with the Forestry Department, has launched a dynamic tree-planting drive in Mwinilunga District. The campaign aims to address climate change, restore environmental balance, and promote food security. The event, held at Mwinilunga Boarding School, also marked the start of the 2024/2025 National Tree Planting Season under the theme, "Planting for Resilience: Using Trees to Combat Drought, Build Food Security, and Increase Household Incomes." The launch ceremony was officiated by Berbby Jipila , District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), who represented Mwinilunga District Commissioner Hanon Kamuna . The occasion was attended by local government o...

....Exploring the Challenges and Successes of the Constituency Development Fund as a Catalyst for Change By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia – (1-02-2025) – The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has emerged as a cornerstone of Zambia’s decentralization efforts, offering communities the autonomy to address their most pressing development concerns.  Through the direct allocation of resources to constituencies, the fund empowers local leaders to tackle specific challenges affecting their areas.  Although the CDF holds immense potential to transform lives, its implementation is often hindered by issues such as mismanagement, lack of transparency, and insufficient community participation.   The CDF was designed to address regional disparities and foster sustainable growth. With an annual disbursement of K25.7 million per constituency, the fund aims to improve healthcare services, education infrastructure, and economic opportunities for marginalized populations.  In areas like Kasempa, ...