"The GOAT Media Centre"

... Women and youth spearhead efforts to restore forests and combat deforestation By Francis Maingaila Chikupi, Zambia – (28-02-2025) - The Mupapa Wood Initiative, a leading local furniture manufacturer, has launched a reforestation project aimed at restoring Zambia's degraded landscapes and combating climate change, with 420 trees of various indigenous species being handed over to 30 farming communities within Chikupi in Kafue District. Ruth Chande Ironside, Chief Executive Officer for the initiative, remarked during the official launch that a significant portion of land in Zambia is being eroded due to the combined impact of deforestation driven by farming, charcoal production, and logging. Ironside emphasized the company's commitment to ecological balance, stating, "For every tree we use, we plant another to ensure sustainability." She elaborated that the initiative is working with a local women’s cooperative that set up a nursery last year to grow indigenous...

Fundanga Says ZRA’s National Tax Summit Will Be a Catalyst for Change in Domestic Resource Mobilization By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia - February 27, 2025 - The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has launched the country’s first-ever National Tax Summit aimed at addressing Zambia's challenges in Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) and reinforcing the role of taxation in driving national development. ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda, speaking at the summit, called for urgent reforms to reduce Zambia’s dependence on borrowing and external aid. He outlined key strategies to improve tax administration, plug revenue leakages, and expand the tax base. Banda stressed that taxation is fundamental to national development as it enables the government to fund essential services, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation programs. Despite Zambia’s tax-to-GDP ratio remaining below 20% for the past decade, Banda pointed out that ZRA’s contribution to the national budget has signific...

.. New Era for Mining Efficiency and Accountability in Zambia By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA, Zambia – February 27, 2025 – The Zambian government has officially launched the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (ZIMIS), a groundbreaking digital platform aimed at optimizing the mining licensing process, promoting transparency, and combating corruption within the sector. This initiative signifies a pivotal advancement in modernizing Zambia’s mining industry and aligns with the government's strategic objectives outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan. During the launch event, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe emphasized the system's critical role in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the licensing process. "Today, we celebrate a significant milestone that enhances our mining licensing framework," Kabuswe stated. He acknowledged the frustrations surrounding delays in acquiring mining licenses, assuring stakeholders that Z...

.. New Era for Mining Efficiency and Accountability in Zambia By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA, Zambia – February 27, 2025 – The Zambian government has officially launched the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (ZIMIS), a groundbreaking digital platform aimed at optimizing the mining licensing process, promoting transparency, and combating corruption within the sector. This initiative signifies a pivotal advancement in modernizing Zambia’s mining industry and aligns with the government's strategic objectives outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan. During the launch event, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe emphasized the system's critical role in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the licensing process. "Today, we celebrate a significant milestone that enhances our mining licensing framework," Kabuswe stated. He acknowledged the frustrations surrounding delays in acquiring mining licenses, assuring stakeholders that Z...

... Kabaso says empowering media with final knowledge will help to Drive Economic Growth By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – February 25, 2025 - The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LUSE) hosted a workshop to enhance capital market journalism, bringing together media professionals, regulatory bodies, and financial experts. Organized in partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM), the event aimed to deepen journalists' understanding of financial markets and emphasize the role of accurate reporting in economic development. LUSE Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Kabaso emphasized the critical role that responsible journalism plays in sustaining Zambia’s capital markets, urging reporters to avoid disseminating misleading information that could undermine trust and cause confusion among investors. Kabaso stated that capital markets are vital for driving economic development by facilitating investments and foster...

.... Zambia Engages Dangote Refinery for Energy Independence By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia - 24 -02 -2025 - Zambia is actively pursuing a strategic partnership with Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Nigeria to enhance its fuel security, competitive pricing, and supply stability. In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in the Ministry of Energy, Peter Mumba, it was revealed that Hon. Makozo Chikote engaged in high-level discussions with Dangote to explore areas of mutual cooperation and gain insights into the transformative impact of Africa's largest refinery. During the meeting, Mr. Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), outlined the refinery's immense production capacity, stating, "This refinery is designed to meet 100% of Nigeria's energy needs and aims to serve the broader African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework," with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd...

.... NDC dismisses M4CE Simuyemba’s remarks, urges unity. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia – 23-02-2025 - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed statements circulating on social media attributed to Kaluba Musenda Simuyemba, President of the Movement for Change and Equality (M4CE) party. In a statement, NDC Spokesperson Christopher Katepu clarified that Simuyemba’s views do not represent the UPND Alliance. As Secretary to the UPND Alliance Council of Presidents (CoPs), Simuyemba is expected to express personal opinions without attributing them to the entire alliance. “The UPND Alliance remains strong under President Hakainde Hichilema,” Katepu stated. “Our Party President, Joseph Kasonde, who also serves as Alliance Chairman for Mobilization, emphasizes unity and internal dialogue to resolve differences.” The NDC urged Simuyemba to address concerns diplomatically within Alliance structures rather than through public statements. The party reaffirmed that Simu...

.... Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Fair Treatment By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia- February 21, 2025 - The government has reaffirmed its commitment to job creation, wage adjustments, and labor rights, asserting that Zambia’s employment sector is on a growth trajectory poised for further expansion. Brenda Tambatamba, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, spoke at the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Biannual General Conference in Lusaka, highlighting the revival of industries and ongoing labor reforms aimed at improving working conditions and economic stability. "Zambia’s job market is expanding with the revival of key industries. The commissioning of Shaft 28 and other mining operations in November 2024 has restored employment opportunities, and we anticipate even more growth in the coming years," Tambatamba stated. She emphasized that historically, Zambia’s mining discussions focused on a few major operations in the Copperbelt and North-Western Pro...

. .. 600 Students Complete Training at National Construction School and offloaded for use. By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – February 21, 2025 – Six hundred students proudly graduated from the National Construction School, marking a significant milestone in enhancing skills within the construction sector. During the ceremony, National Council for Construction (NCC) Executive Director Paul Makasa highlighted the essential role graduates will play in addressing Zambia’s infrastructure challenges. “This graduation showcases our commitment to nurturing skilled professionals who will propel the construction industry forward,” he stated. The cohort included aspiring engineers, project managers, and construction technicians, all of whom completed a comprehensive training program focused on civil engineering, project management, and sustainable building practices. Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development Charles Milupi urged the new graduates to embrace innovation, sustai...

... Government clarifies reasons for MPs' departure from debate Lusaka, Zambia — (20-02-2025) — The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has denied claims that its members of Parliament fled from the motion to debate the high cost of living, which was introduced by opposition Patriotic Front (PF) member of Parliament for Lunte Constituency. Stafford Mulusa Chief Government Whip told journalists at a media briefing at Parliament Building that the MPs walked out of Parliament because the motion that was brought to the National Assembly  was non consequential. Mulusa said the UPND is prepared to engage in a serious debate about the rising cost of living in Zambia. He clarified that the UPND did not walk out of the National Assembly, as suggested by some opposition members. Instead, the discussion was on a motion of adjournment, which limits the time allotted for debate, and no private motion on the cost of living had been presented. “The limited time allocated un...

.... As ZIPS Calls for Urgent Reforms in Zambia’s Procurement Sector By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – (20 -02-2025) – Zambia’s Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has issued a stern warning against corruption in government procurement, emphasizing that inefficiencies and unethical practices are draining public resources and delaying critical national projects. Speaking at a high-level procurement workshop, Kangwa reiterated President Hakainde Hichilema’s directives that procurement must be timely, cost-effective, and yield high-quality results. He criticized rampant mismanagement in government institutions, particularly within procurement committees, which he said have become the epicenter of corruption and financial waste. “The days of delayed projects and substandard work must end. Procurement is not an avenue for self-enrichment—it is a tool for national development,” Kangwa stated. The government recently introduced the Zambia Public Sector Change Management Fram...

..... ZCSA Ensures Standards for Consumer Protection and Economic Growth at N’Cwala Ceremony By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia - (20-02-2025) - The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) reiterated its dedication to ensuring public safety and consumer protection. Brian Hatyoka, ZCSA's Manager of Communications and Public Relations, said when he paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lewis Mwape, held alongside the N’Cwala traditional ceremony that the agency is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, established by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017. Hatyoka expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with provincial leadership and highlighted the agency’s critical role in administering, maintaining, and enforcing compulsory standards aimed at protecting public safety, health, and the environment. “The ZCSA is mandated to educate the public about compulsory standards and provide information r...

... Interest Rate Hikes Hurting SMEs, Inflation Still Rising By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia - (20-02-2025) - The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has questioned the effectiveness of Zambia’s continued monetary tightening, arguing that rising interest rates have done little to curb inflation while deepening economic challenges. CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mukelebai told journalists that while the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) is a critical tool for inflation control, its sustained increases over the past three years have produced mixed results. "The ambitious target of maintaining inflation within the 6-8% band remains questionable," Mukelebai stated, emphasizing that despite policy tightening, inflation continues to rise. Harsh Impact of Monetary Tightening In an effort to control inflation, the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has raised the MPR from 9.25% in early 2023 to 14.5% in early 2025. Mukelebai pointed out that this represents a shift from a neutral to a contr...

ZCSA Ensures Standards for Consumer Protection and Economic Growth at N’Cwala Ceremony By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia - (20-02-2025) - The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public safety and consumer rights. Speaking during a courtesy call on Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Lewis Mwape at the N’Cwala traditional ceremony, ZCSA’s Manager of Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, outlined the agency’s role in enforcing national product standards. He emphasized that ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, was established to regulate compulsory standards and protect consumers from substandard goods. Hatyoka stressed the need for public awareness regarding product safety, particularly concerning electrical goods that fail to meet regulatory benchmarks. “Many adaptors, sockets, and extension cables found in the market pose serious risks such as electric shoc...

Government Plans to Include Refugees in Loan Schemes By Francis Maingaila and Jean Mandela Lusaka, Zambia – (17-022025) – The Ministry of Education has pledged to enhance access to higher education financing by extending student loan eligibility to learners in technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training institutions. Speaking during the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) stakeholder consultations on the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Layman’s Draft at Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka, Education Ministry Permanent Secretary for Administration, Noriana Muneku, emphasized the government's commitment to inclusive education funding. “The classification of students now encompasses those enrolled in technical education, vocational, and entrepreneurship training institutions. Additionally, initiatives are in place to ensure that no deserving learner is excluded, with financial aid provided through dedicated funding programs,” Muneku stated. S...

... A Platform for Investment and Networking in Zambia’s Tourism Sector By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia - (17-02-2025) - The Zambia Tourism Expo, scheduled for June, has officially been launched, with stakeholders expressing optimism about its potential to drive growth in the country’s tourism sector. Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba, during the launch, stated that the event is expected to showcase Zambia’s diverse tourism offerings, attract international visitors, and strengthen local participation in the industry. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the expo serves as a platform for growth, investment, and networking within the tourism sector. Evans Muhanga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance the tourism sector, focusing on structured growth, local business involvement, and international marketing. Speaking earlier, Muhanga outlined plans to revitalize the sector and position Zambia as a top ...