"The GOAT Media Centre"

World Health Organization says Building a healthier future for all generations. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 (31 May 2025) - Zambia has joined the world in the fight against tobacco, commemorating the 2025 World No Tobacco Day with renewed commitment to protecting young people and the wider population from the deadly effects of tobacco use. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the importance of proactive health promotion measures to prevent tobacco and nicotine addiction, particularly among adolescents. Tobacco remains a leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death, undermining national health gains and the well-being of communities. At the official launch held at Chawama Grounds in Lusaka, WHO Country Representative Dr. Clement L. Peter Lasuba stressed that protecting youth from tobacco products through comprehensive health promotion strategies is critical to sustaining public health. “This year’s theme, ‘Unmasking the Appeal, Bright Products! Dark I...

... ZCSA in Collaboration with Industry and Public to Uphold Strict Safety Standards Is Mobilizing Science-Based Strategies to Protect Zambia’s Food Supply By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 - (29-05-2025) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has intensified its regulatory oversight and public sensitisation efforts ahead of this year’s World Food Safety Day, commemorated annually on June 7. The Agency is leading the national awareness campaign as Chair of the Awareness Sub-Committee under the Ministry of Health-led Main Organising Committee. Through this platform, ZCSA is reinforcing its mandate to safeguard public health and consumer welfare by ensuring food safety remains a national priority. This year’s global theme, “Food Safety – Science in Action,” underscores the indispensable role of science in identifying and mitigating contamination risks across the food supply chain. ZCSA is embracing this approach by driving broad stakeholder participation and launching exp...

Formal structures introduced to end infighting and define leadership roles. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, 29 May 2025 — The United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) has ushered in a new political chapter by unveiling key governance documents and expelling founding member Chishala Kateka, in a bold move to reassert discipline and unity within the opposition coalition. UKA Chairperson Robert Chansa described the launch as a long-overdue milestone aimed at ending the internal power struggles that have plagued the alliance since its formation in 2024. “For over a year, we were distracted by leadership disputes instead of focusing on our shared vision. That era is over. The alliance is now grounded in structure, discipline, and purpose,” Chansa said. The new governance framework includes: The UKA Alliance Constitution The Power Sharing Agreement The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) The Disciplinary Code of Conduct These documents, formally launched by Chansa in Lusaka, are designed to eliminate arb...

Thousands of jobs restored on the Copperbelt as government targets inclusive governance By Francis Maingaila | Lusaka The United Party for National Development (UPND) has renewed its commitment to economic recovery and inclusive governance through an ambitious programme to revive Zambia’s Copperbelt mining sector and reform the national Constitution. Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe provided an in-depth update on both fronts, describing the dual focus on economic revival and governance reform as central to President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. “We are restoring jobs, creating inclusive governance structures, and strengthening democracy. This is real development—not lip service,” Simuuwe said. Copperbelt Comeback: Mines Reopening, Jobs Returning Simuuwe said the Copperbelt, once the economic backbone of Zambia, had suffered heavily under previous administrations, with mine closures resulting in massive job losses and economic stagnati...

.... Airtel Introduces Free AI-Powered Protection Against Phishing and Mobile Fraud, Enhances Spam Protection to Boost Customer Security By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (28-05-2025) - Airtel Zambia has unveiled the country’s first AI-powered spam protection service, a major technological innovation designed to safeguard customers from SMS-based fraud and digital threats. The system, developed over two and a half years by more than 50 experts in 14 African countries, is tailored to work on both smartphones and feature phones—ensuring protection for all users. Speaking during a digital security presentation, John Chibwe, Airtel Zambia’s Head of Network Services, said the solution processes over 52 million SMS messages daily, detecting and blocking spam in just two milliseconds using artificial intelligence. “Spammers aim to deceive or steal from users,” Chibwe explained. “This system monitors unusual activity such as frequent SIM changes, abnormal SMS patterns, and device switchi...

ZCSA Seizes Contaminated Water Products in Copperbelt By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – (28-05-2025) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has suspended the supply of several non-compliant packaged drinking water brands in Ndola and Kitwe for violating essential public health and safety standards. The enforcement action, driven by routine inspections and proactive market surveillance, led to the seizure of 113 cases of packaged water, valued at K7,475 which compromised public health and consumer safety. The products were found to be in breach of Zambian Standard ZS 388: Bottled Drinking Water Specification, and the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 — legislation designed to protect consumers from unsafe and substandard goods. Several of the seized brands were unregistered with the agency, while others were suspected of posing serious health risks due to unhygienic and non-compliant production practices. “This is not just about regulatory compliance—it’s about protect...

Ministry sees success after OMC dispute resolution By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, 27 May 2025 – The Ministry of Energy has reported significant progress in Zambia’s petroleum sub-sector, crediting recent reforms under the TAZAMA Pipeline Open Access Framework for improved fuel pricing and industry stability. According to a statement issued by Mr. Bob Sianjalika, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry, these developments were outlined by Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Mr. Peter Mumba, when he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Planning, chaired by Hon. Fred Chaatila, MP for Moomba Constituency. Mr. Mumba said that although implementation of the Open Access Framework was initially delayed due to government debts owed to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), the Ministry has since resolved the matter. This resolution, he noted, averted potential legal action and enabled the Ministry to fully activate the framework—leading to a drop in diesel prem...

Matero United seal Zingalume title in shootout drama. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – Monday, 26 May 2025 – The ZECCO Grounds in Zingalume erupted with excitement on Monday as Matero United were crowned champions of the action-packed Zingalume Football Tournament, narrowly defeating Matero Youth Soccer Academy in a nail-biting penalty shootout. The tournament, proudly sponsored by UPND parliamentary hopeful Nawa Nawa, brought together eight talented teams and hundreds of enthusiastic fans in what many hailed as a festival of football, unity, and community pride. From dazzling dribbles to last-minute goals, the tournament had it all. The participating teams—Matero United, Matero Youth Soccer Academy, George United FC, Plan FC, Muchinga FC, Chunga FC, Zingalume Middle FC, and Twilatane FC—battled fiercely in the group stages and knockout rounds, each side hungry for glory. But it was the final showdown that truly stole the spotlight. After a hard-fought 90 minutes, the scoreboard...

RDC’s Chansa Declares Support for Kalaba’s 2026 Presidential Bid Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – Revamp for Development Change (RDC) President and United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) Chairperson, Mr. Robert Chansa, has endorsed the Citizens First candidate for the Lumezi parliamentary by-election and declared Harry Kalaba as preferred presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections. Addressing journalists at a media briefing, Chansa stated that the RDC’s decision to endorse Kalaba followed wide consultations with its national executive and grassroots structures across the country. He said the consensus among members reflected the will of many Zambians who are demanding unity among opposition political parties and a credible alternative to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). “The leadership of the Revamp for Development Change Party sat down and made extensive consultations with members nationwide. What has emerged from these discussions is a collective call to...

By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24- (26-05-2025) - The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has adopted Lufeyo Ngoma as its candidate for the upcoming Lumezi parliamentary by-election, following the conviction and removal of former MP Munir Zulu. The move signals UPND’s growing confidence in Eastern Province, traditionally an opposition stronghold. The party views this election as more than a constituency contest—it's a test of shifting political dynamics in a key region. UPND Demonstrates Growing Influence At a media briefing in Lusaka, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda said 14 members initially applied to contest the seat, a reflection of the party's expanding presence in Eastern Province. “The enthusiasm we saw proves UPND is now a central player in the region,” Imenda said. He described a rigorous vetting process that narrowed the field to seven candidates through constituency, district, provincial, and national evaluations.  Shortlisted contenders inc...

TI-Z says Health sector corruption threatens vulnerable citizens after $50 million aid withdrawal By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (26-05-2025) - Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has expressed alarm over the recent decision by the United States government to suspend more than US$50 million in direct support to Zambia’s Ministry of Health, citing procurement-related corruption. In a statement to mark Africa Freedom Day, TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe said the move was a damning indictment of public financial management systems and a wake-up call for national leadership and oversight institutions. “This is a serious indictment on the integrity of our public systems and a wake-up call for all stakeholders,” Mr Nyambe said. “The withdrawal of funding poses a severe risk to essential healthcare services, especially for the most vulnerable Zambians.” Mr Nyambe noted that civil society organisations, including TI-Z, had consistently warned against weak procurement over...

Huang applauds his workforce’s lasting contribution, saying employee dedication drives Wonderful Group’s success story. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (24-05-2025) - Wonderful Group has reaffirmed its commitment to employee retention and growth, celebrating 12 long-serving employees at its Fourth Long Service Awards Ceremony in Lusaka. The event marked a decade of service by staff members whose loyalty and dedication continue to shape the company’s success. Group Chief Operating Officer Frank Mulenga praised the honourees, stating that staying with one company for 10 years is a testament to both personal commitment and a supportive working environment. “Remaining with a single company for 10 years is no small feat; it speaks to loyalty, commitment, and a supportive working environment,” Mulenga told guests, including senior representatives from Hacienda Management, Wonderful Industries, and Bofu Machinery. Out of the 12 awardees, nine hailed from Wonderful Industries Zambia...

.. New national framework turns climate data into everyday solutions as a transformative climate services plan kicks off in Lusaka. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 (23 - May 2025) – The Government of Zambia has launched the National Framework for Weather, Water, and Climate Services (NFWCS) specifically to bolster climate resilience and sustainable development. The high-profile event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, convened senior government officials, international development partners, climate scientists, and stakeholders from various sectors, underscoring the nation's commitment to integrating climate services into its developmental agenda. Officiating on behalf of the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Douty Chibamba, heralded the NFWCS as a groundbreaking achievement in Zambia’s pursuit of climate resilience and environmental sustainability. He emphasized that the framework transcends the enh...

A model for inclusive infrastructure and community empowerment takes root in Chongwe. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Kasisi, Zambia24 – (23 -05 - 2025) -  The government has commissioned the construction of a lifesaving pedestrian bridge connecting Kasisi and Kasenga Wards in Chongwe District. The bridge valued at approximately US$100,000 (K1.8 million), is co-funded by Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), with calls for greater government co-investment, and is expected to improve year-round access to essential services for over 33,000 residents who face dangerous river crossings, especially during the rainy season. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, B2P Country Director Nachilala Nkombo emphasized that the project is not just about infrastructure, but about restoring dignity and saving lives. “This bridge is a lifeline. Children should not risk drowning to get to school, and women should not be cut off from clinics. We believe restoring safe access and dignity should be a top de...

... BoZ Holds Interest Rate at 14.5% as Declining Inflation, Strong Maize Harvest, and Global Oil Trends Improve Economic Outlook By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 (23 - 05 - 2025) – The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has maintained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14.5 percent following its May 21–22 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, citing easing inflation, improved food security, and continued financial stability. BoZ Governor Dr. Danny Kalyalya said the decision reflects a favorable shift in inflationary trends, noting that inflation fell to 16.5 percent in April 2025 from a peak of 16.8 percent in February. “Maintaining the current stance of monetary policy is deemed appropriate considering the recent decline in inflation, the downside risks, and the stability of the financial system,” said Kalyalya. The annual average inflation rate for 2025 is projected at 13.8 percent, down from a previous estimate of 14.6 percent. It is expected to decline to 8.8 percent in 2026 and further ...

Magistrate rules prosecution evidence against Hon Katuta must be challenged in court By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA, 22 May 2025 – The Lusaka Magistrate Court has ruled that Chienge Member of Parliament Given Katuta must proceed to defend herself against a charge of threatening violence, following a ruling that the prosecution has established a prima facie case. Magistrate Idah Phiri, delivering the decision, stated that the evidence submitted by the state—if left unchallenged—could result in a conviction.  Hon Katuta has thus been placed on her defence under Section 207 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The charge stems from an alleged confrontation on 21 July 2023, in which Hon Katuta is accused of verbally threatening and physically confronting Times of Zambia photojournalist Henry Chunza during a parliamentary session. She has pleaded not guilty and remains on police bond. The court emphasized that she is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Prosecution’s Case The state alleges that H...