"The GOAT Media Centre"

Chinese Delegation Sets Sights on Boosting Investment in Zambia By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia 24 – (Thursday, July 31, 2025) -  A delegation of over 100 Chinese companies has expressed strong interest in expanding investment in Zambia, describing the ongoing exhibition as a platform to deepen business ties and promote joint development. Speaking during the investment exhibition in Lusaka at the ongoing Agriculture and Commercial Show, Mr. Yao Luofu, Manager of Justice Food Zambia and a representative of the Chinese Business Association, said the exhibition offers a window for Chinese enterprises to understand Zambia’s business environment and identify investment opportunities in key sectors. “This exhibition is more than just an event — it’s a stage to introduce more Chinese companies to Zambia and encourage direct investment that can help develop the country together with local partners,” Mr. Yao said. He noted that about 100 Chinese companies are participating in the ...

Chinese Firm Eyes Long-Term Eco-Friendly Energy Investments in Zambia By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24  - (31-07-2025) – Chinese energy company Sunvolt Battery has expressed interest in deepening its long-term investment in Zambia’s green energy sector, with a strong focus on environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable business practices. Speaking during an exhibition in Lusaka, Terry Wang, Sales and Marketing Manager of Sunvolt Battery, said the company is committed to supporting Zambia’s transition to clean energy while creating local economic opportunities. “We are committed to doing long-term business in Zambia in a way that benefits the people. Climate change is closely linked to energy consumption, so we are focusing our efforts on the energy sector,” Wang said. Wang explained that one of the company’s core areas is the recycling of lead-acid batteries commonly used in vehicles. He said their high recycling rate makes their operations environmentally fri...

Mweeywa says New measures aim to restore trust in Zambia’s economic and regulatory framework. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 - July 30, 2025 — The Zambian government has approved a 12-month extension request for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility (ECF), aiming to solidify economic reforms, complete the ongoing debt restructuring process, and build market and investor confidence. Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said in a post-Cabinet briefing that the decision to seek an extension until October 31, 2026, is intended to preserve macroeconomic stability and ensure Zambia remains aligned with the IMF-supported reform programme. He explained that the IMF has already reviewed the country’s request and an official decision is expected after the Fund's Executive Board meets in the coming weeks. Mweetwa noted that the 14th Cabinet Meeting, chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema, was convened to consider critical economic and developmental...

Nyambose Showcases Transformation Powered by CDF By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 - (July 30, 2025) - Chasefu Member of Parliament Mishek Nyambose says his constituency, long neglected since Zambia’s independence, has undergone significant transformation thanks to increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations introduced under the UPND administration. Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Nyambose—who is also Director of the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government Accounts—detailed how development in Chasefu, a rural constituency in Eastern Province, was historically stagnant but is now thriving with improved infrastructure, access to education and health services, water, and economic empowerment.  “Before 2021, Chasefu was not just underdeveloped—it was invisible. There were no roads, no desks, no water facilities, and no mortuary. Our children learned in thatched huts, sometimes in collapsed buildings. This is the reality we inherited,” Nyambose sa...

More subscribers and better ARPU drive performance as momentum is sustained through digital and financial inclusion By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – 29 July 2025 – Airtel Africa plc, a leading telecommunications and mobile money services provider operating in 14 African countries, has announced impressive financial results for the quarter ending 30 June 2025.  The company demonstrated strategic resilience and operational strength despite ongoing economic headwinds across its markets. Group revenue in reported currency rose sharply by 24.9% to $1.415 billion, underpinned by broad-based growth across all operating regions.  On a constant currency basis, revenue climbed 19.7%, with standout performances in Nigeria and Francophone Africa, both recording double-digit increases. A key driver of this growth was the significant uptick in mobile data and financial services. Data revenue jumped by 38.1%, while mobile money revenue advanced by 30.3%, reflecting a sustained shift tow...

Katebe says appointments demonstrate commitment to balanced governance. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24  - (July 29, 2025) - The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s appointments to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) Board, praising the inclusion of four women among the seven nominees, whose appointments are pending ratification by the National Assembly. NGOCC Chairperson Ms. Beauty Katebe congratulated Dr. Pamela Sambo on her appointment as Chairperson and Dr. Felicity Kalunga as Vice Chairperson. Other appointees include Ms. Panic Malawo Chilufya, Ms. Laura Mary Miti, Bishop Yona Chikoya, Father Joe Koma Koma, and Mr. Fred Wamundila Waliuya. Katebe says the appointments demonstrate Zambia’s commitment to achieving gender balance, in line with Article 259(b) of the Constitution, which calls for 50/50 gender representation in public appointments. She noted that, historically, appointments to board...

The digital shift transforming how Zambians secure their lives and livelihoods. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (29 July 2025) - The Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA), in collaboration with Airtel Zambia and Professional Insurance Corporation Zambia (PICZ), has launched a new mobile-based insurance platform aimed at transforming access to insurance across the country.  The platform, described as a game-changer by both government and private stakeholders, is expected to extend coverage to at least one million Zambians by 2027, particularly those in underserved and rural areas. Launching the initiative in Lusaka, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati hailed the development as a major turning point in Zambia’s journey toward financial inclusion.  He said that by integrating insurance into mobile money services, the platform would simplify insurance, making it affordable, convenient, and accessible to ordinary citizens regardless of location or income le...

ZICA raises concern over unhedged forex borrowing, VAT inefficiencies, and new tax burdens. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 - (25-07-2025) – The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) President, Yande Siame Mwenye, has issued a wide-ranging and strongly worded assessment of Zambia’s economic and fiscal management, tax policy, and legal reforms, warning that several recent government decisions could undermine macroeconomic stability, investor confidence, and long-term growth. In a detailed quarterly media briefing held in Lusaka, Mwenye welcomed the improvement in Zambia’s inflation and exchange rate performance during the second quarter of 2025 but cautioned against premature optimism.  “This is not the time to celebrate,” she said, urging the government to prioritise structural reforms in energy, agriculture, tax policy, and governance to consolidate recovery and achieve sustainable growth. Macroeconomic Outlook Conditional on Energy Reforms Mwenye acknowledged the...

Mukobela acts on Matero's needs with a vital water supply solution that renews trust in grassroots leadership and signals a broader development agenda. He says the donation reflects not just service delivery, but a long-term plan to transform Matero through practical, people-centered solutions. By Francis Maingaila Matero, Zambia24 – (July 28, 2025) -  Aspiring Matero Constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Evans Mukobela, has handed over a 10,000-litre water tank to traders at Matero Market, responding to long-standing water supply challenges that have compromised hygiene and disrupted commerce. Speaking during the handover ceremony—graced by the presence of the UPND Deputy Secretary General Gertrude Imenda—Mukobela emphasized that the initiative was not a political gimmick, but a sincere, community-driven response to urgent needs raised by the marketeers. “This market has water, but supply is often disrupted. Without backup, traders struggle — no cleaning, no handwashing, no safe...

Hatyoka Explains How ZCSA Is Protecting the Health of All Citizens by Ensuring Access to Safe Food and Drink By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24, (July 27, 2025) – Behind Zambia’s supermarket shelves, water bottles, and cooking essentials lies a quiet but critical watchdog — the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA). In the first half of 2025 alone, the agency registered 39 producers of food and beverage products across five provinces, reinforcing its mandate to protect public health and consumer safety. ZCSA Manager – Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, revealed that 20 producers were registered in the first quarter and 19 in the second. "These firms operate in Lusaka, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern provinces and are involved in producing high-consumption goods like mealie meal, peanut butter, wheat flour, cooking oil, jams, alcoholic beverages, fruit-flavoured drinks — and, most notably, packaged drinking water," Hatyoka explained. “Most of th...

As ERB reforms drive major solar projects, expand grid access, and stabilize fuel supply in first half of 2025 By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (25-07-2025) The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says its bold reforms in Zambia’s energy sector have spurred over $2.5 billion in investment within the first half of 2025, marking a significant leap in the country’s transition toward a diversified and sustainable energy landscape. Speaking during a media briefing, ERB Director General Elijah Sichone disclosed that the strategic overhaul has made the regulatory environment more transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly.  "We have moved swiftly to streamline licensing, improve compliance mechanisms, and reduce red tape to make Zambia’s energy sector more attractive to private investors," Sichone said. He noted that the reforms have particularly catalyzed growth in solar energy, where several large-scale photovoltaic projects have been commissioned, with others still in the p...

Zambia to showcase innovation, business, and environmental solutions. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 – July 25, 2025 Zambia is set to host the 97th Agricultural and Commercial Show from July 30 to August 4, 2025, in Lusaka, amid significant developments in agriculture, climate adaptation, and trade since the last event in 2024. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday, Agricultural and Commercial Show Society of Zambia (ACSZ) President Dr. Bernard H. Moonga said the 2025 edition—under the theme “Adapting to Climate Change”—will focus on showcasing climate-smart innovations, private sector growth, and Zambia’s emerging role in regional and global trade. Dr. Moonga revealed that 24 countries, including China, Tanzania, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the Czech Republic, have confirmed participation.  He said over 100,000 square meters of exhibition space has been allocated, with nearly all corporate, government, and SME booths already booked. “This is more t...

Revelations trigger calls for arrests, asset recovery, and reforms By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 - (July 25, 2025) — Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has expressed outrage following revelations in the Financial Intelligence Centre’s (FIC) 2024 Trends Report that suspected Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) amounting to USD $3.5 billion were detected in 2024, largely involving multinational corporations engaged in commercial activities. In a strongly worded statement, TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe said the figures reflect a disturbing failure by authorities to curb illicit finance and protect national resources. “These billions represent stolen opportunities for the Zambian people,” Nyambe said. “We are calling for immediate arrests, asset recoveries, and structural reforms. The time for politeness is over.” According to the FIC report, the Centre analysed 18,330 Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs)—a 16.8% increase from 2023. Despite this rise, TI-Z sharply c...

Preparing Zambian engineers for the $2 billion fertilizer facility. By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA, Zambia – 24 July 2025 The Zambian government has urged immediate and strategic collaboration between the country’s public universities and the private sector to ensure the development of a homegrown cadre of qualified chemical engineers capable of managing large-scale industrial operations such as the $2 billion United Capital Fertilizer plant — a subsidiary of the Wonderful Group of Companies. Minister of Education Douglas Siakalima, speaking during a guided tour of the ammonia and urea plant located in Lusaka’s industrial area, said it is no longer sustainable for Zambia to rely on expatriate expertise to manage critical investments, particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors, which are central to the country’s economic transformation agenda. “This company alone requires around 400 chemical engineers, and as the sector expands, that number may exceed a thousand. We must act n...

Traders Still Suffer, CSPR Pushes for Inclusive, Transparent Tax Reforms System Lacks Reach and Risks Excluding Informal Traders By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – (July 21, 2025)  - The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has welcomed the Zambia Revenue Authority’s (ZRA) suspension of the Withholding Value Added Tax (WVAT) mechanism but insists the move is not enough to address deeper issues in the tax system.  CSPR says the mechanism should be scrapped entirely, as it failed to protect traders and proved ineffective in improving compliance. Effective August 1, 2025, ZRA will suspend the WVAT system following the rollout of the Smart Invoicing System, which it says is increasing transparency and efficiency in VAT collection.  But CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai argues that the WVAT mechanism created unnecessary burdens on traders while falling short of its objectives. “Delays in VAT remittances by appointed agents led to penalties for traders, ...

Academic knowledge meets practical experience at a leading Zambian manufacturer. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24– 22 July 2025 — Students from St. Paul’s Secondary School on Monday toured the Wonderful Group of Companies in Lusaka’s industrial area as the firm marked 15 years of operations in Zambia. The tour, part of an ongoing academic-industry partnership programme, aimed to expose students to the practical aspects of local manufacturing and industrial production. The visit coincided with the company's 15th anniversary celebrations. The Wonderful Group of Companies has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement by hosting the group of students from a local government school on an educational tour of its industrial facilities. Speaking during the tour, Chief Financial Officer Ray Mumba said the initiative aimed to expose students to real-world industrial practices and inspire them to take their education seriously by seeing how classroom knowle...

Early treatment is key to preventing serious complications. Lusaka, Zambia24  - 22-07-2025) - leading health expert has urged the public to take cold-like symptoms more seriously, warning that a sore throat or fever could be early signs of a life-threatening bacterial infection — Pneumococcal Meningitis. Dr. Amit Singh, Dean of the School of Medicine at Texila American University Zambia, explained that the illness often begins subtly but can quickly progress if left untreated. “This may begin like a mild throat infection, but if left unattended, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cross into the brain, causing meningitis,” Dr. Singh said. “Once it advances, treatment becomes more complex, and the risk of complications — including seizures and death — rises sharply.” Health experts stress that early detection and swift medical intervention are critical. Once the infection develops into meningitis, patients often require intravenous antibiotics, which may not be readily availa...