"The GOAT Media Centre"

Nkulukusa ueges beneficiaries to invest funds in their original projects for sustainable impact. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – August 19, 2025 – Central Province Minister and Katuba Member of Parliament, Hon. Mwabashike Nkulukusa, has handed over K2,489,063.19 in 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) empowerment grants to 83 cooperatives in Katuba constituency. Hon. Nkulukusa said the grants target youth and women-led cooperatives to address financial barriers and improve economic opportunities.  “President Hakainde Hichilema deliberately introduced these grants to empower youth and women,” he said. He urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly to transform their economic status and communities, while apologizing for the delayed disbursement. Chibombo Town Council Secretary, Grace Kanyata, speaking through Denny Sichula, the District Agriculture Coordinating Officer, called for accountability in using the funds. Katuba CDF Committee Chairperson, Kennedy ...

Zambia’s capital markets record strong growth in Q2, but fraudulent schemes targeting investors are on the rise. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24. 19, 2025 – Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chief Executive Officer Phillip K. Chitalu says Zambia’s capital markets recorded strong growth in the second quarter of 2025, posting major gains in market capitalisation, investor participation, and collective investment schemes, while warning of rising fraudulent schemes targeting the public. Chitalu told journalists in Lusaka that market capitalisation grew by 15% to K296.2 billion, pushing the Market Capitalisation-to-GDP ratio to 53.1%.  The figure already exceeds the 2027 Capital Markets Master Plan target of 30%, bringing total savings in the market to K304.4 billion, or 55% of GDP. He, however, cautioned that the market remains heavily concentrated in Shoprite Plc, which accounts for more than 60% of Zambia’s equity market.  “Excluding Shoprite, the market capitalisat...

Students demonstrate superior knowledge and teamwork to clinch the top prize at the event. Lusaka, August 17, 2025 – Students from Texila American University Zambia (TAUZ) were crowned champions at the Zambia National Medical Quiz held yesterday at the University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus, in a competition that tested medical knowledge, teamwork, and quick thinking. The quiz, organized by the National Medical Quiz in partnership with 1 Day Africa, attracted top medical students from some of the country’s leading institutions, including Cavendish University, University of Zambia (UNZA), Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Apex University, Mulungushi University, and Eden University.  Over several challenging rounds, TAUZ students consistently outperformed their peers to secure the coveted first-place title. Dr. Paul Chibwe, President of the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) and Guest of Honour at the event, commended all participating universities for nurturing the next ge...

Federation says new limits on drugs and lab tests make adequate treatment harder, demands fair play By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia, (18 August 2025) - The Health Care Federation of Zambia (HFZ) has raised concerns over delayed payments and tariff challenges under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), warning that the situation threatens the survival of private health facilities. HFZ President Dr. Desai Shaileni said the private sector has played a critical role in delivering healthcare since being accredited under the scheme in 2021, but operational difficulties have made service delivery increasingly unsustainable. “Since the roll-out of NHIS to private facilities, citizens have benefited immensely, with hundreds of thousands accessing quality healthcare outside public institutions. Our members have diligently served the people of Zambia despite several impediments,” Dr. Shaileni said. He explained that NHIMA, created in 2018 to manage the scheme, committed to paying healt...

Muvombo Warns Against CBPP Threat to Animal and Human Safety By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia – 18 August 2025 The Muvombo Development Initiative (MDI) has backed the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s controversial decision to slaughter 70 cattle in Kalomo District, warning that failure to enforce animal health laws could expose both animals and humans to catastrophic risks. Addressing journalists in Lusaka, MDI Managing Director Winter Muvombo said the destruction of the cattle—though painful for farmers—was unavoidable under the Animal Health Act because the animals were illegally moved from a quarantined CBPP-infected zone in Moomba, Kazungula. “We cannot allow emotions to cloud the bigger national interest. CBPP is a deadly disease, and once it spreads, it can wipe out entire herds and destabilize rural economies. Protecting the national herd also means protecting human survival, food security, and public health,” Muvombo stressed. CBPP: A Silent but Deadly Threat CB...

PF leader endorses Mukobela for Matero, praising his commitment to results and service over self-interest. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 – 16 August 2025 – Patriotic Front (PF) President Robert Chabinga publicly endorsed United Party for National Development (UPND) Matero hopeful Evans Mukobela at Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday morning. Chabinga described Mukobela as a leader who “embodies integrity, vision, and dedication to the people of Matero,” adding that his decision was based on Mukobela’s record of service and community development. “I have followed Evans Mukobela’s work closely,” Chabinga said. “He prioritizes the needs of the people over party politics. His initiatives in education, healthcare, and local economic development have already made a difference. Matero needs leaders who deliver results, not just promises.” Chabinga added, “Leadership should transcend party lines. Evans has shown the ability to unite people and mobilize them for development. That is why...

 Secretary to the Cabinet makes an unannounced visit, exposing gaps in communication and workflow while putting daily operations to the ultimate test. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ The Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, today made a surprise visit to the Ministry of Lands to assess the implementation of its service charter, a key public service tool designed to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability by outlining the standards of service citizens should expect and reinforcing government institutions’ commitment to delivering timely and quality services. Speaking during a high-level coordination meeting, Kangwa acknowledged the efforts of ministries in preparing comprehensive service delivery documents but expressed concern that many of these remain unused.  “We have done a very good job in consultations and producing documents, but these often end up on the shelf. We have come here to get them out, put them on display, and ensure that the systems function so that...

Kabuswe says, Capital investment and reforms is lifting Zambia’s mining fortunes. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -  (14 August 2025) - The Zambian mining sector continues to register strong growth, with Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) achieving an extraordinary 4,000% surge in output over the past year despite obstacles such as declining ore grades and energy limitations—a performance that Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe says demonstrates the industry’s resilience, robust overall production, and promising long-term outlook. Addressing journalists, Kabuswe stressed that the sector remains on an upward path even though several mines have yet to reach optimal output levels.  “The issue is not that production has collapsed. We simply have not attained the peak of our capacity. Once these mines operate at full potential, we will witness even greater expansion,” he said. Copper Output Surges According to Kabuswe, the Total copper production in Q2 2025...

ZCSA and TBZ join forces to enhance compliance, protect consumers, and ensure sustainable industry growth By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — August 13, 2025 — The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), an enforcer of compulsory standards, and the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ), a statutory body overseeing the tobacco industry, are moving to strengthen regulatory oversight in the country’s tobacco sector through a strategic collaboration on areas of shared interest. According to Onishias Maamba, ZCSA’s Public Relations Officer, the partnership is designed to strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance compliance, protect consumers, uphold public health, and ensure the integrity and competitiveness of the tobacco sector. “The collaboration will focus on sharing critical information, implementing joint capacity-building programs, and harmonizing policies to identify and enforce mandatory standards in tobacco production, processing, and marketing,” Maamba explained. Possible key are...

Bank of Zambia maintains MPR at 14.5% amid positive economic trends By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — August 13, 2025 — The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has maintained its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14.5 percent following the August 11-12 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, citing declining inflation, a stronger domestic currency, improved foreign exchange and credit conditions, and stronger economic activity. Governor Danny Kalyalya said inflation had fallen from 16.5 percent in March to 14.1 percent in June, and further to 13.0 percent in July, driven by improved maize supply, lower fuel prices, and the appreciation of the Kwacha against major currencies. He explained, “The declining trend is expected to continue over the next eight quarters, with inflation projected to enter the 6-8 percent target band by the first quarter of 2026, earlier than previously projected.” While welcoming the progress, Kalyalya noted that inflation remains above the target range. He added, “At the c...

Bank of Zambia maintains MPR at 14.5% amid positive economic trends By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24— August 13, 2025 — The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has maintained its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14.5 percent following the August 11-12 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, citing declining inflation, a stronger domestic currency, improved foreign exchange and credit conditions, and stronger economic activity. Governor Danny Kalyalya said inflation had fallen from 16.5 percent in March to 14.1 percent in June, and further to 13.0 percent in July, driven by improved maize supply, lower fuel prices, and the appreciation of the Kwacha against major currencies. He explained, “The declining trend is expected to continue over the next eight quarters, with inflation projected to enter the 6-8 percent target band by the first quarter of 2026, earlier than previously projected.” While welcoming the progress, Kalyalya noted that inflation remains above the target range. He added, “At the cu...

Building a brighter future for children in Chilanga’s growing communities. By Francis Maingaila Chilanga, Zambia — August 12, 2025 — The Wonderful Group of Companies, in partnership with the Zambia National Service (ZNS), today broke ground for the construction of the Safari Secondary School in Chilanga.  This landmark project marks a major step toward expanding access to quality, free education for the children of ZNS personnel as well as those from the rapidly growing surrounding community, promising to transform educational opportunities in the area. The event, attended by senior government officials, community members, and numerous schoolchildren, marked a significant milestone in Zambia’s ongoing effort to expand access to quality education. Defense Minister Ambrose Lufuma, who officiated the ceremony, applauded the Wonderful Group for its unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development. He said the company’s impressive portfolio of projects ...

As United Capital Fertilizers Commissions Ammonia and Urea Plant Test Run By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia – (August 12, 2025) – Zambia is on the verge of achieving complete self-sufficiency in fertilizer production, following the commissioning of the test run for United Capital Fertilizers’ new ammonia and urea plant — a facility expected to transform the country’s agricultural capacity and strengthen its position as a regional food supplier. The ceremony, held Tuesday at the company’s state-of-the-art plant, drew senior government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from the media.  Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Siakalenga Siazonga officiated, hailing the development as a critical step in Zambia’s industrialisation agenda. “This is industrialisation at the highest level,” Siakazonga said. “By December 2025, when this plant is fully commissioned, Zambia will no longer spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually importing fertilizers. This investment will...

Phiri says Zambia and Malawi is Freeing agricultural trade from costly and repetitive inspections. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (11-08-2025) - Zambia and Malawi have signed a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) designed to dismantle agricultural trade barriers, harmonize regulatory standards, and expand market access between the two nations. Facilitated by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the agreement commits both countries to mutually accept each other’s inspection and certification protocols for plant products. This framework is expected to reduce redundant procedures, lower trade costs, and minimize delays at border crossings. Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri described the pact as a “significant milestone” for regional integration with strong potential to accelerate agricultural exports and stimulate economic growth. He emphasized that the objective is to facilitate smoother trade by eliminating obstacles rather...

Kabeta urges chiefs to Lower charges to boost exploration and job creation By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (August 9, 2025) – The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has appealed to traditional leaders to reduce consent charges for mineral exploration in their chiefdoms, warning that high fees are discouraging investment and slowing down potential development. The call was made by Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta during a meeting with Planet Gold Zambia, according to a statement issued by Shamwinda Tembo, the Ministry’s Principal Public Relations Officer. Dr. Kabeta said chiefs are crucial partners in attracting credible mining ventures but cautioned that excessive demands often delay exploration projects and reduce the benefits communities could gain from responsible mining.  “Traditional leaders are key to attracting investment, but unreasonable financial demands hinder exploration and delay progress,” Dr. Kabeta said in the statement. “We must work tog...