"The GOAT Media Centre"

The transparency watchdog urges Hichilema to advocates for openness, credible elections, and active citizen participation. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  - (11 September 2025) – Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to use Friday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to announce clear, time-bound measures that respond to Zambia’s deepening governance, economic, and electoral challenges. Zanji Sinkala, TI-Z Communications Officer, said citizens and civil society want more than assurances.  “People expect practical commitments that directly tackle Zambia’s most pressing problems,” she said. She urged the President to withdraw Bill No. 7 and initiate an inclusive, transparent reform process that reflects national consensus. Sinkala also pressed for swift enactment of the revised Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act and full rollout of the National Anti-Corruption Policy to strengthen institutions and curb graft. On leaders...

Rev. Lungu Slams Sumaili’s Attacks on Hichilema as an Insult to Children who are beneficiaries of Free Education By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (10-09-2025) - Evangelical Youth Alliance International (EYI) President Moses Lungu has strongly criticized former Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Reverend Godfridah Sumaili, accusing her of misleading the public, insulting Zambians, and misrepresenting the church in her recent remarks against President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Mr. Lungu said Rev. Sumaili’s views were personal and did not represent the position of the wider church.  He described her comments as “misleading” and “an insult” to millions of Zambians who are benefitting from government policies. Mr. Lungu defended the free education policy, saying it had transformed lives and opened opportunities for children across the country. “Reverend Godfridah Sumaili’s statements are not just mislea...

... ZCSA is set to begin the Enforcement of New Standards from October 1 By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) will begin enforcing 41 new compulsory standards on October 1, 2025, in a landmark step aimed at strengthening consumer safety, safeguarding public health, and protecting the environment. ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said the new standards will significantly expand the Agency’s regulatory oversight, which has so far been limited to 61 products — a figure he described as inadequate given the growing volume and complexity of goods on the Zambian market. “The introduction of these 41 new standards will allow us to address gaps in market surveillance and ensure that only safe, quality, and environmentally friendly products reach consumers,” Mr. Chizinga said yesterday when he opened a training workshop for inspectors in Lusaka. The products now falling under regulation include solar equipment, food and packaging materials,...

Wonderful Group marks 15 years with landmark fertiliser project and industry support. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (8 September 2025) The Wonderful Group of Companies has contributed K500,000 to the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) to support this year’s Manufacturing Month, underlining its influence in Zambia’s industrialisation and regional integration efforts. The cheque was handed over at the group’s Lusaka headquarters by Acting Chief Executive Officer Roy Mwamba, alongside Board Chairperson Gilbert Temba and Yauchi Wang, who highlighted that the sponsorship reflected the company’s enduring commitment to the manufacturing sector, regional trade, and national economic growth. “Manufacturing is at the core of what we do. Zambia’s economic progress, and indeed the region’s, depends on a strong industrial base. Our sponsorship underscores our dedication to driving growth in this sector,” Mwamba said. The donation coincides with the group’s 15th anniversary, celebra...

Zambia’s K500K Engineering Fund Launched to Support Projects in Research, Industrial Growth, and Sustainable Development Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – 5 September 2025 – The Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) has unveiled a K500,000 Engineering Fund to help engineers, students, and professionals convert innovative concepts into practical solutions that strengthen research, boost industrial growth, and advance sustainable development. The Fund is intended to unlock Zambia’s engineering potential to address national challenges, encourage entrepreneurship, and create jobs. EIZ President Wesley Kaluba said the initiative comes at a crucial time for the country.  “Engineering drives progress—from roads and bridges that connect communities to technologies that power industries. This Fund gives engineers the means to bring their ideas to life,” Kaluba said. He noted that the support would cover sectors such as energy, water, sanitation, climate adaptation, and industrial effic...

Convictions of former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji and ex-Treasury Secretary Fredson Yamba underscore Zambia’s resolve to hold senior officials accountable for embezzlement and misuse of public funds. By Francis Maingaila  ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 - (5 September 2025) - The convictions of former Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji and ex-Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba mark a significant milestone in Zambia’s fight against high-level financial crimes, sending a clear message that no public officer is above the law. Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Director General Nason Banda told journalists at a briefing in Lusaka this morning that the prosecutions were the result of “diligent internal, regional, and international collaboration.”  He emphasized that investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of uncovering additional high-ranking officials linked to the case. Joseph Malanji was found guilty on seven counts, including embezzlement of over US$1...

Families urged to watch for symptoms and seek timely care Lusaka, Zambia24, (September 4, 2025) — Texila American University Zambia has called for stronger public vigilance on childhood cancers, warning that many children’s lives are being lost due to late detection. Dr. Amit Singh, Dean of the School of Medicine, said September — recognized globally as Leukemia, Lymphoma and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — should be used to intensify education and awareness efforts.  He stressed that cancers such as retinoblastoma (cancer of the eyes), Wilms tumor (cancer of the kidneys), leukemia (cancer of the blood) and lymphomas are among the most common in children, but can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. “Awareness gives us the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Singh said.  “If families and communities recognize the warning signs early and seek medical attention, we can significantly improve survival rates.” He explained that childhood cancers often pres...

Situmbeko says the two diplomas introduced Courses are all approved by TEVETA and supported by government By Francis Maingaila Lusaka,  Zambia24, Sept. 4, 2025 – The National Council for Construction (NCC) has launched Zambia’s first-ever diploma programmes in Highway Engineering and Building Construction Works Monitoring and Management to address the country’s persistent skills gap in the construction sector. Unveiled in Lusaka with support from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, the programmes are designed to produce diploma-level technicians and supervisors—the “missing middle” between engineers and artisans—whose absence has long undermined project quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary Prof. Albert Malama, Mr. Denis Simpwizi said the courses mark a turning point in workforce development. “For far too long, our construction sector has lacked site supervisors, quality assurance technicians, and building ...

Africa’s first national simulation framework positions Zambia as a regional health security leader By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia – September 4, 2025 – Zambia has officially launched Africa’s first National Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) Framework, a landmark initiative designed to enhance the country’s readiness and response to public health emergencies and other crises. The framework, developed under the leadership of the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) with support from national and international partners—including the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, US CDC, FAO, and the UK Health Security Agency—establishes a structured mechanism for testing health systems before outbreaks occur. Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of Health, ZNPHI Director-General Prof. Chilengi described the launch as a “historic moment” for Zambia and the region. He noted that past epidemics—such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, COVID-19, as well as recurrent cholera and measles ou...

Chipoka says the EELA project will promote energy efficiency, sustainable industrialization, and job creation across all provinces, supporting low-carbon growth and Zambia’s long-term development goals. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (03-09-2025) - Zambia has launched the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) Zambia Country Window Project, a strategic initiative aimed at promoting industrial growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. Zambia has faced persistent energy challenges over the past decade, with frequent power deficits affecting households, industries, and essential services.  The country relies heavily on hydroelectric power, making it vulnerable to climate variability and drought. These energy constraints have contributed to reduced industrial productivity, increased production costs, and slow economic growth.  The EELA project emerges against this backdrop, aiming to optimize energy use, reduce reliance on co...

Economic and operational challenges at FRA threaten the livelihoods of Zambia’s maize producers. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (3-09-2025) -  Small-scale farmers across Zambia are facing severe delays in maize purchases, inconsistent payments, and shortages of grain bags, prompting the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) to call for urgent reforms of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai told journalists in a statement that while President Hakainde Hichilema issued directives on August 23, 2025, to address procurement delays and grain bag shortages, “these short-term measures will not be enough unless the FRA undertakes deep institutional and operational reforms.” “The FRA is mandated to ensure national food security and provide a structured market for staple crops such as maize. Yet, its current system continues to disadvantage smallholder farmers,” Mukelabai said, citing delayed purchases, limited availability of grain ba...

Kambita defends government efforts to balance economic recovery with grassroots projects, saying that under Bally the country moved from a debt trap to development. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  - (3-09-2025) - Zambezi East Member of Parliament and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairperson, Brian Kambita, has mounted a strong defence of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government’s performance, insisting that critics who dismiss the administration’s progress are ignoring verifiable results on the ground. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday Kambita said the UPND, which came to power in 2021, inherited what he called a “crippling debt crisis” from the Patriotic Front (PF) that left the economy suffocating and service delivery in collapse.  He argued that the government’s reforms, including debt restructuring and the Public Debt Management Act, have restored financial discipline. “It is no longer a blank cheque. Borrowing is now under parl...

Kambita defends government efforts to balance economic recovery with grassroots projects, saying that under Bally the country moved from a debt trap to development. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  - (3-09-2025) - Zambezi East Member of Parliament and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairperson, Brian Kambita, has mounted a strong defence of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government’s performance, insisting that critics who dismiss the administration’s progress are ignoring verifiable results on the ground. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday Kambita said the UPND, which came to power in 2021, inherited what he called a “crippling debt crisis” from the Patriotic Front (PF) that left the economy suffocating and service delivery in collapse.  He argued that the government’s reforms, including debt restructuring and the Public Debt Management Act, have restored financial discipline. “It is no longer a blank cheque. Borrowing is now under parl...

ZCSA-ZNBC Alliance to Educate Citizens on Compulsory Standards By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (02-09-2025) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has called for stronger collaboration with the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to protect Zambians from unsafe and substandard products, safeguard the environment, and raise public awareness on the importance of compliance with compulsory standards. ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, said the partnership aims to simplify technical information and educate citizens in clear and relatable terms. He emphasized that ZNBC, as the nation’s primary broadcaster, is “a vital voice and the mirror of the nation,” capable of reaching millions of households daily through its radio and television platforms, including programmes delivered in local languages. Mr. Chizinga made the remarks during a courtesy call on ZNBC Director General, Berry Lwando, in Lusaka.  A statement later posted on the ZCSA Facebook page...

Sianjalika says the dissolution carried out with immediate effect under legal provisions. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  - (02 Sept. 2025) — The Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote, has dissolved the Board of Directors of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) with immediate effect, marking a transition in leadership at the institution responsible for extending electricity access to rural communities. According to a statement from Ministry of Energy Principal Public Relations Officer Bob Sianjalika, the dissolution was undertaken in accordance with the Rural Electrification Act No. 5 of 2023, which empowers the minister to reconstitute the board when necessary. While the ministry did not specify reasons for the move, Minister Chikote expressed appreciation for the board’s contributions during its tenure, noting their efforts in guiding the authority’s work. The REA continues to play a vital role in advancing government policy on expanding the national grid and promot...

Magistrate reschedules the case to October to give defense more time to prepare By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (1-09-2025) – The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has adjourned proceedings in the case in which Chienge Member of Parliament Given Katuta is facing a charge of allegedly threatening violence against Times of Zambia photojournalist Henry Chunza. Defense counsel Chifumu Banda SC applied for the adjournment, citing difficulties in coordinating with his junior colleagues who had been assigned to handle pre-trial sessions. He informed the court that despite repeated attempts to reach them, he received no feedback on progress made. Mr. Banda further told the court that the accused had also been unable to contact another defense lawyer. He explained that his own travel commitments had contributed to the challenge. Magistrate Idah Phiri granted the application, noting the defense’s concerns, and rescheduled the matter for mention on October 1, with hearings set for October 30 and ...

High-quality, regulated farming inputs ensure food security, promote fair trade, support economic growth, and safeguard the environment. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24  - (1-09-2025) - The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, in partnership with the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA), Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI), and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), has launched joint inspections of farming inputs under the 2025/2026 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). The flagging-off ceremony, which took place on 1st September 2025 at Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ), represents a pivotal step toward safeguarding national food security, promoting fair trade, fostering economic development, and protecting the environment. Additionally, Angelina Mukuka, Acting Permanent Secretary reading on behalf of PS Lillian Bwalya, explained that the inspections are crucial to ensuring farmers receive fertili...