"The GOAT Media Centre"

Wonderful Group Pledges K500,000 to Malaria Fundraising Golf Tournament for Malaria fight  By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (Sept. 30, 2025) — Wonderful Group has pledged K500,000 towards the forthcoming fundraising golf tournament in support of Zambia’s End Malaria Program, scheduled for October 17 at State House grounds. Board Chairperson of Wonderful Group, Gilbert Temba, confirmed the sponsorship on Monday, describing it not merely as a financial gesture but as an affirmation of the company’s responsibility to stand with the nation in the fight against malaria. “This contribution represents more than financial support. It is a reflection of our shared responsibility as a significant player in the private sector to stand with our country in the fight against this scourge,” Temba said. He emphasized that malaria continues to claim lives, particularly among women and children, while undermining productivity across all sectors of the economy. Supporting the national campaign...

Ministries and provinces to adopt electric and hybrid vehicles while building charging infrastructure to modernize government operations and save on fuel costs. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 —  (30-09-2025) - Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has instructed all ministries, provinces, and spending agencies to procure electric and hybrid vehicles. The move is designed to cut government spending on imported fuel and redirect savings to underfunded development priorities. Speaking at the Sixth Senior Public Service Management Meeting on Monday, Kangwa said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to efficient, sustainable, and accountable governance. “This is not just about vehicles. It is a forward-looking step that prioritizes efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and long-term benefits for the nation,” Kangwa said. The Cabinet Office was the first to adopt an electric vehicle, followed by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, while State House has the ...

.... Brendel advises the PF to Clean Its Own Mess  By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (19-09-2025) - The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has delivered a scathing response to the Patriotic Front (PF), warning the former ruling party to resolve its internal chaos without dragging MMD into it. MMD National Spokesperson Brendel M. Phillip said PF’s factional wars are the direct result of the same tactics it once used to destabilize other parties, particularly the MMD. “The turmoil in PF is not surprising. It is simply chickens coming home to roost,” Phillip charged. “When a party thrives on deceit and crookedness, it inevitably destroys itself.” He recalled how PF engineered a rebellion in the MMD by sponsoring a “fake convention,” creating parallel structures, and using state institutions to recognize an illegitimate faction. “They manufactured strange bodies such as so-called ‘founding fathers,’ just like the PF Elders Council today. All of it was designed to te...

 Mwanajiti Tells Africa that Freedom without responsibility will always breeds instability By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  (29-09-2025) – Human Rights Defender and Democracy Specialist Ngande Mwanajiti has warned that Africa risks instability if democratic rights are exercised without responsibility.   In his commentary Challenges of Freedom, ahead of Zambia’s 2026 general elections, Mwanajiti said the phrase “it is my democratic right” is increasingly used by some political actors, and he warned it can sometimes justify actions that critics describe as improper, potentially undermining democratic principles. Mwanajiti cautioned that rights without corresponding duties could weaken governance and constitutional integrity. “Every right carries corresponding responsibilities. No one has the authority to take life or ignore public policy in pursuit of personal or political gain,” Mwanajiti said. He observed that constitutional systems across Africa can b...

Makayi says the relaunch of Lusaka Press Club will drive unite among journalists, promote ethical reporting, and strengthen press freedom across Zambia. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Kafue, Zambia, 28 September 2025 – The Lusaka Press Club has embarked on a major revitalization effort to foster unity among journalists and media students while enhancing professionalism and defending press freedom.  Addressing participants, at the picturesque Kafue Royal Water Fronts, Lusaka Press Club President Roy Makayi highlighted the organization’s role as a welcoming, professional space for media practitioners. “This club belongs to journalists. It is a place where both seasoned professionals and students can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and grow,” Mr. Makayi said, underlining the club’s dedication to nurturing a free and independent media landscape. He emphasized that the press club goes beyond social networking; it is a center for skill development, advocacy, and promoting journalis...

Govt. expresses condolences to the bereaved family and urges public support for healthcare workers while condemning hospital disruptions. Lusaka, Zambia24  -  (28 - September 2025) – Government has expressed deep condolences to the family of a 28-year-old female patient who died at Lukulu District Hospital, while calling on the public to support healthcare workers and refrain from disruptive behavior in medical facilities. Speaking during a joint press briefing today, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, confirmed that the deceased patient, who had been living with epilepsy, was referred from Luvuzi Mini Hospital in Western Province and arrived at Lukulu District Hospital in a semi-comatose state.  "Despite tireless efforts by the medical team to resuscitate and treat her for malaria parasites, she passed away," he said. Dr. Lishimpi emphasized that the tragedy underscores the importance of early medical attention and collab...

Dr. Musokotwane Unveils K253.1 Billion 2026 National Budget to Boost Growth, Jobs, and Social Protection By Francis Maingaila ♥️  LUSAKA, Zambia24 (27 September 2024) – Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane on Friday presented the 2026 National Budget, unveiling a K253.1 billion plan designed to consolidate economic gains, create jobs, and strengthen social protection.  Dr. Musokotwane told Parliament that the budget, which represents 27 percent of the country’s GDP, carries the theme “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia.” Dr. Musokotwane emphasized that the budget will be largely funded through domestic resources. He said, “Of the total K253.1 billion, K206.5 billion, or 82 percent, will come from local revenue. Grants contribute K12.1 billion, while K34.5 billion will be raised through domestic and external borrowing.”  He noted that this approach reflects the government’s commitment to ...

Journalists from across Zambia attend ZCSA workshop to report effectively on new compulsory standards protecting public health and consumer rights By Francis Maingaila ♥️  LUSAKA, Zambia24 (26 September 2025) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) is holding a media training workshop today, designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills to accurately inform the public on product safety, consumer rights, and public health ahead of the enforcement of 41 new compulsory standards on October 1, 2025. Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said the updated regulations, introduced through Statutory Instrument No. 20 of 2025, expand ZCSA’s oversight from 61 to 102 product categories, covering solar equipment, food items, energy drinks, table wines, packaging materials, construction materials, fertilizers, and other products critical to consumer safety and market integrity. “These are not just rules; they are safeguards that protect Zambians from unsafe products, promote f...

Regulators alert public about illegal online credit providers urged to confirm licensing and avoid high-risk loans By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – September 25, 2025 – The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has cautioned the public against dealing with unlicensed online credit providers, warning that many of them are involved in predatory and fraudulent lending practices. Besnart Mwanza, Assistant Director of Communications at BoZ, said the central bank has received numerous complaints of unsuspecting borrowers being enticed into unaffordable loans that expose them to severe financial risks. “These entities engage in unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent loan practices that take advantage of borrowers,” Mwanza said in a statement. BoZ is working with other authorities to bring unlicensed providers to account, but the public is advised to avoid engaging with such entities altogether. Consumers who transact with them, Mwanza stressed, will not have access to standard protection or dispute-r...

ZESCO Implements Structured Power Management to Support Critical and Vulnerable Customers By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (25-09-2025) – ZESCO has strengthened its electricity management system to ensure a stable supply for hospitals, essential industries, industrial zones, and vulnerable communities amid fluctuations in hydro-based generation. Structured Allocation for Critical Users Boniface Siasipa, ZESCO’s technical lead, explained that hydroelectricity accounts for around 80 percent of Zambia’s power generation. Consequently, variations in water levels significantly affect electricity availability and load management. To address this, ZESCO introduced a structured allocation system that evaluates electricity needs for each location using historical consumption trends and real-time monitoring. Power is routed through designated groups based on substations and feeders, enabling control cen ters to switch circuits on or off efficiently. “Priority is given to critical custo...

Zambia Backs $5 Billion Regional Drive to Expand Clean Energy Access By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 (22 September 2025) – Zambia has pledged its full commitment to the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) programme, a $5 billion initiative led by COMESA and the World Bank to electrify 100 million people across Eastern and Southern Africa by 2030. Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, speaking at the official opening of ASCENT Week at Ciela Resort in Lusaka, described the programme as a decisive step toward addressing energy poverty and promoting sustainable development across the region.  “If we are to achieve universal energy access, we must work together to reduce the cost of clean energy technologies. Let us make clean energy not just available, but accessible,” Chikote told delegates. He highlighted that Zambia’s electricity demand has grown over 6% annually, with installed generation capacity rising from 2,400 MW in 2015 to 3,873.8 MW today...

ZIPAR Call for stronger accountability in community development funds. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  - (24 September 2025) - The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) has urged the government to base the 2026 National Budget on fiscal restraint, stronger domestic revenue mobilisation, and tighter oversight of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). ZIPAR Executive Director, Zali Bryson Chikuba, cautioned that Zambia will face heavier debt obligations in 2026 as the three-year moratorium on official repayments expires.  He estimated that debt servicing will absorb 7.7 percent of GDP and warned that election-related expenditure could almost double, rising from K651.2 million to K1.1 billion. “With the debt moratorium ending, domestic revenues must increase to above 22 percent of GDP through measures such as rationalising tax incentives, modernising VAT and excise systems, and formalising the informal sector,” Chikuba said. He stressed that maintaini...

... ZWW gears up for presidential rerun in accordance with the party rules that mandate a second round following no Majority win By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -  (22-09-2025) - The opposition Zambia We Want (ZWW) party is preparing for a rerun of its presidential election after front-runner Kapembwa Simbao failed to secure the required 50 percent plus one threshold during the party’s National Convention. In the closely contested race, Simbao received 15 votes, followed by Dr. Ernest Mwansa with 10. Former Defense Minister Richwell Siamunene scored 5, while economists Bob Sichinga and Auxiliar Buoe Ponga each received 3 votes. Speaking after the election, Muhabe Lungu, ZWW Party Secretary-General, described the process as transparent and orderly.  “The election was free and fair, and the delegates exercised their democratic right without interference,” Lungu said.  “The constitution is clear — the winner must obtain 50 percent plus one of the votes. ...

Government says the regulatory and fiscal reforms are being implemented to attract investment and ensure sustainability in Zambia’s tourism sector. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (21-09-2025)  - The government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the Tourism and Hospitality Act No. 13 of 2015, aimed at reducing business costs, simplifying licensing, and aligning Zambia’s tourism industry with global standards.  The reforms support government’s target to attract three million international visitors by 2025. Speaking at the Star Grading Awards Ceremony in Lusaka, Tourism Minister Hon. Rodney Sikumba, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Evans Muhanga, said the revised law will introduce a single-window licensing system, provide fiscal incentives, and decentralize services to make the sector more competitive. Mr. Muhanga emphasized that achieving the target of three million arrivals requires excellence across the tourism value chain — from hotels and lodg...

Trailblazer Ruth Chande Ironside Wins 2025 Women in Industry Award  for Innovation, Empowerment, and Sustainability By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (19-09-2025) – Ruth Chande Ironside, founder and CEO of Mupapa Wood Initiative, has been recognized at the 2025 Manufacturers Month Women in Industry Awards for her outstanding contributions to Zambia’s furniture manufacturing sector and environmental conservation. Ironside expressed her pride in her craft, saying, “It’s rewarding to see simple wood transformed into beautiful furniture and know it’s Zambian and created by a woman. My journey shows that with dedication, anyone can achieve their goals.” Highlighting her role as both an employer and mentor, she added, “Training young men and women in furniture-making is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. My team, my family, and especially my husband have been instrumental in this success.” Reflecting on the challenges she has faced, Ironside said, “Achieving this does ...

Muchima says the unveils $20 million state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to strengthen private healthcare and keep patients in-country for treatment By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  - (18-09-2025) - The International Hospital of Zambia (IHZ) has commissioned a suite of advanced medical equipment at Fairview Hospital, including a state-of-the-art CT scanner, marking a major step in expanding healthcare services and strengthening Zambia’s capacity to provide modern, cutting-edge care for its patients. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, IHZ Board Chairperson Shashanki Mehta said that since the acquisition of Fairview Hospital in November 2024, the institution has undertaken a comprehensive reinvestment program aimed at improving in-house medical services and reducing the need for Zambians to seek treatment abroad. He explained that the hospital has invested more than USD 20 million in upgrades since the acquisition, with approximately USD 5 million dedicated ...

Dr. Malama says COMESA programme targets electricity and clean cooking across Eastern and Southern Africa By Francis Maingaila, Lusaka, Zambia24 — (18 September 2025) - The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) says its Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) programme aims to provide electricity to 100 million people and clean cooking solutions to 20 million households across more than 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. ASCENT Project Coordinator Dr. Malama Chileshe said the initiative, which started with seed funding from the Indian government, is now expected to raise an additional 10 billion US dollars from private sector partners and financial institutions. “The ambition is significant. Connecting 100 million people to electricity and delivering clean cooking solutions requires substantial effort and coordination,” Dr. Chileshe said. He explained that a Regional Energy Access Platform has been created to help countries im...

Mukelebai says Designing Designing practical solutions that improve livelihoods and social equity is what citizens expect of government  By Francis Maingaila,  Lusaka, Zambia24 (17-09-2025)  - The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has urged the Zambian government to act swiftly to address gaps in policy implementation and social protection, warning that delays risk undermining inclusive growth, citizen trust, and poverty reduction efforts.  The call followed President Hakainde Hichilema’s address to the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, 12th September, which outlined macroeconomic stabilization and sectoral reforms but left key issues unresolved. > “High debt service obligations, combined with contractionary monetary policies that raise borrowing costs and reduce household disposable incomes, threaten inclusive growth.” – Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai, CSPR In a statement, CSPR Country Director Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai said the Presi...

  ... CRI report shows richest 10% hold over half of national income in country where the majority live below $2.15 a day, a situation leading to rising inequality and slowing per capita growth By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 (17-09-2025) — Zambia is grappling with one of the world’s highest levels of inequality, with wealth and income increasingly concentrated among a small elite while millions remain trapped in poverty, according to the 2025 Zambia Profile of the Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index). The report, presented by consultant Jo Walker at its launch in Lusaka, shows that the richest 10% of Zambians command 56% of national income, while the top 1% alone hold 35% of the country’s wealth. In contrast, the poorest 50% own only 2%. “Zambia’s inequality is among the highest globally and in sub-Saharan Africa. It is no longer just a social concern but a direct obstacle to economic growth,” Walker said. He explained that once the Gini Index surpasses 0....