"The GOAT Media Centre"

Banda stresses collaboration and shared responsibility as crucial for national unit, progress and fair governance. By Francis Maingaila  ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 - (October 1, 2025) – Opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has called on political leaders to urgently address national divisions, engage in meaningful dialogue, and unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2026 elections.  The party warned that continued disunity threatens Zambia’s democracy, undermines accountability, and compromises the ability of political actors to act as an effective check on government power. Chifumo Banda, the party president, told journalists at a media briefing that Zambia faces a serious crisis of trust and cohesion. He said the country has lost the unity, mutual respect, and sense of shared responsibility necessary for effective governance.  Political leaders, he emphasized, must rise above partisan interests and work collaboratively to restore nation...

Key weaknesses include energy, MSME financing, and lack of financial inclusion measures By Francis Maingaila Lusaka,  Zambia24  - (Oct. 1, 2025) — The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) has warned that while the 2026 National Budget is ambitious, it falls short in tackling critical structural weaknesses in energy, financial inclusion, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Speaking at a media briefing at the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) in Lusaka, EAZ President Dr. Oswald Mungule said the association recommends integrating GDP and national income into budget planning, developing a national balance sheet, diversifying the energy mix, expanding mobile money infrastructure, and lowering transaction costs for low-income users. “The 2026 National Budget is a commendable effort, but it must evolve,” Dr. Mungule said.  “It must confront the energy crisis, empower underserved communities, and catalyze private sector growth.” Dr. Mungule...