"The GOAT Media Centre"

Siakalenge says stable policies under 8NDP attract investment and push Zambia toward one million tonnes goal By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 31-10-2025) - Zambia’s ongoing policy and institutional reforms have begun to yield positive results in the mining sector, with copper production rising steadily and the country edging closer to its long-term output goal. Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Siazongo Siakalenge, said this when he officially opened the National Development Coordinating Committee (NDCC) meeting in Lusaka on Thursday, noting that government reforms under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) have created a stable and predictable investment environment that is attracting new capital and stimulating growth in the extractive industry. He disclosed that copper production rose from 786,194 metric tonnes in 2023 to 876,076 metric tonnes in 2024, moving Zambia closer to achieving its target of one million metric tonnes per year. “Through these reforms, we hav...

Government introduces financial support for families of workers who die from workplace accidents or occupational diseases. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (30 October 2025) – The Government of Zambia has officially gazetted funeral grants to support families of workers who die as a result of workplace accidents or occupational diseases. According to Mwaka Ndawa, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Workers’ Compensation (Funeral Expenses Reimbursement) Order, 2025, under Statutory Instrument No. 69 of 2025, sets a reimbursement of 25,000 unit fees for dependents or persons who cover funeral expenses.  The legislation was enacted under Section 71(5) of the Workers’ Compensation Act No. 10 of 1999. Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP, said the measure reflects the Government’s commitment to modernizing Zambia’s social security system and ensuring no family bears the burden of workplace tragedy alo...

... Takaiza calls on the media to reshape public perception of technical and vocational education, highlighting skills training as a key driver of jobs, entrepreneurship, and national development. By Francis Maingaila  Kafue, Zambia24  --- October 30, 2025) -- The Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) has called on the media to help reshape public perception about technical and vocational education (TVET), emphasizing that skills training is not for school dropouts but a vital and dignified pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, and national development. Director General Cleophus Takaiza told journalists during a media engagement workshop in Kafue that Zambia’s future depends on how well the nation positions skills development to empower citizens. He said the government, under President Hakainde Hichilema, continues to stress that skills development forms the foundation for achieving the country’s economic transformation agenda as outlined i...

Nyirenda says TEVETA is equipping Zambian youth with technical and soft skills to meet the evolving demands of the labor market. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Kafue, Zambia24 -- (October 30, 2025) — Zambia continues to face a growing youth unemployment crisis, largely driven by a mismatch between the skills young people possess and those demanded by the labor market. Speaking during a training session for journalists at the Kafue Government Regional Training Centre (KGRTC), Christopher Nyirenda, Manager of TEVETA Funds, outlined the challenges confronting technical education and youth employment in the country. Nyirenda observed that many youths enter the workforce without the practical and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed. “Rapid technological advances in industries are not mirrored by the pace at which technical training programs are updated. This leaves young people inadequately prepared for modern workplaces,” he explained. He further noted that limited hands-on training opportu...

Kasonkamona says Curriculum reforms is aimed at aligning training with industry needs. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24, --- (October 29, 2025) — The Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) is modernising curricula for training institutions to ensure that skills development aligns with industry needs and supports Zambia’s industrial and national development goals. Speaking during a presentation on Curriculum Development in TEVET: Enhancing Skills for Industry and National Development held at the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre, TEVETA Director for Development and Research, Phyllis C. L. Kasonkamona, said the authority is committed to producing graduates equipped with practical competencies that meet labour market expectations. Ms. Kasonkamona explained that TEVETA has adopted internationally recognised curriculum models — the Develop A Curriculum (DACUM) and Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development (SCID) frameworks — t...

Kasonkamona says Curriculum reforms is aimed at aligning training with industry needs. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24, ---  (October 29, 2025) — The Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) is modernising curricula for training institutions to ensure that skills development aligns with industry needs and supports Zambia’s industrial and national development goals. Speaking during a presentation on Curriculum Development in TEVET: Enhancing Skills for Industry and National Development held at the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre, TEVETA Director for Development and Research, Phyllis C. L. Kasonkamona, said the authority is committed to producing graduates equipped with practical competencies that meet labour market expectations. Ms. Kasonkamona explained that TEVETA has adopted internationally recognised curriculum models — the Develop A Curriculum (DACUM) and Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development (SCID) frameworks — t...

Public warned against consuming unverified beverages that pose serious health risks By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (October 29, 2024) — The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has taken urgent action following the deaths of three people in Kalomo District, Southern Province, caused by the consumption of toxic, unregulated alcoholic beverages. Acting Communications and Public Relations Manager Onishias Maamba said the lethal drinks, reportedly made from methylated spirit, fertilizer, and tyre mending solution, pose severe health risks, including organ failure and death. “The public must desist from consuming unverified beverages. Only products approved and certified by ZCSA should be trusted,” Mr. Maamba warned, stressing that the Agency is working with other state institutions to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable. He further urged members of the public to report anyone involved in the illegal production or sale of dangerous beverages. ZCSA plans to i...

By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (29-10-2025) - The Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) has intensified its quality assurance measures to ensure that all training institutions in Zambia comply with established standards aimed at producing competent and industry-ready graduates. According to Rudo M. Banda of the Training Standards Division, TEVETA’s mandate is to guarantee that all institutions offering technical and vocational education maintain acceptable quality levels in their learning processes, management systems, and training environments. “Our responsibility is to ensure compliance with the set quality standards in the delivery of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training,” Banda said during a presentation on Quality Assurance in TEVET.  “This includes inspecting institutions, accrediting trainers and assessors, registering training providers, and advising institutions on regulatory compliance.” Banda emphasized th...

ZABS, Chinese Market Regulator Sign MoU to Boost Standards and Trade Cooperation By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (28-10-2025) -- The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of the People’s Republic of China have forged a strategic alliance to strengthen cooperation in standardisation and quality assurance.  The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry in Lusaka. According to Lupiya Mazunda, Senior Communications Officer at ZABS, the MoU provides a framework for collaboration in developing and harmonising international standards across key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.  He said the agreement will also facilitate the exchange of technical information, joint research, professional training, and study visits to build capacity in standardisation. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Muleng...

Zambia–Czech Technology and Innovation Forum Drives Industrial Growth, Job Creation, and Digital Transformation By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – 27 October 2025 – The Zambia–Czech Technology and Innovation Forum is taking place in Lusaka today, bringing together government officials, innovators, business leaders, and technology experts from both countries to explore practical cooperation in science, technology, and industrial development. The forum aims to forge partnerships that promote local manufacturing, job creation, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth, positioning Zambia as a hub for knowledge-driven industries in Southern Africa. The high-level event, jointly organized by Afripoli, the Ministry of Technology and Science, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Lusaka, focuses on energy solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), satellite and drone technology, cybersecurity, and innovation-driven enterprises. It highl...

Calls for Transparency in Voter Registration Process By Francis Maingaila Lusaka , Zambia24 27 October 2025 – The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has faulted the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for delays in accrediting observers and lapses in transparency during the first two phases of the 2025 mobile voter registration exercise. In a statement issued by Peter Mwanangombe, CCMG Programs Director, the organization said logistical setbacks, delayed accreditation, and poor coordination during the early stages of the voter registration process undermined transparency and public confidence in the electoral process. Mwanangombe said despite CCMG’s readiness to observe all six phases of the voter registration exercise, the ECZ’s failure to issue timely accreditation to observers hindered full participation in Phase I and delayed monitoring efforts across several districts. He described the situation as a step backward in the transparency of Zambia’s electoral processes. Accor...

Lungu says the Dialogue focused on transparency and voter registration ahead of 2026 polls. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (October 25, 2025) -- Leaders from the United Opposition Front (UOF) have met with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to discuss concerns surrounding voter registration and other electoral matters ahead of the 2026 general election. The meeting, held at the ECZ Headquarters in Lusaka, brought together opposition parties including The Zambia We Want, the Socialist Party, and the United Liberal Party among others. It was chaired by the ECZ Chairperson and attended by senior officials from the Commission. Speaking shortly after the meeting, Muhabi Lungu, Secretary General of The Zambia We Want, said the engagement was constructive and aimed at promoting transparency and mutual trust between the Commission and political parties.  “We met with the ECZ to share our concerns, particularly on voter registration, and to discuss how we can ensure the process ...

The new partnership will showcase Zambia’s iconic attractions, including Victoria Falls and national parks, to millions of travellers worldwide. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambua24  -- (25th October 2025) -- The Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Expedia, one of the world’s leading online travel platforms, to promote Zambia globally through a six-month tourism campaign aimed at positioning the country as a top international travel destination and achieving three million tourist arrivals by 2026. Unveiled in Lusaka, the campaign seeks to leverage Expedia’s massive global reach and advanced digital marketing tools to highlight Zambia’s most iconic attractions — including Victoria Falls, the country’s national parks, Samfya Beach, and its rich cultural heritage. According to ZTA Manager for Communications and Corporate Affairs, Hildah Mwape, the collaboration marks a major milestone in Zambia’s tourism marketing strategy, offering unprecedented...

Zambia’s hard-won independence could be weakened by unethical governance and resource abuse. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, 24th October 2025 – Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has warned that Zambia’s hard-won freedom and independence are being undermined by corruption, even as the nation marks its 61st Independence Anniversary under the theme “61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia.” Speaking on behalf of the organization, Maurice Nyambe, Executive Director of TI-Z, said the country’s achievements are fragile if leaders and citizens fail to uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability.  “Zambia’s stability and progress have been earned through courage and sacrifice. Yet corruption erodes public trust, diverts resources, and weakens the foundations of our democracy,” Nyambe said. He urged all stakeholders—from government officials to civil society and the private sector—to actively safeguard public resources.  “Leadership must be exerci...

By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (October 24, 2025)  -- The National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia (NUPPEZ) has described teachers as the “unsung heroes” of Zambia’s development, urging citizens to recognise their contribution to the nation’s progress since independence. NUPPEZ Executive President Victor Muyumba said teachers have been central in transforming Zambia from a largely illiterate society into one driven by knowledge and innovation. Muyumba noted that Zambia’s founding father and first Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, was himself a teacher whose background in education shaped his vision for a united and educated nation. “Dr. Kaunda’s vision laid the foundation for education as the cornerstone of national development. Every child who learns to read, reason, and respect others brings us closer to the Zambia our founding fathers envisioned — a nation of equality, dignity, and opportunity for all,” he said. He added that the best way to honour f...

Installation of communal taps and sanitation facilities marks a turning point for Kanyama. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24, (October 23, 2025) – Residents of Kanyama are celebrating a fresh start as the government transforms their township through a series of Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-financed projects that have significantly improved access to clean water, sanitation, and public infrastructure. The installation of six new communal taps, along with the construction of garbage bays and a community hall, marks a turning point for the township—bringing convenience, improved health, and a strengthened sense of community to its residents. The projects, officially commissioned this week, include six communal water kiosks valued at K598,396, and two garbage bays at Misisi Market and Michael Chilufya Sata Market, costing K180,000 and K167,580 respectively. A newly constructed community hall was also handed over to residents to serve as a hub for civic engagement, leadership ...

ZCSA Urges Consumers to Check Product Information to Avoid Health Risks, as Over K20,000 Worth of Unsafe Products Removed from the Market Under ZCSA Enforcement By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (October 22, 2025) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has urged consumers to “read labels and stay safe” by carefully checking product information before making purchases, emphasizing that awareness is key to protecting public health. This call comes as the Agency seized over K20,000 worth of banned used undergarments in Lusaka and Monze during intensified enforcement exercises aimed at curbing the sale of unsafe products. According to ZCSA Public Relations Officer Onishias Maamba, the confiscated items violated Zambian Standard (ZS 559), which prohibits the sale of used undergarments due to their potential to cause serious health problems. He said ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga warned that used undergarments could lead to skin rashes, fungal infections, and ev...

UNZALARU Warns of Financial Crisis, Risking Infrastructure, Student Services, and Academic Continuity By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (October 22, 2025) — The University of Zambia (UNZA) is facing a deepening financial crisis that threatens its operations, with unpaid salaries, delayed pension benefits, mounting debt, and new management costs pushing the institution toward potential collapse, the University of Zambia Lecturers’ and Researchers’ Union (UNZALARU) has warned. UNZALARU President Professor Andrew Phiri told journalists in Lusaka that chronic underfunding, poor governance, and delayed tuition payments have placed severe pressure on the country’s largest public university, undermining infrastructure, student services, and academic performance. “The University is in a financial ICU,” he said, warning that without urgent intervention, UNZA’s vital role in training Zambia’s workforce and driving innovation could be lost. According to Professor Phiri, UNZA owes its curren...

Zambia Metrology Agency CEO appointed to CIML Presidential Council, strengthening Zambia’s leadership in international measurement standards By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – 21 October 2025 – Zambia has reinforced its global presence following the appointment of Mr. Humphrey Nkobeni, Executive Director and CEO of the Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA), to the Presidential Council of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML). CIML President Dr. Bobjoseph Mathew confirmed the appointment.  Nkobeni joins a select group of experts who advise on global metrology policies, strategy, finance, and coordination.  He will serve a three-year renewable term. In this role, he will influence decisions that set measurement standards vital for fair trade and industrial development. ZMA Board Chairperson Mr. Musamala J. Nyirongo described the appointment as “a proud moment for Zambia and Africa.” He said it positions the country as a key partner in global metrology governance.  “This recogn...

Maize donation expected to reach 188,000 people in eight hardest-hit districts. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (20-10-2025) - The Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated US$3.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support households affected by severe drought in Zambia. The aid will target communities in 18 districts across Southern and Western Provinces and is primarily intended for the procurement of 5,641 metric tonnes of maize.  The maize is expected to reach 188,000 individuals, representing approximately 37,000 households in eight of the most drought-affected districts, including Mwandi, Lukulu, Sioma, and Sesheke.  The three-month food supply aims to sustain the most vulnerable households during the peak of the hunger season. The handover ceremony in Lusaka was attended by Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, Minister of Agriculture Sylvia Masebo representing Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Han Jing, WFP Representative ...

Projections indicate the currency will trade within a narrow range. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -  (October 18, 2025) — The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has observed that the Zambian Kwacha, supported by strong global copper and cobalt prices, steady mining inflows, and stable domestic economic conditions, is expected to maintain a relatively stable performance against the US dollar in the coming weeks. Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai, Executive Director of CSPR, told Zambia24 that the strong performance of the Kwacha is encouraging and should be sustained to ensure affordability of goods and services for most Zambians.  She explained that the currency’s recent gains help ease the cost of living and reduce exchange rate risk on Zambia’s external debt. CSPR noted that while speculative trading could create short-term volatility, inflows from the mining sector—particularly USD-denominated tax payments and supplier settlements—are expected to stabilize the currency. ...