"The GOAT Media Centre"

Records 2.2 Million International Arrivals in 2024, Leads Southern Africa in Business Tourism Spend, and Strengthens Sector Growth Ahead of 2025 Targets By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (29 November 2025) — The country’s tourism sector is bouncing back strongly, with international arrivals reaching 1.4 million in 2023, up from 652,000 in 2010, the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) has revealed. Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba announced on Saturday night during the opening of the 2025 Tourism Excellence Awards that a record 2.2 million international tourists visited in 2024. Speaking at the event, Minister Sikumba said growth has been propelled by expanded market outreach in India, China, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as a strengthened national Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) calendar. “As of October, we have already recorded two million international arrivals in 2025. This strong growth is a result of strategic Government interventions...

  ... Hosting the 2026 forum in Livingstone aims to boost international arrivals, showcase Zambian tourism, and create business opportunities for local operators. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (29 November 2025) -- Zambia has been selected to host the 2026 Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Africa (APTA) Global Forum in Livingstone, a move aimed at boosting international arrivals and positioning the country as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in Southern Africa. Matongo Matamwandi, Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA), said this during a joint press conference with Africa’s Eden, highlighting the partnership as part of a broader strategy to grow tourism.  “We have partnered with Africa’s Eden to host key events across Southern Africa and beyond. This year, with the Minister’s approval, we set a plan to increase international arrivals using MICE as a key strategy.  Our goal is to exceed 2 million ...

Organisation warns of shrinking space for women in politics By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (29 November 2025) -- The vacancy declared in the Chawama parliamentary seat has raised concern within the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC), which says the development highlights a growing worry about the shrinking space for women in politics. Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti announced the nullification of the seat previously held by Tasila Lungu after Members of Parliament voted in line with Article 72(2)(c) of the Constitution. NGOCC chairperson Beauty Katebe said the removal of a woman-held seat comes at a time when female representation in Parliament remains low, noting that Zambia has historically struggled to increase the number of women in elected office. She added that the circumstances leading to the vacancy have resulted in a further reduction of women in the National Assembly, deepening existing concerns over gender imbalanc...

Reduced numbers target efficiency, better engagement, accelerate progress and speed up consensus-building. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — (28 November 2025) —The government and the Oasis Forum have agreed to adopt “leaner teams” in the ongoing national dialogue process, saying the reduced numbers will ensure faster talks, improve engagement and accelerate progress toward consensus, according to resolutions announced during a joint media briefing after a closed-door meeting at State House. The two sides confirmed that the next round of discussions will take place either tomorrow or the following day, with a significantly smaller delegation intended to sharpen the focus and efficiency of the dialogue.  Both parties expressed confidence that streamlined participation will help address key governance concerns more effectively. Oasis Forum Chairperson Beauty Katebe said the decision followed extensive submissions from both parties on the need to strengthen the political playing...

Workers’ representatives call for alignment with the existing committee. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (28-11-2025) --  Five transport sector unions have welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to establish a Drivers’ Desk at State House, but also are calling for better coordination with existing structures, arguing that established committees were not consulted before the desk was created. United Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (UTDAWUZ) President Givers Moonga said the unions support the President’s decision to elevate drivers’ issues to State House but stressed that coordination with the existing Technical Working Group is essential. Moonga said the current committee—established on 11 April 2024 under the Ministry of Transport and Logistics through a presidential directive—has been actively addressing driver welfare, recruitment challenges, compliance, and sector modernisation. The group consists of sector unions and transporters. He said unio...

Subheading: Questions emerge on transparency and fairness. Lusaka, Zambia24 – (27 November 2025) — The credibility of President Hakainde Hichilema’s proposed dialogue on the constitution amendment process has been challenged, with Governance and Development Advocates (GODAZA) questioning whether the consultations will be transparent and fair. In a statement issued today, GODAZA Executive Director Elias Mulenga said uncertainty remains over who will be included in the dialogue, noting that a credible process must involve all stakeholders — both supporters and critics of the amendment effort.  He said Zambia belongs to all its citizens, and each voice deserves an equal chance to be heard. Mulenga cautioned that selective participation would undermine public confidence and risk producing outcomes that do not reflect the country’s collective interests.  He urged the President to clearly outline how the dialogue will be conducted, ensure balanced representation, and make the process open to...

ZTA says strengthened bidding and marketing efforts have secured major MICE commitments for 2026. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (27 November 2025) -- Zambia is set to host 15 global events in 2026, the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) has announced, underscoring the country’s growing presence in the international Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. ZTA Chief Executive Officer Matongo Matamwandi said the confirmed events are a result of enhanced bid strategies, improved destination marketing and stronger collaboration with tourism and hospitality partners.  He said the targeted efforts have increased Zambia’s competitiveness and visibility in regional and global MICE markets. At the same Association for Eastern and Southern Africa for Travel Agents (AESATA) mantle handover ceremony in Lusaka, Travel Agents Association of Zambia (TAAZ) Board Chairperson Hamid Malik said the AESATA conference scheduled for next year will attract about 200 travel agents...

Ministry of Health and CHAI Roll Out Tools to Improve Service Quality all the first and second health levels across the country. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 27 November 2025 The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), has launched new health charters nationwide. The initiative introduces Service Delivery Charters for Level 1 and Level 2 hospitals to enhance accountability, transparency, and the quality of healthcare. The rollout is part of broader efforts to strengthen people-centred health services across Zambia. Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Hon. Elijah Muchima, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi described the launch as a “critical milestone” in improving healthcare professionalism and performance. He directed provincial health directors, medical superintendents, and facility in-charges to display and implement the charters immediately. Dr. Lishimpi stressed that hospitals must conform to...

Capital Consulting Group Launches Inaugural Annual Fraud Risk Management Workshop in Lusaka, Uniting Government, Private Sector, and Professional Bodies to Enhance Oversight and Combat Fraud By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (27 November 2025) – Capital Consulting Group (CCG) has officially launched the country’s first-ever two-day Annual Fraud Risk Management Workshop, aimed at equipping organisations across all sectors—public and private—with the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to combat fraud and strengthen oversight. The workshop was officially opened by Mrs. Yande Mwenye, President of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA), who stressed that zero tolerance for corruption is no longer optional but a fundamental requirement for all organisations.  She urged corporate leaders to embed anti-fraud practices into the core of their operations, noting that a culture where fraud is unacceptable begins with leadership. “Management must foster a safe space for ...

... Dr. Banda says, the 2025–2030 HIV Prevention Roadmap will set multi-sector priorities, expands community-led services, and strengthens domestic financing to reduce rising HIV infections. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 27 November 2025 Zambia has unveiled its new national HIV strategy following a two-day HIV Prevention Symposium in Lusaka, where government leaders, Parliament, UN agencies, cooperating partners, civil society, and faith institutions agreed on coordinated measures to curb rising HIV infections.  The 2025–2030 HIV Prevention Roadmap, which guides the country’s multi-sector approach, was endorsed as the central framework for expanding community-led services, scaling up new technologies, and strengthening domestic financing to tackle the epidemic. “HIV prevention is the backbone of our AIDS response,” said National AIDS Council Director General Kebby Musokotwane, presenting the resolutions on behalf of all participants.  He cited the 30,000 new infections rec...

A Call to Praise Ahead of the National Day of Prayer By Francis Maingaila ♥️. Lusaka, Zambia24 October 10, 2025 — Organizers of the Judah Must Go First event have called on Zambians across all denominations to gather in unity and offer praise to God ahead of the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation scheduled for October 18. Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Bishop Billy Mfula, Chairman for the Declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation, explained that Judah Must Go First is not the same as the National Day of Prayer but a preparatory event aimed at praising God as a nation. “There’s a big difference between Judah Must Go First and the October 18 gathering,” said Bishop Mfula.  “Tomorrow’s event is a celebration — a day of joyful praise. The National Day of Prayer, on the other hand, is a solemn assembly where we humble ourselves before God, repent of our sins, and seek reconciliation as a nation. Praise and repentance both have their rightful pl...

Oasis Forum postpones planned peaceful demonstration, schedules gathering for 28th November By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (26-11-2025) — The Oasis Forum has postponed its planned Peaceful March Past against Bill 7 and will instead hold a prayer rally on 28th November 2025, following police advice and in view of a scheduled meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema. Oasis Forum Chairperson Beauty Katebe said the decision to replace the march with a prayer gathering was reached to give room for constructive engagement with the Head of State. “While all formalities for the march were in place, we have decided to hold intercession prayers at Pope Square, Lusaka (Cathedral of the Child Jesus) at 08:30 hours on 28th November 2025, even as we meet the President,” Katebe said. She added that participants are encouraged to wear black. The Forum — comprising the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), Non-Governme...

CCPC Warns Traders Against Unfair Practices Ahead of Black Friday Lusaka, Zambia – (26-11-2025) -- The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned traders to uphold fair trading practices ahead of Black Friday, citing a history of misleading promotions, defective products, and other consumer exploitation during high-traffic shopping periods. Speaking in Lusaka today, Eunice Phiri Hamahvwa, Executive Director of the CCPC, said Black Friday and other peak shopping seasons often create opportunities for some businesses to mislead consumers. “Consumers must exercise caution and practice responsible shopping by comparing prices, inquiring about warranties and guarantees, and checking refund and return policies,” Hamahvwa said.  She highlighted that many shoppers fall prey to impulse buying, which can lead to dissatisfaction and disputes once products are purchased. Hamahvwa cited previous Black Friday events where traders displayed misleading disclaimers, sold defective...

A Call to Praise Ahead of the National Day of Prayer By Francis Maingaila ♥️. Lusaka, Zambia24 October 10, 2025 — Organizers of the Judah Must Go First event have called on Zambians across all denominations to gather in unity and offer praise to God ahead of the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation scheduled for October 18. Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Bishop Billy Mfula, Chairman for the Declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation, explained that Judah Must Go First is not the same as the National Day of Prayer but a preparatory event aimed at praising God as a nation. “There’s a big difference between Judah Must Go First and the October 18 gathering,” said Bishop Mfula.  “Tomorrow’s event is a celebration — a day of joyful praise. The National Day of Prayer, on the other hand, is a solemn assembly where we humble ourselves before God, repent of our sins, and seek reconciliation as a nation. Praise and repentance both have their rightful pl...

How the ZMA is championing consumer protection, accurate measurements, and national development By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 23-11-2025) — The Zambia Metrology Agency’s intensified crackdown on under-dispensing fuel pumps, deceptive packaging, and faulty measuring instruments has become one of the most celebrated and transformative national reforms—quietly safeguarding millions of consumers and ensuring that every kwacha exchanged in the marketplace reflects true value. For years, the invisible theft of miscalibrated scales, short litres of fuel, and underweight packaged goods silently drained households, undermined traders, and chipped away at public trust. What many dismissed as “just numbers” was, in reality, a slow and harmful erosion of fairness. Today, ZMA’s resurgence is reshaping that reality, turning a once-technical institution into a champion of accountability, dignity, and economic justice. Across the country—whether in bustling markets, petrol stations, hospi...

Government says major infrastructure projects and new air routes strengthen Zambia’s aviation sector. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – 25 November 2025 The Zambian aviation sector achieved major milestones in 2025, including hosting the Single African Air Transport Market Pilot Implementation Project (SAATM PIP), expanding bilateral air service agreements, upgrading key airports, and strengthening safety and regulatory oversight, developments that are positioning the country as a regional aviation hub, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says. Speaking at the Annual Aviation Stakeholders Meeting at Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Tuesday, CAA Director General Captain Derrick Luembe said the sector’s progress reflects Zambia’s growing role in continental and global aviation. “One of our most significant milestones this year was hosting the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project in August. This demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to continental air connectivity,” Captain Luembe said.  He add...

Rev. Lungu Urge Peaceful Dialogue with President Hichilema to resolve outstanding issues  By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (25-11-2025) --- Ninety clergy and church leaders from Lusaka, Kafue, and Chongwe, together with the Evangelical Youth Alliance (EYA), have criticised the Oasis Forum and sections of the Catholic Church for calling for nationwide protests against President Hakainde Hichilema amd warned that such actions risk fuelling instability. Speaking at a press conference in Lusaka, Rev. Moses Lungu, Executive Director of EYA, read a joint statement on behalf of the clergy. He said the Church has a duty to “speak truth to power,” but this must be done in a way that promotes unity, dialogue, and national cohesion. Rev. Lungu said it is “unfair and misleading” to blame the President alone for Zambia’s challenges. He noted that many issues have deep historical roots and require collective national effort to resolve. The clergy commended President Hichilema for exten...

Rev. Lungu Urge Peaceful Dialogue with President Hichilema to resolve outstanding issues  By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (25-11-2025) --- Ninety clergy and church leaders from Lusaka, Kafue, and Chongwe, together with the Evangelical Youth Alliance (EYA), have criticised the Oasis Forum and sections of the Catholic Church for calling for nationwide protests against President Hakainde Hichilema amd warned that such actions risk fuelling instability. Speaking at a press conference in Lusaka, Rev. Moses Lungu, Executive Director of EYA, read a joint statement on behalf of the clergy. He said the Church has a duty to “speak truth to power,” but this must be done in a way that promotes unity, dialogue, and national cohesion. Rev. Lungu said it is “unfair and misleading” to blame the President alone for Zambia’s challenges. He noted that many issues have deep historical roots and require collective national effort to resolve. The clergy commended President Hichilema for exten...