"The GOAT Media Centre"

The CCMG report noted massive progress was made, but structural gaps that need to be resolved still persist By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (January 30, 2026) — The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has found that Zambia’s 2025 Mobile Mass Voter Registration Exercise recorded notable improvements but also exposed serious structural and operational gaps that could affect inclusive participation ahead of the 2026 General Election. The findings are contained in CCMG’s final voter registration observation report titled From Queue to Register, which was launched in Lusaka on Friday and presents an independent assessment of the registration process conducted across all six phases in all ten provinces. Rev. Kasungami Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Executive Rev. Allan Kasungami, speaking on behalf of CCMG Chairperson Fr. Francis Mukusa, told stakeholders that CCMG deployed trained and accredited observers throughout the entire voter registration period to independe...

Initiative completes Mwembeshi prison planting, sets two-year climate goal By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — (Thursday, January 29), 2026 — The Mupapa Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiative (MESSI) on Thursday completed the planting of at least 2,500 trees at Mwembeshi Open Air Prison, as the organisation announced an ambitious plan to plant two million trees across Zambia within the next two years in a major push to combat deforestation, restore degraded land and strengthen climate resilience. The tree-planting exercise, conducted in partnership with prison authorities and community stakeholders, forms part of MESSI’s broader environmental strategy aimed at addressing the rapid loss of forest cover while promoting rehabilitation, environmental stewardship and sustainable land use in public institutions. Speaking during the exercise, MESSI Director Ruth Chande Ironside said the Mwembeshi activity was both symbolic and practical, demonstrating how environmental res...

Preparations for ZARACON 2026 highlight investment, research, and partnerships to drive the country’s energy transition By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (28-01-2026) – Zambia is positioning itself to lead a practical, investment-driven renewable energy transition through strong partnerships, credible research, and decisive action, as preparations for the Zambia Annual Renewable Energy Conference (ZARACON) 2026 were officially launched in Lusaka Tuesday. Speaking on behalf of Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, Ministry of Energy Director Brian Mainza said Zambia’s heavy dependence on hydropower has left the country vulnerable to climate-induced shocks, particularly prolonged droughts, making energy diversification an urgent national priority. Mainza explained that the government has introduced key reforms, including tariff adjustments and the open access regime, to attract private sector participation.  He stressed that energy security could not be achieved without sustained in...

 ZAFOD says failure to implement accessibility plans weakens election credibility By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — (28-01-2026) -- Zambia risks holding the 2026 General Elections under an electoral system that remains largely inaccessible, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) has warned.  Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Accessibility Assessment, Voter Registration & Electoral Participation Report, ZAFOD Federal Director Justine Bbakali said persistent access gaps threaten the credibility of the upcoming elections. Bbakali said the report reveals a wide gap between Zambia’s legal framework—including the Constitution, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Electoral Process Act—and the reality on the ground.  He said this is especially worrying after the 2025 Constitutional Amendment, which introduced proportional representation seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, but whose operationalisation remains unclear. According to ...

Nkobeni says ZMA advances measurement accuracy, boosts compliance and licensing By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (27-01-2026) — The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has strengthened trade standards across the country, ensuring that measuring instruments are accurate, reliable, and comply with international standards, Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni said. Speaking at the end-of-year performance briefing, Nkobeni said the Agency achieved this through type approvals of measuring instruments, statutory verifications, licensing of technicians, and registration of companies. He explained that these efforts have improved industry compliance, consumer protection, fair trade, and measurement accuracy nationwide. Nkobeni also highlighted a major international milestone, with Zambia elected Vice President of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) and securing a seat on the Presidential Council of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). “This gives Zambia a stra...

Central Committee declares breakaway grouping illegal and reaffirms PF as anchor party of the Tonse Alliance By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 (26-01-2026) The Patriotic Front (PF) Central Committee has formally disowned the so-called “ECL-PF Movement,” calling its promoters masqueraders, and declared the breakaway grouping illegal, while reaffirming the PF’s position as the anchor party of the Tonse Alliance. The party also warned that members who associate with the illegal Tonse risk immediate expulsion. Acting PF President Given Lubinda told journalists at a media briefing this evening that the PF Central Committee held an urgent meeting earlier today, during which members unanimously resolved to distance the party from the purported movement and to take firm disciplinary action against anyone found associating with it. In resolutions adopted at the Central Committee meeting held on Monday, January 26, 2026, the PF said the “ECL-PF Movement” was being promoted by rogue and s...

IBA Act strengthens oversight, improves compliance, and drives better content across radio and television stations By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- 26-01-2026 Zambia’s newly enacted Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act No. 25 of 2025 is already transforming the country’s broadcasting sector. The IBA says the law strengthens oversight, improves compliance, and drives better content and operational standards across radio and television stations. IBA Board Chairperson Chikosola Chuula told journalists at a media briefing that the Act is a milestone for the sector, modernising regulation, improving efficiency, and opening opportunities for digital innovation and investment. “The new law ensures broadcasting services meet citizens’ needs while upholding transparency, inclusiveness, and high content standards,” Chuula said. “We will now develop statutory instruments to fully implement the Act.” Chuula highlighted that 2025 saw key institutional milestones, including the ...

  Military Operations Target Criminal Networks; Urban Gangs threatening Zambia’s Peace By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- 25-01-2026 Action Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has affirmed the deployment of the Zambia Army to tackle the growing threats posed by illegal mining and violent urban gangs to Zambia’s national security. AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma told Zambia24 on Sunday that Army operations should not be politicized. He warned that individuals benefiting from illegal mining across nearly ten provinces may oppose the crackdown. “The Defence Forces must carry out their constitutional duty to protect the nation’s peace and stability without interference,” Ngoma said. He also urged the Central Joint Operations Committee (CJOCs) to address the growing menace of violent urban gangs in compounds, whose actions have left citizens living in fear. Ngoma stressed that illegal mining is not just an economic crime but a direct threat to national security....

Suspended after bribery allegations by manganese firm By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (January 25, 2026) — A labour officer from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dauti Jalandi of Chitambo District, is in trouble after he was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and subsequently suspended from duty over bribery allegations involving a manganese processing company. Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Mwaka Ndawa said the suspension is an administrative measure intended to allow investigations to proceed without interference, adding that the Ministry is cooperating fully with the ACC. Jalandi is alleged to have solicited a K10,000 bribe from Chi-Metals Limited, a manganese processing plant, as an inducement to avoid possible sanctions from the Labour Commissioner’s office. The alleged incident is said to have occurred between October 1 and October 31, 2023. Ndawa reiterated the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, emphasizing i...

Retailer conducts digitised Big Birthday Bonanza under government and regulatory oversight By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia — Choppies Zambia on Thursday rewarded 40 customers with motorbikes, smartphones and light trucks after conducting the final draw of its digitised Big Birthday Bonanza promotion under the supervision of government and regulatory authorities, marking 10 years of the retailer’s operations in the country. The prize draw, held in Lusaka, was officiated by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Lillian S. Bwalya, who praised Choppies for running the promotion in a transparent, compliant and innovative manner through an electronic system designed to ensure fairness and public accountability. Ms Bwalya said Choppies’ growth over the past decade into a nationwide chain of 44 stores reflects investor confidence in Zambia’s economy. She said the retail sector plays a pivotal in providing affordable goods, creating jobs and supporting local suppl...

Focus on ensuring women with disabilities are visible, vocal, and represented in decision-making spaces. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia, 24 January 2026 — The Non-Governmental Gender Coordinating Council (NGOCC) on Thursday demanded inclusive politics during an engagement with the Zambia National Association of Women with Disabilities (ZNADWO) in Lusaka, emphasizing the need for women with disabilities to be visible, vocal, and represented in governance and leadership ahead of the 2026 General Elections. Speaking during the engagement, NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe said the initiative was aimed at confronting persistent barriers that continue to marginalise women with disabilities from political participation and decision-making spaces. “This engagement is about advancing inclusive democracy and making sure that Zambia’s political processes reflect all citizens, particularly women with disabilities who remain significantly underrepresented,” Ms Katebe said. She noted t...

Stakeholders urged to safeguard Zambia’s democratic gains By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia, 23 January 2026 — The Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR) on Thursday launched the second phase of its Electoral Dispute Resolution (EDR) programme, aimed at preventing election-related violence and strengthening democratic stability ahead of the August 2026 general elections. SAIPAR Executive Director Manenga Ndulo said the initiative, supported by the Irish Embassy in Zambia, builds on lessons from the 2021 elections and seeks to make electoral dispute systems more credible, accessible, and trusted by citizens, political parties, and candidates. “Unresolved electoral disputes remain a serious threat to democracy, often leading to violence, instability, and loss of public confidence in democratic institutions,” Ndulo said. The new phase brings together local and international partners, including the Chapter One Foundation, the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (C...

Public–private partnership delivers essential health support across Zambia By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24, 22 January 2026 The International Zinc Association (IZA), through its Zinc Saves Kids Foundation, in collaboration with Pharmanova Zambia Limited, on Tuesday donated 50,000 “Kit ya Moyo” anti-diarrhoea packs to the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Healthy Learners Programme.  The donation supports child health under the Government School Health Programme. The kits, which combine zinc and oral rehydration salts, are designed to treat and prevent diarrhoea, one of the leading causes of illness and school absenteeism among children under five in Zambia.  The initiative aims to strengthen school health services and reduce preventable child deaths. Permanent Secretary Joma Simuyi, receiving the donation on behalf of Health Minister Elijah Muchima, highlighted the ongoing public health challenge posed by diarrhoeal diseases, particularly in cholera-prone ...

Joint inspections and testing to protect farmers from substandard fertilizer and boost crop yields By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (January 22, 2026) -- The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI have moved to strengthen fertilizer oversight through joint inspections, testing, and information sharing aimed at curbing substandard products on the market. The enhanced collaboration brings together ZCSA’s mandate of enforcing compulsory standards and ZARI’s role in agricultural research and fertilizer testing to protect farmers and improve crop productivity. ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga and ZARI Director Ndashe Kapulu made the remarks in Chilanga on Wednesday when Mr. Chizinga paid a courtesy call on Dr. Kapulu. Mr. Chizinga said ZCSA, established under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, is responsible for ensuring that fertilizer sold in Zambia meets required safety and quality standards. He said wor...

KBF says party may withdraw over unresolved Constitution, membership, and election concerns By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia | January 21, 2026 Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) has warned that it may withdraw from the Tonse Alliance unless outstanding constitutional, membership, and electoral issues within the coalition are urgently resolved, warning that the current trajectory threatens fairness, transparency, and internal unity. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, ZMP leader Kelvin Bwalya Fube (KBF) said the Alliance was moving prematurely toward election preparations without first addressing fundamental structural and procedural concerns. “Proceeding with election processes before resolving these issues is premature, divisive, and undermines trust within the Alliance,” KBF said. ZMP specifically criticized resolutions arising from Alliance meetings held on January 6, 10, and 16, 2026, including the decision to remove the Patriotic Front (PF) from the Alliance while si...

Non-compliant schools face penalties for restricting uniform suppliers, CCPC warns By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (21-01-2026) - The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned Zambian schools that forcing parents and learners to buy uniforms from specific suppliers violates consumer rights, undermines fair market competition, and could lead to heavy fines. Senior Public Relations Officer Florence M. Zaza told Zambia24 that schools must respect consumer choice and cannot mandate exclusive purchases from any supplier. Ms. Zaza told Zambia24 that while schools can set standards and guidelines for uniforms, they cannot mandate exclusive purchases from the school or any designated supplier.  “Schools must avoid actions that may lead to inflated prices or compromised quality of uniforms,” she said. According to Ms. Zaza, the restriction of uniform suppliers is particularly common at the start of the academic year, often leaving parents with limited options and ...

Mukobela Responds to Overnight Rains, Aiding 23 Affected Households and Mobilizing Emergency Support By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (21-01-2026) Ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) parliamentary hopeful Evans Mukobela stepped in to assist victims and alert authorities after heavy overnight rains triggered flooding in parts of Matero Constituency, affecting at least 23 households in the Matero Hillside area. Mukobela said residents from various parts of the constituency rushed to his residence in the early hours of today to report flooding and damage to their homes following the downpour. He said he immediately visited the affected area to assess the situation on the ground and engaged relevant government offices to ensure a swift response to the unfolding disaster. “About 23 households in Matero Hillside were affected. We quickly moved in to check on them and called on the relevant offices to be on site,” Mukobela said. He urged residents in Matero and other fl...

Renewable energy projects align with government energy diversification goals By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (19-01-2026) Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC) and China-based Vision High Tech have signed a partnership agreement to expand renewable energy generation and strengthen skills development, a move that aligns with Zambia’s national goals to diversify its energy mix and promote sustainable power solutions. The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will see the rollout of phased solar power projects, starting with a 10-megawatt plant already underway, followed by a second 10-megawatt phase.  Together, these projects will provide 20 megawatts of clean energy this year, with potential expansion to 50 megawatts in the future. KGRTC Head of Projects and Consultancy, Mwaba Matimba, said the agreement strengthens the operational collaboration with Vision High Tech and positions the Centre to contribute directly to Zambia’s energy generati...