"The GOAT Media Centre"

Makayi Reaffirms Independence Ahead of August Polls By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (February 28, 2026 ) – The Lusaka Press Club (LPC) has firmly rejected allegations that it is aligned to any political entity or controlled by any individual, insisting it remains an independent professional body open to all journalists, public relations practitioners and students in Lusaka Province. Speaking during the launch of the club’s strategic plan and the unveiling of its new kit, LPC President Roy Makayi said the institution was not a private or political platform but a professional home for media practitioners. “We want to make it clear that this is not a private club, it’s not a political tool and it’s not aligned to any individual or institution,” Makayi said. “It’s a home for all of us and we’re going to make it bigger.” Makayi dismissed accusations that the club was being controlled or influenced by political actors, stating that its engagements with government institutions a...

Focus on SMEs, green finance and digital participation By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (27-02-2026) - Zambia’s capital markets recorded a historic 53 percent growth in total savings mobilised in 2025, marking what Mr. Nonde Sichilima, Director – Market Supervision and Development at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), described as a transformative year for the sector. Mr. Sichilima told journalists at the media briefing that total savings mobilised rose from K221.76 billion in 2024 to K338.43 billion in 2025, driven by strong equity market performance and rapid expansion within Collective Investment Schemes (CIS). He said total market capitalisation increased from K216 billion to K330 billion, representing 53 percent growth including Shoprite, adding that the Market Capitalisation-to-GDP ratio rose to 50 percent, surpassing the long-term Capital Markets Master Plan (CMMP) target of 33 percent. According to him, the Lusaka Securities Exchange All Share Index (LAS...

MESSI Drives Environmental Protection and Food Security Through Tree Planting and Land Use Initiatives By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 (25-02-2026) – A total of 1,123 trees were planted today at Boswell Imakando Correctional Training School in Kabwe as part of a national programme to restore degraded land, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen food security, with support from private partners such as the Mupapa Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiative (MESSI). Kabwe District Commissioner, Mr Shimwambwa, said the district is expected to benefit from 30,000 trees under the programme, supporting local reforestation and environmental sustainability efforts. Mr Shimwambwa noted that the initiative aligns with Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action and Goal 15 on life on land. “In 2025, Kabwe District established five nurseries and we have maintained the...

Ms. Anne Mbewe-Anamela says comments aired on YATU PODCAST undermine national moral standards and threaten safety of female students By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, — (25-02-2026) — The (NGOCC) has warned men against exploiting young women following remarks attributed to Mathias Musumali, describing the statements as unethical and harmful to female students. Ms. Anne Mbewe-Anamela, the NGOCC Executive Director, told Zambia24 in a statement that the organisation was deeply disturbed by a recent public confession in which Musumali allegedly advised men to target students for sexual satisfaction. She said the remarks, aired on Podcast YATU, undermine national moral standards and threaten the safety of young women. Ms. Mbewe-Anamela said the episode also featured Musumali body-shaming women and encouraging men to pursue older women for financial gain, conduct she described as unacceptable and a serious abuse of influence. She noted that the comments were made only days after President...

Nkobeni Clarifies Fuel Tanker Measurement Update Secondary Reference Tool Introduced for Cross-Border Tanker Trucks By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (24 February 2026) – Dip sticks and charts certified by the Weights and Measures Agency of Tanzania will be recognized as secondary/reference measuring instruments on tanker trucks engaged in the cross-border importation of fuel into Zambia.  The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni told Zambia24 in a statement that these tools will complement temperature-compensating bulk flow meters, which remain the primary and legally binding instruments for fuel measurement. Mr. Nkobeni said that bulk flow meters verified under the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017 will continue as the main method for determining fuel quantities at points of custody transfer in Zambia. The secondary measurement system follows the signing of a Mutual Recognition Framework Agreement (MRFA) between ZMA and the Weights and Measures Agency...

Dr. Lishimpi says Zambia has introduced 19 sickle cell units nationwide to advance and improve patient outcomes care in referral hospitals; National initiatives By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia, 24-02-2026 – Zambia has established 19 specialised sickle cell treatment units, made hydroxyurea available in public health facilities, and introduced national clinical guidelines to standardise care, marking a major step in strengthening sickle cell care nationwide. Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi – Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Ministry of Health said when he officiated at the SCD stakeholders engagement and dissemination meeting in Lusaka that these measures aim to improve survival and quality of life for patients living with sickle cell disease. He noted that 20–25 percent of Zambia’s population carries the sickle cell gene. He described status quo as a significant public health concern affecting families and communities nationwide. He commended researchers and partners for t...

Participation at continental forum aims to attract investment and partnerships. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka,  Zambia24, (23 February 2026 ) – Zambia is expanding its presence in the high-value Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector as it participates in the 20th edition of Meetings Africa from 23–25 February 2026 in South Africa. Hildah Mwape, Communication and Corporate Affairs Manager at the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA), said the country is attending with 15 co-exhibitors representing hospitality, destination management, and business events sectors. “Our aim is to turn visibility into bookings, partnerships into investments, and business events into engines of economic growth,” she said. Mwape highlighted that Zambia’s MICE revenue has increased by 67.5% over the past two years. “Business events are becoming a major contributor to our national tourism economy,” she noted. She also pointed to the country’s strong tourism performance. “In 2025, Zambia recor...

Partnership between education and commerce sectors fosters responsible consumer habits. Spot checks and awareness campaigns coincide with the 2026 Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (23-02-2026) -- The (ZCSA) and the (CCPC) have partnered with schools in Eastern Province to teach pupils about consumer safety and responsible purchasing habits. The initiative coincides with preparations for the 2026 Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony, where spot checks and awareness campaigns will be conducted. Speaking during a courtesy call on the Eastern Province Education Officer (PEO), Brianly Malambo, on Monday in Chipata, ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka urged pupils and other consumers to develop the habit of reading product labels to protect themselves from unsafe products. “Pupils should always read labels to ensure that their future is safe, informed, and empowered,” Hatyoka said. He added that labels should clearly indicate ...

Officials meet community members to discuss progress and concerns By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (22-02-2026) - Chawama residents hosted UPND leadership at Misisi Congregation on Sunday, gathering to engage with officials on ongoing development initiatives and to show confidence in the Republican President and the country’s leadership, with discussions focusing on community programmes, infrastructure improvements, and youth empowerment. UPND Acting Secretary General , the highest-ranking speaker at the gathering, highlighted the impact of government policies and modernization programmes on local communities. “Because of the good policies and modernization programmes, many people are benefiting. We are grateful to be here and to strengthen our relationship with the community,” Imenda said. She thanked residents for their continued support of the party and emphasized that their confidence could not be taken for granted. Imenda said several development programmes had ...

She pledges Transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (February 21, 2026 ) – Independent Member of Parliament for Chiengi Constituency and presidential candidate, Given Katuta Mwewa , today called on Zambians to support her reform-focused agenda at a media briefing in Lusaka. Mwewa told journalists at a media brief this morning that her campaign is centered on restoring transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance if elected in the August 13 general elections. “This movement is about independent service, not selfish interests. We are determined to empower our people and build strong institutions,” Mwewa said. Mwewa said youth development and job creation are central to her platform. She pledged to expand skills training programs, offer paid internships, and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs through citizens’ windows in banks . “We want to encourage young people to take pride in agricu...

Katebe calls for fair political space and expanded Bill of Rights; transparency, accountability key ahead of 2026 elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaks, Zambia24  -- (19-02-2026) - The (NGOCC) has demanded stronger equality measures, including a fair political environment, expansion of the Bill of Rights, and enhanced transparency and accountability ahead of the 2026 elections, as President prepares to address Parliament on national values and principles. NGOCC Board Chairperson Ms. Beauty Katebe said while progress has been made in reducing child marriage from 29 percent in 2018 to 23.9 percent in 2024, high levels of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remain a serious concern that continues to undermine women’s rights and national development. Ms. Katebe said the council expects the President to outline clear and practical interventions to protect women and girls, including strengthening shelters, improving access to healthcare and legal aid, and enhancing survivor support systems. ...

The initiative promotes youth participation in governance, entrepreneurship, arts, and sports across all provinces, giving young Zambians a structured channel to influence policies and programmes affecting their lives. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24, (19 February 2026 ) – The European Union, in partnership with the Zambian government, has launched the Youth Sounding Board , an initiative designed to strengthen youth participation in governance, entrepreneurship, arts, and sports across all provinces. The platform will give young Zambians a structured channel to influence policies and programmes affecting their lives, ensuring their voices are heard in national development decisions. Speaking at the launch, EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA, Karolina Stasiak , said the initiative was created to ensure that EU programmes are “more participatory, more relevant, and more impactful for young people.” She highlighted that Zambia’s population is overwhelmingly young, with nearly ...

Government moves to improve safety, social protection, stresses fair wages, rest periods and written contracts By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (19-02-2026) – Minister of Labour and Social Security has placed driver safety and welfare at the centre of government action. Brenda Mwika Tambatamba said during a Special Drivers Safety Workshop and the presentation of a Six-Month Road Safety Study in Lusaka that violations of labour laws will not be tolerated. She warned employers in the transport and logistics sector that failure to register drivers with statutory social security institutions or provide safe working conditions will attract enforcement measures. The Ministry has intensified inspections to tackle non-compliance, unsafe practices, and fatigue-related road accidents that threaten lives and the economy. Registration of drivers with statutory bodies is mandatory, she stressed. Employers must also provide fair wages, adequate rest periods, and written contracts det...

Stakeholders call for support to strengthen resilience and private sector growth Warehouse receipts and registration systems unlock financing opportunities By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (18-02-2026) – Zambia’s agriculture sector could soon undergo major reforms as Parliament considers three key bills aimed at strengthening market systems, improving farmer financing, and promoting private sector-led growth, stakeholders have said. The proposed Agricultural Marketing Bill, Food Reserve Bill, and Agricultural Credit and Warehouse Receipts Bill are part of the government’s 2025/2026 agricultural reform agenda, designed to modernize markets, ensure timely payments to farmers, and provide access to financing through warehouse receipt systems. Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on agricultural policy reform in Lusaka, Dr. Brian Mulenga, Executive Director of the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI), said the Agricultural Marketing Bill aims to establish clear ...

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...

Prof. Makasa says, 34 Contractors Charged, 22 Sites Closed By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (18-02-2026) – The National Council for Construction (NCC) recorded major progress in 2025, including a 6.1 percent rise in contractor registrations, 613 project inspections, revived industry engagements, and the launch of its first diploma programmes. Speaking during a performance review briefing, NCC Board Chairperson Professor Paul L.K. Makasa said the progress was driven by increased infrastructure works such as road rehabilitation, Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects, and public-private partnerships. Professor Makasa said the Council issued 14,253 contractor registration certificates in 2025, with 97 percent going to Zambian-owned contractors.  He noted that Grade 6 contractors made up 35 percent of registrations, reflecting strong participation by small and medium enterprises.  He said the increase shows improved compliance with the NCC Act No. 10 of 2020 and growing ci...

Government says process lies with South African courts By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 – (17-02-2026) – LUSAKA – The United Party for National Development (UPND) says the State cannot be blamed for delays in the burial of the former Head of State, insisting that the process lies entirely within the jurisdiction of South African courts. Addressing the media, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe said the central focus of the briefing was to clarify government’s position on the burial dispute and respond to allegations that President Hakainde Hichilema interfered in the matter. Simuuwe said the legal proceedings that followed the initial court decision in South Africa were not initiated by the Zambian government. He stated that subsequent appeals and applications were filed by representatives of the family, contributing to the delay in enforcing the court’s ruling. “The legal battle that followed the first court decision was not pursued by the State. Those processes were undertaken ...

Agencies Required to Register Under ZIM Act By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (17-02-2026) - New advertising rules have been unveiled in Zambia following the official launch of the Zambia Advertising Standards and the inauguration of the Advertising Standards Board, ushering in a mandatory compliance framework for agencies operating under the Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) Act No. 2 of 2022. The new standards establish clear ethical and professional benchmarks for advertising across traditional and digital platforms, with marketing and advertising agencies now required to register and obtain practising licences in line with the law. Speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary Lilian Bwalya at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Director of Domestic Trade and Commerce Margret Chikuba said the launch signals continued growth and professionalism within the marketing sector. She said clear, consistent and accountable standards are essential in promoting fair competition...

Smart Zambia, BRRA Sign MoU to Digitise and Streamline Business Licensing, Reduce Bureaucracy and Improve Service Delivery By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (16-06-2026) -- The Smart Zambia Institute and the Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to digitise and streamline Zambia’s business licensing system, in a move aimed at reducing bureaucracy, lowering compliance costs and improving service delivery. The agreement marks a significant step towards integrating regulatory reforms with e-government systems under the One Government approach, with both institutions committing to simplify procedures and enhance efficiency in the issuance and management of business licences. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Smart Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama said the MoU formalises a collaboration that has existed between the two institutions for some time. “This partnership may appear new to some, but in reality, the collabo...