"The GOAT Media Centre"

MDI-led delegation secures US$3.5 billion investment interest across energy, EVs, agriculture and industrial development By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (June 30, 2026 ) — The Muvombo Development Initiative (MDI) has wooed Chinese investment expected to inject approximately US$3.5 billion into Zambia’s economy following a high-level investment mission to China focused on energy, industrialisation, agriculture, and transport infrastructure MDI Director Wìnter Muvombo said the delegation’s visit to China generated strong investor interest across multiple sectors, with Chinese companies expressing readiness to partner on large-scale development projects. He said the engagements, which involved discussions with factories and investment groups, resulted in preliminary agreements covering at least eight major investment areas. He stated that the delegation presented Zambia’s development opportunities in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and industrial expansion in a way...

Urge voters to judge national development through evidence, accountability and measurable service delivery By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka , Zambia24 --- (30-06-2026)  — Zambia is experiencing noticeable progress in decentralised development and public service delivery, but this progress must be evaluated carefully, using evidence, accountability, and balanced political comparison rather than rhetoric or speculation. Students from the country’s higher learning institutions collectively, severally, and individually told journalists at a media briefing in Lusaka that national development debates must be grounded in verifiable results, while also allowing fair scrutiny of both past and current administrations. ZCAS University Students’ Union President and NACOSU spokesperson said the country is witnessing what he described as “clear and observable outcomes” of decentralised development, driven mainly through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and education reforms such as free edu...

COMESA and IOM push to channel remittances into investment, jobs, and trade corridor development across Eastern and Southern Africa By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — (22 June 2026 ) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), has intensified efforts to mobilise diaspora investment as a driver of economic growth, industrialisation, and regional trade integration. The initiative was advanced during a three-day Diaspora Investment Workshop under the theme “Unlocking Corridor Investment Opportunities,” which brought together diaspora investors, government officials, financial institutions, development partners, and regional organisations. Discussions focused on practical ways to channel diaspora remittances into productive investments, strengthen investment facilitation frameworks, and improve financial inclusion across COMESA Member States. Participants noted that while remittances re...

Five-year AIPAC assessment praises reforms but flags governance, accountability and inclusion gaps By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (June 29, 2026 ) — The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) says the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration has made notable progress in key reforms over five years but continues to face governance and accountability challenges. In a statement signed by AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma and Board Chairperson Likando Kalaluka SC, the think tank observed that Zambia had recorded significant gains in social protection, education, health, debt restructuring and economic stability. Ngoma and Kalaluka said the Social Cash Transfer programme had expanded from about 880,000 households in 2021 to over 1.5 million households, now reaching approximately 7.4 million people. This expansion, according to the statement, has helped reduce poverty and support vulnerable families across the country. The increased Constit...

Hikaumba warns that drawing down reserves could weaken the kwacha, raise inflation, and undermine Zambia’s long-term economic resilience By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (29-06-2026) — Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Vice President Leonard Hikaumba has cautioned that proposals to use Zambia’s international foreign exchange reserves to ease the cost of living could put the country’s economic stability at risk. Hikaumba was responding to recent remarks attributed to presidential candidate BrianMundubile, who has suggested that government consider utilising foreign reserves as a short-term response to rising living costs. Hikaumba said foreign reserves are a critical safeguard for the economy, supporting the importation of essential goods such as fuel, medicines, fertilizer, and industrial inputs. He warned that drawing down the reserves could weaken the kwacha, triggering currency depreciation and increasing the cost of imported goods, which could worsen inflationary p...

Hichilema says Zambia’s recovery is underway as he seeks renewed mandate to complete economic transformation, while UPND Alliance leaders rally behind his re-election bid ahead of August 13 polls By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (28-06-2026) -- President Hakainde Hichilema has appealed to Zambians to grant his administration another five-year mandate, saying his government has rebuilt the country’s economic foundations after inheriting high debt levels, weakened public services and declining investor confidence.  He argued that a second term would allow his administration to consolidate ongoing reforms and fully deliver their benefits to citizens rather than reversing course to what he described as past governance failures. Officially launching the UPND Alliance campaign for the August 13 general election, President Hakainde Hichilema said the first five years of his administration were focused on stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence and strengthening key ...

Country wins hosting rights for continental medical conference expected to boost business tourism and scientific collaboration. Lusaka, Zambia24 --(June 28, 2026 ) — Zambia has won the bid to host the Society for Neuro-Oncology Sub-Saharan Africa (SNOSSA) Conference in 2027 after beating Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a competitive selection process. According to a statement issued by Hildah Mwape, Manager Communications and Corporate Affairs, the hosting rights were awarded during the SNOSSA Conference held in Ghana, where Zambia was officially confirmed as the host for the 2027 edition. The event is expected to attract more than 500 delegates from across Africa and beyond, including neurosurgeons, oncologists, neurologists, researchers and other healthcare professionals. Speaking during the ceremonial handover of the hosting rights in Lusaka, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga said the successful bid marks a major milestone for Zambia...

Warns practice may contravene Children’s Code Act as group urges political parties to keep minors away from rallies By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (June 26, 2026) — The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has warned against parading children at political campaign events, saying the practice may contravene Zambia’s Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, which prohibits exposing children to situations that risk their safety, dignity and welfare. CCMG Programme Manager Peter Mwanangombe told Zambia24 that involving children in political campaigns is not advisable because such environments are often emotionally charged and can expose minors to intimidation, manipulation and potential harm, undermining their protection and wellbeing. Mwanangombe said the increasing presence of children at rallies and campaign events, including appearances on stage with political leaders, raises serious child protection concerns. Mwanangombe stressed that any involvement of children in...

Reforms to modernise benefits, expand coverage and improve portability By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia 24 -- (24-06-2026) — The Government has introduced a new pension law aimed at improving retirement benefits and strengthening the management of pensions for public service workers. Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) Director General Francis Pindani Nyirenda announced the development in Lusaka on Thursday during a media briefing on the Public Service Pensions Act No. 73 of 2026. Nyirenda said the new law, signed by President Hakainde Hichilema on June 4, replaces the 1996 legislation and introduces a modern framework designed to improve governance, fairness and the long-term sustainability of pensions. He said the reforms are also intended to extend coverage to workers who were excluded from the pension system after 2000 and to ensure equal treatment across the public service. Under the Act, PSPF will now manage two schemes — the existing Public Service Pensions Scheme ...

Government, regulators, industry and development partners push coordinated action to reduce foodborne diseases in Zambia By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (24-06-2026) --- Food safety is a shared, urgent national priority that requires coordinated action across the entire food system—from production to consumption—to reduce preventable foodborne diseases and improve public health and development outcomes in Zambia. Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, underscored this position during the World Food Safety Day 2026 commemoration held in Lusaka, saying food safety is a critical public health and development issue that requires sustained, multi-sectoral collaboration. He said strengthening food safety systems is essential to reducing the burden of foodborne diseases, which continue to affect health outcomes and strain national resources. Dr. Lishimpi said foodborne diseases remain a major global concern, with World Health O...

Production jumps from 30 million kg to over 100 million kg as sector pushes for productivity, investment and value addition By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (25-06-2026) --The tobacco industry remains important to Zambia’s economy, but its future growth depends on making farming and the industry more productive, profitable, sustainable and competitive. Speaking during the 61st Annual Congress of the in Lusaka, Ministry of Agriculture Director for Agriculture Mdashe Kapalu said the sector remains one of Zambia’s most commercially viable agricultural industries, contributing significantly to export earnings, employment creation and rural development. He said sustaining recent growth requires continued investment in productivity improvement, quality enhancement, climate resilience and stronger market competitiveness. Mr Kapalu said tobacco production had risen from about 30 million kilogrammes in 2022 to more than 100 million kilogrammes in 2025, describing the increase as a ...

Transport sector embraces structured dialogue as government, unions and employers seal recognition agreement By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (24-06-2026) -- Zambia’s transport sector is entering a new phase of structured industrial relations based on social dialogue, collective bargaining, and formal recognition of both unions and employer associations. Special Assistant to the President responsible for finance, investment, and broader economic and development affairs,  Jito Kayumba has said government will continue to play a neutral and facilitative role in labour relations, ensuring balance between employers and workers in the transport sector. He said the transport industry remains central to the economy and depends on cooperation among all stakeholders, including drivers, employers, unions and government. Kayumba said the recognition agreement reflects a shared commitment to reduce industrial conflict and strengthen structured engagement in the sector. He acknowl...

Competing visions for Zambia’s future ahead of the 2026 elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (24-06-2026) ---People’s Pact presidential candidate has unveiled his party’s manifesto, describing it as a people-centred document aimed at restoring Zambia’s sovereignty, rebuilding public services and returning national decision-making power to citizens. Launching the manifesto, M’membe said it was shaped by the lived experiences, aspirations and daily struggles of ordinary Zambians, offering what he called an alternative path for the country’s future. “This manifesto is about reclaiming our country back. It is about our sovereignty, our liberation and recovery from an economic and social system that has stolen our future,” he said. He argued that Zambia’s development agenda should not be dictated by external institutions, insisting that government must retain full control over key budgetary decisions in education, health, agriculture and infrastructure. “When you hav...

Hikaumba urges national reflection on sovereignty, dignity and unity after Lungu burial ruling By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  ---(June 24, 2026) — The burial dispute involving former President Edgar Lungu should not be viewed as a political victory or defeat, but as a moment for the nation to reflect on whether it has remained faithful to its traditions, dignity and respect for national institutions. Former Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Leonard Hikaumba told Zambia24 that the protracted legal battle over the late former president's burial had raised fundamental questions about Zambia's sovereignty, values and national identity. He argued that the matter transcended partisan politics and should instead serve as an opportunity for collective national introspection on the country's traditions, dignity and unity. Hikaumba said the dispute surrounding the burial of the Sixth Republican President had evolved beyond personalities and political c...

Hikaumba urges Zambians to reject a return to failed governance models and safeguard economic reforms By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  – (22-06-2026) -  Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Vice President Leonard Hikaumba has called on Zambians to reject what he described as politics of entitlement, warning that the country risks reversing hard-won economic and governance gains if it returns to outdated leadership models. Hikaumba urged citizens to carefully assess the country’s political direction ahead of the 2026 General Election, cautioning against leaders, he said were seeking to revive governance practices associated with previous administrations. He said Zambia’s recent history should serve as a reminder of the consequences of poor economic management, citing constitutional disputes, economic difficulties, and job losses experienced during the Patriotic Front (PF) administration. According to Hikaumba, decisions made during that period adversely affected businesses and...

Hikaumba Warns against unsustainable Promises, Urges Voters to Demand Clear Economic Plans from Political Parties By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusak, Zambia24  -- (22-06-2026)  -- The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has urged Zambians to carefully scrutinise campaign promises and reject political pledges that are not supported by practical economic plans. MDC Vice President Leonard Hikaumba said many opposition political parties were focusing on how they would spend public resources without explaining how they intended to generate the revenue needed to finance their promises. Mr. Hikaumba said commitments such as increasing salaries for public workers, introducing debt swap programmes, raising student allowances, purchasing maize dryers, buying produce from marketeers and providing expensive equipment like excavators required sustainable sources of funding. “Leadership is not only about promising people what you will give them. It is about showing the people how you will create w...

CPRA backs campaign regulation, says scheduling is key to peaceful 2026 elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusak, Zambia24 -- (21-06-2026) -- The Centre for Peace Research and Advocacy (CPRA) has defended the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) regulation and scheduling of presidential campaign activities ahead of the August 2026 General Elections, saying the commission is acting within its legal mandate. CPRA Executive Director Cliffton Mayaba Chfuwe told Zambia24 that allegations by some political leaders that the ECZ is undermining democracy are misplaced, as the commission is legally mandated to manage elections and ensure campaigns are conducted in a peaceful, orderly and fair manner. Mr Chfuwe said the ECZ has the authority to schedule and regulate campaign activities whenever necessary in order to maintain public order, prevent conflict and protect the integrity of the electoral process. He commended the commission for introducing a structured campaign timetable for preside...

NGOCC Condemns Alleged Sexist and Violent Campaign Targeting Iris Kaingu By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (21-06-2026) -- The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has condemned what it describes as sexist, degrading and violent campaign behaviour targeting independent parliamentary candidate Ms. Iris Kamwi Kaingu in Mwandi Constituency, Western Province. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe said the organisation is concerned by a circulating video allegedly showing members of the UPND Mwandi chapter singing a song that insults Ms. Kaingu and promotes violence against her. She said the conduct amounts to Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE). Ms. Katebe said the behaviour violates constitutional rights to dignity and political participation, as well as Zambia’s obligations under international and regional instruments, including CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol. She urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia to act under the Electoral Code of...