New Chess Partnership

Mobile City and CFZ join forces to expand chess development, youth empowerment, and international competition in Zambia

By Francis Maingaila 

Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (9-06-2026) -- Mobile City Phones Paradise Zambia has entered into a long-term partnership with the Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ), becoming a sponsor of the upcoming Chief Mukuni Open Chess Championships scheduled to be held in Livingstone.

Announcing the partnership during a press briefing, Mobile City Head of Marketing Masambo Minanu said the company deliberately chose to invest in chess due to the sport’s ability to develop critical thinking skills, discipline, and its strong record of producing world-class talent.

Mr. Minanu said Zambia has a proud chess history, highlighted by the achievements of Amon Simutowe, who became Sub-Saharan Africa’s first Grandmaster after attaining a FIDE rating of 2503 in 2009.

“We believe in the power of the mind, and we are proud of the history that the Chess Federation of Zambia has written for this country,” Mr. Minanu said.

He added that the federation has continued to produce talented players, including youth champions and Candidate Masters who have represented Zambia at continental and international competitions.

Mr. Minanu said the partnership is anchored on three key pillars: supporting chess development across Zambia, creating opportunities for young players to compete and earn international ratings, and sustaining Zambia’s position as one of Africa’s leading chess nations.

“Mobile City is not coming in as a one-off sponsor. We are coming in as a long-term partner committed to growing the sport with the Federation,” he said.

He said the Chief Mukuni Open Chess Championships will be staged in Livingstone, noting that the location will promote both chess and tourism.

Mr. Minanu explained that hosting the tournament in Zambia’s tourism capital will showcase the country’s cultural heritage and natural attractions, while also generating economic activity through increased visitor numbers.

“Players, officials and families will experience the beauty of Livingstone, and through media coverage, Zambia will be marketed to the chess world as both a competitive and tourist destination,” he said.

He further expressed gratitude to His Royal Highness Chief Mukuni for allowing the championship to be held under his name.

“Your support gives this tournament cultural legitimacy, community ownership and traditional blessing,” Mr. Minanu said.

The company also thanked the Chess Federation of Zambia for what it described as professionalism and vision in building the partnership.

The sponsorship is expected to strengthen efforts to develop chess at both grassroots and elite levels, while also providing a platform for emerging players to compete and advance their careers.

The Chief Mukuni Open Chess Championships are expected to attract players from across Zambia and beyond, further enhancing the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading chess nations.

The Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) has also described the partnership with Mobile City as a step forward in promoting chess development through technology and youth empowerment.

CFZ President Leslie Chikuse said the partnership will provide young chess players with access to devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and other digital tools that can support both chess training and education.

“We have entered into a partnership with Mobile City, a strategic partner whose products include laptops, phones and other devices that can easily be used by our young players to promote chess,” Mr. Chikuse said.

He said the collaboration is an important milestone for the sport, as both organisations share a vision of growing chess and creating opportunities for young people.

“This is a very important partnership and a long-term one. Once we connect together, it becomes easier to improve the game of chess. We are looking forward to better times and more development of the sport,” he said.

Mr. Chikuse said Zambia is expected to host an international chess tournament that will attract participants from about 10 countries, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa, India, and Russia.

He said the tournament will showcase high-level competition and strong rivalry among some of the leading chess nations.

“They should expect serious talent and serious competition. Players from Kenya have improved a lot, while South Africa and Zambia are among the strongest chess nations in the region. Every country will bring its best players,” he said.

He added that Zambian players will be determined to defend their reputation on home soil.

“Zambians will be defending their status and showing that we remain among the biggest forces in chess,” Mr. Chikuse said.

Mr. Chikuse said the devices provided through the partnership will serve multiple purposes, helping young players improve their chess skills while also supporting their education and communication needs.

“I am sure they will be very motivated because they can use the laptops for chess and education, while the phones can help them with communication and learning,” he said.

He further revealed that the federation is expanding its grassroots programmes by taking chess directly into schools across the country.

He said the Government’s free education policy has increased school enrolment, creating opportunities for the federation to reach more young people.

“We are taking chess into schools because that is where we can find many young people who can enjoy and benefit from the game. We are providing chess sets and incentives to encourage participation,” he said.

The federation is also working with the Ministries of Education and Sport to have chess incorporated into the school curriculum.

Mr. Chikuse said chess offers benefits beyond competition, helping children develop concentration, patience, discipline, time management, and social skills.

Apart from schools, the federation is also promoting chess in correctional facilities through its Chess in Prisons initiative.

He said the programme aims to support rehabilitation by providing inmates with constructive activities that can contribute to personal development.

“Last year we donated a number of chess sets to prisons. We want inmates to leave prison as better citizens. Chess can play a role in reforming lives and helping people develop positive values,” Mr. Chikuse said.