"The GOAT Media Centre"

Tanzanian and South African nabbed in a moratorium cross border drug raid By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24,  - (Oct. 4, 2025) – The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested a Tanzanian and a South African national in separate border operations for trafficking and unlawful possession of illegal drugs. DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer Theresa Mawere told journalists in a statement that the Commission has intensified security checks at border points, leading to the arrests. At the Chirundu One-Stop Border Post, officers intercepted Ally Yahya Ally, 33, a Tanzanian national, who was traveling on a bus from South Africa to Tanzania.  He was found with 111.9 grammes of dry loose cannabis and 100 millilitres of Hashish Oil concealed in ten syringes. In another operation, DEC officers apprehended Colete Emil, 39, a South African national, for unlawful possession of six sachets of candy gummies weighing 20 grammes.  Laboratory tests showed the gummies contai...

Collaboration focuses on technology transfer, workforce training, and regulatory readiness. By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  - (29 August 2025)– Zambia has taken a major step toward strengthening its national health security and contributing to Africa’s vaccine independence by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to establish local vaccine manufacturing. The agreement, signed at State House in Lusaka, was witnessed by government officials, global health partners, private sector representatives, and civil society stakeholders. It positions Zambia among the first African countries to pursue large-scale vaccine production, in line with the African Union’s 2040 vision for self-reliant health systems. The MoU sets a 10-point collaboration framework between the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) and IVI, covering technology transfer, GMP-ready facility design, quality systems, regulatory support, w...

Over 100 bales valued at over K500,000 of banned garments destroyed in three years. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  - (24-08-2025) — The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has flagged the illegal trade in used undergarments and nightwear as a serious public health hazard, warning that offenders will face strict action. Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said items such as underwear, pyjamas, bras, tights, camisoles and nightgowns pose significant health risks because they are worn in close contact with the skin.    “These products can transmit fungal infections, skin irritations, and even sexually transmitted diseases. This is why the trade in such garments is banned under Statutory Instrument No. 120 of 2006, which enforces the compulsory Zambian Standard ZS 559,” Chizinga explained. He emphasized that violators will be prosecuted and have their consignments seized and destroyed.  “This is not merely a regulatory matter — it is about safeguarding publi...

The health authorities amd activists says While treatment targets are met, new infections, pediatric gaps, and TB co-infections persist. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia, 24 Aug. 2025 – Zambia has made remarkable strides in its fight against HIV, surpassing key treatment targets, but health experts warn that high new infections, persistent pediatric gaps, and tuberculosis (TB)-HIV co-infections continue to pose serious challenges. Dr. Chimika Phiri, HIV Prevention Adviser at the Ministry of Health, detailed Zambia’s progress and ongoing challenges during a briefing in Lusaka.  “Zambia has achieved 98-98-97 in the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets,” he said. “This means nearly all people living with HIV know their status, almost all are on treatment, and nearly all on treatment have achieved viral suppression. This is a huge national milestone that reflects decades of effort by government, partners, and communities.” Between 2016 and 2021, Zambia’s national HIV incidence fell from 0.6% to ...

Kabuswe says, Capital investment and reforms is lifting Zambia’s mining fortunes. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -  (14 August 2025) - The Zambian mining sector continues to register strong growth, with Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) achieving an extraordinary 4,000% surge in output over the past year despite obstacles such as declining ore grades and energy limitations—a performance that Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe says demonstrates the industry’s resilience, robust overall production, and promising long-term outlook. Addressing journalists, Kabuswe stressed that the sector remains on an upward path even though several mines have yet to reach optimal output levels.  “The issue is not that production has collapsed. We simply have not attained the peak of our capacity. Once these mines operate at full potential, we will witness even greater expansion,” he said. Copper Output Surges According to Kabuswe, the Total copper production in Q2 2025...

Mandatory standards strengthen oversight, regulate key products, and build consumer trust By Lusaka, Zambia24 - (August 6, 2025) - The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing public health, safety, consumer and environmental protection by declaring additional 41 Zambian standards as compulsory standards. This now brings the total number of products covered by compulsory standards to 102, from the previous number 61. On May 9, 2025, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga issued a Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 20 of 2025 which declared 41 new compulsory standards covering packaging materials, solar products, fish and fish products, more fertilizers, table wines, energy drinks and milk and tomato products, among other products. Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Manager – Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, said the new mandatory standards will be enforced alongside existing standards before the end of the third quarter of...

Zambia showcases stability, attracts over 500 global investors By Francis Maingaila  LUSAKA, 16 July 2025 — The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has launched the inaugural Invest Zambia International Conference (IZIC 2025) with a powerful call to global investors to take advantage of Zambia’s political stability and strong economic fundamentals. Speaking at the opening in Lusaka, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa described the conference as a turning point in the country’s investment drive, aligning with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision for economic transformation. “Zambia is open for business. Our peace, stable governance, and investor-friendly policies make us one of the most attractive destinations in Africa,” Halwampa said. He announced that the event has attracted over 500 foreign and 1,000 local investors, all seeking to explore opportunities and forge strategic partnerships across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, and manufacturing. Halwampa em...

... As Citizens and interest groups.clash.with  political leaders over proposed reforms for wants of consultations By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 - (21-03-2025) - The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Zambia's constitutional amendment process has sparked a heated debate, with key stakeholders expressing concerns over conflicting government statements regarding the existence of a draft constitution. Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, indicated that a draft constitution existed, only to be contradicted by Minister of Justice, Princess Kasune, who asserted that no such document had been finalized. According to Josia Kalala, Executive Director of the Chapter One Foundation, this back-and-forth has left many questioning the transparency and legitimacy of the constitutional reform process. Kalala also suggested that the timing of the proposed constitutional amendments has raised alarms, warning that aligning the reforms with the...

...  Musanu: A New Vision for Investment, Innovation, and Harnessing Global Resources for Local Impact By Francis Maingaila (Zambia) and Francis John, Editor & Publisher, TipsNews Kansas City  Lusaka, Zambia – March 17, 2025 – The Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC), in collaboration with key government ministries and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), successfully hosted the inaugural International Business Exchange (IBEx) Hybrid Conference at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka . Held under the theme “Redefining Diaspora: Connecting Businesses & Unlocking Zambia’s Economic Potential,” the two-day event brought together government officials, local business leaders, diaspora investors, and industry experts to discuss how the Zambian diaspora can serve as a driver of economic transformation. With a focus on strategic partnerships, innovative business models, and policy reforms, the conference underscored the immense financial, intellectual, and entrepreneurial poten...

... Masanu says Diaspora Support for SMEs and Local Enterprises is key to international support. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – The Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) is actively working to strengthen Zambia’s economy by connecting Zambians abroad with local businesses, fostering international investment, and driving economic growth. Established in 2023, the chamber focuses on empowering young entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, utilizing diaspora investments to create jobs and bolster local enterprises. Freud Musanu, speaking at the International Business Exchange Hybrid Conference held at Pamodzi Taj Hotel, emphasized the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—which include market vendors, grocery store owners, and informal traders—in driving Zambia’s economic engine. Unlike many chambers that prioritize large corporations, the ZDCC specifically targets grassroots businesses, recognizing their pivotal role in the nation's development. ...

Fundanga Says ZRA’s National Tax Summit Will Be a Catalyst for Change in Domestic Resource Mobilization By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia - February 27, 2025 - The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has launched the country’s first-ever National Tax Summit aimed at addressing Zambia's challenges in Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) and reinforcing the role of taxation in driving national development. ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda, speaking at the summit, called for urgent reforms to reduce Zambia’s dependence on borrowing and external aid. He outlined key strategies to improve tax administration, plug revenue leakages, and expand the tax base. Banda stressed that taxation is fundamental to national development as it enables the government to fund essential services, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation programs. Despite Zambia’s tax-to-GDP ratio remaining below 20% for the past decade, Banda pointed out that ZRA’s contribution to the national budget has signific...

.. New Era for Mining Efficiency and Accountability in Zambia By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA, Zambia – February 27, 2025 – The Zambian government has officially launched the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (ZIMIS), a groundbreaking digital platform aimed at optimizing the mining licensing process, promoting transparency, and combating corruption within the sector. This initiative signifies a pivotal advancement in modernizing Zambia’s mining industry and aligns with the government's strategic objectives outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan. During the launch event, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe emphasized the system's critical role in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the licensing process. "Today, we celebrate a significant milestone that enhances our mining licensing framework," Kabuswe stated. He acknowledged the frustrations surrounding delays in acquiring mining licenses, assuring stakeholders that Z...

.. New Era for Mining Efficiency and Accountability in Zambia By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA, Zambia – February 27, 2025 – The Zambian government has officially launched the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (ZIMIS), a groundbreaking digital platform aimed at optimizing the mining licensing process, promoting transparency, and combating corruption within the sector. This initiative signifies a pivotal advancement in modernizing Zambia’s mining industry and aligns with the government's strategic objectives outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan. During the launch event, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe emphasized the system's critical role in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the licensing process. "Today, we celebrate a significant milestone that enhances our mining licensing framework," Kabuswe stated. He acknowledged the frustrations surrounding delays in acquiring mining licenses, assuring stakeholders that Z...

.. Cottan says the partnership aims to strengthen efforts in malaria prevention and treatment across Zambia. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia – Zambeef Products PLC has partnered with the End Malaria Council (EMC) to support Zambia’s malaria elimination program, pledging financial, logistical, and awareness-driven initiatives to reduce the disease’s impact on public health and the economy. Speaking at the partnership announcement, Zambeef Chief Executive Officer Faith Mukutu emphasized the company’s broader commitment beyond food production. "A healthy workforce is essential for productivity and sustainability, and malaria remains a major public health challenge affecting millions of Zambians," Mukutu stated. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Zambeef will integrate malaria awareness campaigns, prevention programs, and resource mobilization efforts within its key operational areas, including Mpongwe, Chisamba, Mongu, and Namwala. The Ministry of Health aims to...

.... ZCCB Launches Campaign for Debt Cancellation and Economic Justice By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has launched the Jubilee Debt Cancellation Campaign , calling for urgent global action to relieve Zambia of its unsustainable debt burden. The campaign aligns with Pope Francis’ call for Jubilee Year 2025 , which advocates for debt relief, social justice, and economic renewal for struggling nations. Speaking at the launch of the economic justice initiative, ZCCB President Bishop Ignitius Chama emphasized that Zambia’s mounting debt crisis continues to hinder national development and trap millions in poverty. He stressed that the campaign seeks to free Zambia from the economic constraints imposed by heavy debt , enabling the country to focus on sustainable development. "Zambia remains trapped in a cycle of debt that limits progress and social welfare," Bishop Chama said . "This campaign calls for global sol...

... Kalaba Urges Nationwide Reform for a Brighter Future By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia  – (21-01-2025) - Opposition party Citizens First has called for immediate national reform, urging Zambians to unite and oust the current government amid the escalating crises facing the country. Harry Kalaba, party president, told journalists at a media briefing that the government's failure to tackle rising living costs, power shortages, and food insecurity were key sources of public frustration. He stressed that 2025 is a crucial year for Zambia, as citizens increasingly express dissatisfaction with the government’s inability to resolve critical national issues. "Enough is enough," Kalaba declared, advocating for a democratic, citizen-centered government that aligns with the people’s aspirations. One of Kalaba's main critiques centered on the government's foreign diplomacy. As a former foreign minister, he expressed concern over the selection of heads of mission a...