"The GOAT Media Centre"

Katebe says legislation alone is insufficient without resources for implementation, targeted interventions and budget allocations remain critical By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (16-02-2026) -- The fight against child marriage in Zambia has gained renewed momentum following President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for decisive continental action, with the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) throwing its full support behind the initiative. NGOCC Board Chairperson Ms. Beauty Katebe told Zambia24 that while Zambia has made progress in reducing child marriage, legislation alone is not enough.  She stressed that the Marriage Act No. 13 of 2023, which outlawed child marriage in both statutory and customary settings, must be backed by resources, targeted interventions, and sufficient budget allocations to be truly effective. “Child marriage is a serious human rights concern with far-reaching social, health, and economic consequences that Zambia cannot ...

Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC), Commends President’s Diaspora Call and Invites Government, Investors & Stakeholders to IBEx Hybrid 2026 in Canada By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -  (16-02-2026) - The Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for promoting diaspora engagement in national development and formally invited government officials, investors, and key stakeholders to participate in IBEx Hybrid 2026 in Canada. ZDCC President Freud Musanu said the invitation builds on the success of IBEx 2025, held in Lusaka, which brought together government officials, private sector leaders, diaspora representatives, and international investors. He said IBEx 2025 concluded with a signed communiqué detailing policy recommendations and investment reforms designed to mobilise up to US$1 billion in business investments, contingent on implementation milestones and the removal of operational bottlenecks. Musanu added that the Lusaka...

By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — February 15, 2026 The National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia (NUPPEZ) has criticised the Ministry of Education’s directive barring schools from sending away pupils who report late, warning that the blanket policy could unintentionally promote indiscipline if not supported by clear implementation guidelines. NUPPEZ Executive President Victor Muyumba told Zambia24 that while the union supports the government’s commitment to ensuring access to education for all learners, the directive requires practical guidance to avoid undermining order and academic performance in schools. The directive was communicated through the Ministry of Education’s Principal Public Relations Officer, Clive Kalunga, instructing school administrators not to send away pupils who arrive late for classes. Muyumba said the union fully recognises education as a fundamental right and agrees that no child should be denied learning opportunities due to circumstances...

Pays tribute to Zambia’s first female Cabinet Minister By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — February 14, 2026 The Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has hailed Dr. Mutumba Mainga Bull as a trailblazer, describing her death as a major loss to the nation and the women’s movement she served with distinction.  NGOCC Board Chairperson Ms. Beauty Katebe told Zambia24 that Dr. Mainga Bull’s passing marks the end of an era for women’s leadership in Zambia, saying her contribution to public service and the advancement of the gender agenda was unmatched. Dr. Mainga Bull made history as Zambia’s first female Cabinet Minister and went on to break several other barriers in academia and politics.  She was the first Zambian woman to obtain a PhD and the first woman to lecture at the University of Zambia.  She also became the first female Member of Parliament for Nalolo Constituency in Western Province. Beyond her national leadership roles, Dr. Mainga Bull s...

Dr. Chilala says, the payments reflect ECZ’s commitment to financial accountability By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia, 13th February 2026 — The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) has cleared payments for the 2025 School Certificate (SC) examination script marking, disbursing a total of K20,895,673.42 to 3,470 examiners. ECZ Executive Director Dr. Michael M. Chilala told journalists that the payments, made on 12th February 2026, followed successful processing and validation of claim forms submitted by the markers. Dr. Chilala said the payments cover the marking of SC examination scripts conducted between 18th December 2025 and 4th January 2026. He emphasized that the timely disbursement of over K20.8 million demonstrates ECZ’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations to examiners. He further advised markers who may not have received their payments to contact ECZ for corrective action. Dr. Chilala thanked the markers and other stakeholders for their support, noting that their ...

Sikumba says the recognition in India Signals Strong Asian Market Potential By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (13 February 2026) -- The Zambia Tourism Agency has officially handed over the prestigious “Most Promising New Destination Award” won at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai, India, in a move government says will boost Zambia’s tourism sector and strengthen its presence in the Asian market. The trophy was received by Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, during a media engagement in Lusaka. Speaking at the event, Sikumba said the award confirms Zambia’s growing competitiveness on the global tourism stage and reflects increasing international confidence in the country’s tourism offerings. “The award is not just a title; it demonstrates Zambia’s rising status as a destination.  Even capturing a small share of international travelers would significantly boost our tourism numbers,” he said. He said key markets such as India, the United States, Europe, and Japan...

Improved labs key to consumer protection By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia — February 13, 2026 The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) say strengthening laboratory testing capacity is critical in targeting substandard goods and protecting consumers. Speaking in Lusaka on Thursday when he paid a courtesy call on NISIR Acting Director Alick Muvundika, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said improved laboratory infrastructure and efficient testing services are necessary for the Agency to effectively enforce compulsory standards. Mr. Chizinga said ZCSA’s mandate under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 requires the Agency to ensure that products on the market comply with set standards in order to safeguard public health, safety and fair trade. He noted that the number of products under compulsory standards has increased from 61 in early 2025 to 102 currently, placing greater demand on laboratory ...