"The GOAT Media Centre"

Leopards Hill Solar and Battery Project Commissioned to Strengthen National Power Supply and Reduce Hydropower Dependence By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia (22 April 2026) — Zambia has taken a major step in diversifying its electricity generation mix with the commissioning of the Leopards Hill Solar and Battery Storage Project, a landmark development that significantly expands the country’s solar energy capacity and reduces reliance on hydropower. President Hakainde Hichilema officially launched the project developed by Globeleq near Lusaka, which is currently the country’s largest hybrid renewable energy facility combining a 250 MWp solar photovoltaic plant with a 150 MW/600 MWh battery energy storage system designed to improve grid stability, meet peak demand, and strengthen overall reliability of electricity supply. Once fully operational, the project is expected to generate electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of about 150,000 households. It will also help stab...

Country emerges largest beneficiary as Finland backs workers’ rights and inclusion drive By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka , Zambia24 – (21-4-2026) -- Zambia has emerged as the largest programme country for the Finnish Trade Union Solidarity Centre (SASK) in Africa, as Finland launched a new €10 million programme aimed at strengthening workers’ rights, promoting decent work, and advancing disability inclusion across 14 countries. The Embassy of Finland in Zambia launched the SASK 2026–2029 Programme on April 20, 2026, at Mikango Hotel in Lusaka, with support directed at strengthening trade unions, improving social dialogue, and expanding inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Embassy Advisor Elizabeth Ndhlovu said the programme will focus on skills training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship support for persons with disabilities in Zambia, while also strengthening trade unions’ capacity to advocate for safer working conditions in sectors such as mining...

NGOCC questions women’s representation in Tonse Alliance leadership and 30% women’s participation pledge ahead of elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (19-4-2026) -- The Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council has raised concern over gender imbalance in political leadership, questioning women’s representation within the Tonse Alliance despite its 30 percent women representation pledge. The criticism comes as NGOCC observes a continuing gap between women’s visible participation in political events and their actual representation in decision-making structures, a concern it says remains significant as political parties prepare for the August 13 general elections. Speaking after attending the Tonse Alliance manifesto launch as an observer, NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe said the event reflected an imbalance between women’s participation and leadership representation. She noted that although women were actively involved in welcoming and ...

New collaboration project that brings together Zambian and Nigerian talent aims to strengthen African cinema through joint production and position Zambia as an emerging hub for international film production. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia 24 – (18-4-2026) – A major Zambian–Nigerian film collaboration has been unveiled through the upcoming feature film “Family Affairs” , marking one of the latest high-profile partnerships in African cinema. The production brings together veteran Nigerian actress Patience Ozokwo and a strong lineup of Zambian actors in a cross-border creative effort aimed at strengthening storytelling, improving production quality, and expanding the reach of African films to global audiences. Industry stakeholders say the project reflects a growing trend of continental collaboration, with Zambia increasingly emerging as a promising destination for international film production and creative investment. Kazadi Films Chief Executive Officer David Kazadi says th...

Government and stakeholders at Agritech Expo 2026 intensify push for technology, productivity, and commercial farming transformation, calling for urgent adoption of modern tools and systems to boost yields and strengthen national food security. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Chishimba, Zambia24 — (17-4-2026) -- The 2026 Agritech Expo has officially opened at the Gold Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) in Chishimba, bringing together government leaders, farmers, researchers, and private sector players at a time when Zambia’s agricultural sector is under pressure to modernise and significantly raise productivity levels. Government and stakeholders have intensified calls for a shift toward technology-driven, commercially oriented farming, stressing that agriculture is now at a critical turning point that demands urgent adoption of modern tools, systems, and innovation to boost yields and strengthen national food security. The Zambian government has renewed its call for increased produ...

New high-yield hybrid boosts food security while promoting resilient farming under changing climate conditions By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (17-4-2026) - Bayer Zambia has unveiled its new climate-smart maize seed, DKC 86-43, at the Chishamba Agritech Expo, in a move aimed at strengthening food security, improving farmer productivity, and promoting environmentally resilient agriculture in the face of changing climate conditions. Speaking during the launch, crop systems agronomist Cannon Mukuma said the hybrid was developed to address key challenges in Zambia’s agricultural sector, particularly the effects of climate variability on crop production and rural livelihoods. Mukuma said the introduction of climate-smart seed varieties is critical, as farming remains central not only to household incomes but also to food security and the sustainability of rural communities. He explained that DKC 86-43 is a medium-maturing hybrid, reaching physiological maturity in about 125...

Kabwe says 70 new constituencies reflect fairness and boost representation ahead of 2026 polls and urges political players to accept outcome and engage constructively By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24. (16th April 2026 ) — The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has hailed the delimitation of 70 new constituencies by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as fair and reflective of improved representation, while urging political players to accept the outcome and engage constructively ahead of the 2026 General Elections. Doreen Njovu-Kabwe, ZCID Executive Director, told Zambia24 that the newly created constituencies demonstrate a balanced approach to population distribution and will significantly enhance representation across the country. She said the delimitation process reflects fairness and inclusivity, which are essential in strengthening public trust in Zambia’s electoral system and ensuring credible electoral outcomes. Njovu-Kabwe further called on political stak...