"The GOAT Media Centre"

Chande pledges to turn the company's investment plans into jobs, local manufacturing and business opportunities that will improve community livelihoods. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Chinsali, Zambia24 — 31 October 2026 — Muchinga Province is looking forward to an investment by Mupapa Wood that will bring jobs, local manufacturing and new business opportunities to communities, with the provincial administration urging the company to move beyond plans and deliver tangible results. Dr Tuesday Bwalya, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President at Muchinga Provincial Administration, said the province was ready to welcome the investment but expected local people to be among the first to benefit. He was speaking when Mupapa Wood Chief Executive Officer and Founder Ruth Ironside Chande paid a courtesy call on him at the Provincial Headquarters. Dr Bwalya said the initiative presented an opportunity to open up the province's economy, particularly through employment, timber processing...

Gender body congratulates five women ministers but says Zambia remains far from equal representation, with women holding only 12.5 per cent of ministerial positions. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — October 29, 2026 — The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has warned that Zambia is making little progress towards gender equality in political leadership, with women occupying only five of the 40 Cabinet and Provincial Minister positions following the August 13, 2026 General Elections. NGOCC Executive Director Anne Mbewe-Anamela said the organisation congratulated the five women appointed to ministerial positions but expressed concern that their appointment represented only 12.5 per cent of the total positions. The five women are Olive Clara Chiboola, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock; Dr Caroline Chanda Katotobwe, Minister of Trade and Exports; Brenda Tambatamba, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development; Princess Kasune, Minister of Tour...

World Bank assures Southern Province communities of continued support to withstand El Niño, restore landscapes and improve livelihoods. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — October 29, 2026 — Communities in Gwembe, Siavonga and Chirundu districts are set to receive continued support to strengthen their livelihoods and prepare for climate shocks as the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD II) Project moves from planning to implementation. The World Bank has assured the communities of continued support as Southern Province prepares for the El Niño season, with interventions targeting climate resilience, landscape restoration and improved management of natural resources. According to Mary Mwiikisa, Communication Officer for TRALARD II under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the project is working with targeted communities to help them withstand climate shocks and improve their livelihoods. Speaking during a community engagement at Luumbo...

TRALARD II targets irrigation investments to help farmers sustain production and protect rural livelihoods By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 28 October 2026 — TRALARD II is making targeted investments in Siavonga and surrounding farming communities to help farmers cope with the effects of the anticipated El Niño season, improve agricultural productivity and build sustainable livelihoods. For farmers whose harvests depend heavily on weather conditions, the project offers an opportunity to strengthen farming practices, improve production and better prepare for climate-related challenges. Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakobo has welcomed the project's decision to identify areas for investment in the district, saying the interventions will help farming communities improve their farming methods, increase productivity and withstand the effects of the anticipated El Niño season. Mr Jakobo was speaking when the TRALARD II team, led by the Southern Province Implementing U...

Hikaumba thanks President for nominating Mutati as MP, says MDC remains committed to UPND Alliance By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 28 October 2026 — The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for nominating its party president, Felix Mutati, as a Member of Parliament, saying the decision reflects confidence in his record of public service. MDC Vice-President Leonard Hikaumba said the party was grateful to the President for recognising Mr Mutati’s contribution during his time as Minister of Technology and Science. Mr Hikaumba said the nomination was an encouraging development for the party and a sign that Mr Mutati’s work in government had made a positive impression. “We do not take the confidence His Excellency has placed in Mr Mutati for granted,” he said. He expressed hope that Mr Mutati would build on his previous experience in public office and continue serving the country with dedication and commitment. Mr Hikaumba also re...

Chikuba says next year’s spending plan must translate economic growth into jobs, stronger production and tangible benefits for Zambians By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — October 26, 2026 — The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) has challenged the government to make the 2027 National Budget a turning point in Zambia’s economic development by ensuring that economic growth translates into jobs, increased production and improved living standards. ZIPAR executive director Zali Chikuba told journalists at a media briefing that the budget should be judged not only by the amount of money allocated to different sectors but also by whether public spending delivers measurable results for ordinary Zambians and supports the country’s long-term development ambitions under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Chikuba said Zambia needed a budget that balanced economic ambition with fiscal discipline, particularly as the government faced competing demands for public resources, pressu...

Musanu brings Zambian businesses closer to international investors through IBEx Toronto summit By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — October 25, 2026 —  The Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce is looking to open more doors for Zambian businesses by connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors and potential business partners through the International Business Exchange (IBEx) summit in Toronto, Canada. ZDCC president and co-founder Freud Chinza Musanu is championing the initiative, which seeks to help Zambian businesses reach new markets, attract investment and build relationships with entrepreneurs and professionals in the diaspora. The summit is expected to bring together business owners, exporters, importers, investors and corporate executives to share ideas, explore opportunities and discuss ways of doing business across borders. The areas of interest include agriculture, manufacturing, mining-related services, renewable energy, technology, tourism, logistic...