Government of Japan has signed a grant contract with Development Aid from People to people in Zambia (DAPP) valued at US$49,777 to support the installation of a solar power system at the Railway Surgery Health Centre in Kabwe District, Central Province.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Administration, George Sinyangwe said the grant is part of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of communities in Zambia.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, Dr Sinyangwe expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for the generous support, which will significantly enhance the health centre’s capacity to detect and treat lead poisoning cases.

He noted that Kabwe District has historically been affected by lead contamination and the project will provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy for the laboratory, enabling uninterrupted operation of testing equipment and accelerating detection and treatment of lead poisoning cases.

Dr Sinyangwe said that the solar power system will support the health centre’s efforts to address the public health challenge posed by lead poisoning, particularly among children in the district.

He commended Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) for their role in mobilizing support and securing the grant, and urged responsible institutions to safeguard and maintain the solar power installation to ensure maximum benefit to the community.

The Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Mikami Akiteru, has emphasised the importance of access to healthcare in human development.

“What may appear to be a simple installation of a solar power system will, in reality, have a profound impact on children’s health, their educational attainment, and ultimately, the future of this country,” he said

The Ambassador highlighted Japan’s own experiences with environmental pollution, citing the Ashio copper mine pollution incident, and emphasized the importance of environmental management and public health protection.

“Japan has supported research on lead contamination in collaboration with the University of Zambia and this project complements those efforts by strengthening local capacity for testing and treatment, he added

Meanwhile, Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Chrizoster Phiri, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for its generous grant to support the installation of a solar power system at the Railway Surgery Health Centre.

Ms Phiri highlighted the challenges faced by the community, including superstition and reluctance to provide blood samples.

“This solar system will enable continuous testing and provide results that will help our children get better treatment,” she said

Ms Phiri stated that the project is expected to improve healthcare services in Kabwe, particularly for children affected by lead poisoning, and contribute to the government’s efforts to achieve free education and better health outcomes.

The project is implemented by Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Zambia, which has been addressing lead contamination in Kabwe District through testing and prevention efforts.

The grant is part of Japan’s continued support to Zambia across various sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, and community development.

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zambia’s mining sector through enhanced collaboration with the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC).

In a statement made available to the media, EU Team Leader for Social Sectors, Governance and Critical Raw Materials Bogdan Stefanescu commended the government of Zambia for establishing the MRC, describing it as a key institution mandated to regulate and monitor compliance in the mining sector.

Mr Stefanescu said the EU is implementing projects valued at approximately €16 million in Zambia, focusing on skills development for artisanal and small-scale miners, access to justice and the formalisation of mining enterprises.

He added that the EU is also interested in facilitating market access for Zambia’s critical minerals, including those used in electric vehicle components and reaffirmed its commitment to attracting further investment into the sector.

Meanwhile, EU Head of Cooperation, Claudio Bacigalupi, emphasised the importance of the Zambia-EU partnership anchored on the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on critical minerals.

Mr Bacigalupi noted that the MRC is key to implementing priority areas such as investment facilitation, infrastructure development, geological data mapping, good governance and skills development.

And MRC Director General Tom Hara said the Commission was established to enhance oversight and accountability in the mining sector, with a nationwide presence in key mining areas.

Dr Hara  explained that the Commission is focused on ensuring effective monitoring, audits, inspections and improved safety standards.

He further highlighted the use of modern technologies, including digital monitoring systems and drones to enhance oversight and combat illegal mining activities.

The first phase of the new Nakonde One Stop Border Post is complete and set for commissioning.

Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Director for Public Infrastructure, Clive Khan, has confirmed to the media in an interview.

“Yes, I can confirm that the first phase of the new Nakonde One Stop Border Post is at 100 percent complete and is waiting for commissioning,” he said.

Mr Khan has indicated that most of the works involved the terminal and the parking area which have been completed, together with the scanner.

He added that the government is hopeful that the new development at the border post will help with the traffic flow among other things.

Truck drivers are happy with the development, saying it is helping a lot in terms of clearance unlike before.

“As drivers we are very much happy with the current government that we have right now. Because looking at this development that they have just brought in, it has helped a lot with decongestion.

“You know this Border has too much traffic with two entries, it will be easy for us to pass without any inconvenience. We really thank the President of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema Hichilema,” said Mr Chanda Katembula.

Hamza Kibwana, a truck driver from Tanzania, also expressed gratitude and joy at the development.

Mr Kibwana said he is happy that now the clearing of trucks at the border is more efficient than before.

“I am very happy with this development. At least now we won’t be waiting for long hours to be cleared. It is a very good move,” he said.

Omari Maneva, another truck driver from Tanzania thanked the Zambian government for the new infrastructure.

Mr Maneva said he is happy with the new facilities installed at the infrastructure, himself and other truck drivers will no longer be staying for hours at the border.

“The old scanner is slow, the new one is better because it is faster,” he stated.

The newly upgraded Nakonde One Stop Border Post is among others expected to improve customs clearance, efficiency, reduce trade costs and enhance Zambia’s connectivity to regional and global markets.

President Hakainde Hichilema is in Livingstone for a one-day working visit to officiate at the 2026 ICT Association of Zambia Tech Conference and Annual General Meeting.

The President was received by Southern Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa, Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba, Presidential Advisor Levy Ngoma, and members of the Provincial Joint Operations Committee (PJOC).

Upon his arrival, residents of Livingstone and party officials turned up in large numbers to welcome the Head of State, creating a lively atmosphere as they gathered to receive the President.

President Hichilema will officiate at the ICT Association of Zambia Tech Conference and Annual General Meeting, an event aimed at strengthening collaboration and dialogue within Zambia’s technology sector.

The conference being held at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort, has attracted various stakeholders from the ICT industry, government institutions and the private sector.

Participants at the meeting will also discuss emerging issues and opportunities in the technology and ICT space, with a focus on innovation, digital transformation and the role of technology in supporting national development.

President Hakainde Hichilema is tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, 2026, expected in Nakonde district, Muchinga Province for a one day working visit.

Muchinga Province Minister Njavwa Simutowe who confirmed the visit of the President says while in Nakonde district, the President will commission the Nakonde One Stop Border Post (OSBP) and hold meetings with various stakeholders including the traditional leadership.

The media reports that Mr Simutowe has stated that the commissioning of the Nakonde One Stop Border Post which is a flagship project, is a testament to the government’s commitment towards enhancing regional trade, improving efficiency and fostering economic growth between Zambia and Tanzania.

The Provincial Minister adds that commissioning of the facility marks a significant milestone in the decentralization agenda and trade facilitation efforts by the government.

“The Nakonde One Stop Border Post is expected to drastically reduce the time and cost of doing business at the crucial entry point thereby boosting commerce and strengthening the ties between Tanzania and Zambia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nakonde residents have commended the government for upgrading the Nakonde One Stop Border Post (OSBP) which has come with a lot of benefits.

Wigan Sinkonde has stated that the facility will boost regional trade and create job opportunities among other.

Mr Sinkonde has explained that the facility has new digital systems, aimed at reducing truck dwell times from 64 hours to 10 hours, is of great importance to the region.

“With this facility, a lot of people here will benefit and this facility will also reduce crime levels,” he said.

And one of the drivers talked to, Salu Musonela stated that the shift towards modern, cashless payment systems is designed to minimize delays, reduce revenue leakage and simplify compliance.

“We spend a lot of time clearing through taking documents to the Zambian side and back to the Tanzanian side, the upgrading of this facility is a great move which will help us reduce on delays,” he said.