Vice President, Mutale Nalumango has launched the 2026 Zambia Mobile Congress, unveiling an ambitious partnership between government and Huawei Technologies to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption and digital transformation in the country.

Speaking during the official opening of the congress, Mrs Nalumango said Zambia was positioning itself to become a leader in Africa’s digital economy through investments in AI, cloud computing and advanced connectivity infrastructure.

She described artificial intelligence, 5G technology and cloud computing as key drivers of economic growth and public sector transformation, saying Zambia must move quickly to remain competitive in the global digital economy.

The congress is being held under the theme “Advancing All Intelligence in Zambia.”

 Mrs Nalumango also praised Zambia’s long standing partnership with China, saying the relationship had continued to contribute to the country’s development agenda through strategic cooperation.

“The farmer in Lundazi must benefit from this intelligence. The nurse in Mansa must benefit. The student in Mongu, the entrepreneur in Kitwe and the young innovator in Chipata must all have a seat at the table of this digital future,” she said.

She called for expanded broadband access, lower internet tariffs and increased digital literacy to ensure that no Zambian is excluded from the digital economy because of geography or poverty.

Mrs Nalumango also challenged technology firms, academic institutions and development partners to invest in Zambia’s young population, saying local talent would determine the future success of the country’s digital economy.

She further urged private companies to invest more heavily in digital infrastructure and affordable services, while calling on government institutions to accelerate the transition from analogue systems to digital governance.

“The era of analogue government in a digital world must end,” she said.

 And Smart Zambia Institute Acting Coordinator, Percy Chinyama said Zambia has saved billions of kwacha and expanded digital public services through government technology reforms, and outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform the country into one of Africa’s leading digital economies by 2030.

Chief Government Technical Officer, Kasali Musenge said Zambia was entering a new phase of digital transformation focused on artificial intelligence, data sovereignty and cybersecurity, as the government moves to modernise public services through advanced digital infrastructure.

Ms Musenge said systems such as the Government Wide Area Network,Government Service Bus and ZamPortal had already laid the foundation for integrated digital government services across the country.

She said the government’s Digital Zambia Acceleration Programme would expand infrastructure through the installation of 2,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable, the connection of 500 government institutions and the issuance of four million digital identities.

Ms Musenge said the government planned to train 5,000 ICT professionals through Huawei’s ICT Academy by 2028 and expand digital and data science skills across public institutions and universities.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s digital transformation agenda, saying technology cooperation between the two countries will play a key role in driving economic growth, public service modernization and youth empowerment.

Mr Jing said digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and smart connectivity were becoming increasingly important in shaping national development.

Huawei Technologies Regional Vice President   Chen Li, said Zambia’s digital transformation will depend on stronger connectivity, artificial intelligence adoption and investment in ICT skills development.

Smart Zambia and Huawei have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at deploying AI-powered systems and cloud infrastructure across government institutions.

The agreement includes co-investment in a national AI data centre, the rollout of AI-powered public services in all 25 government ministries and the training of 5,000 Zambian ICT professionals by 2028 through Huawei’s global academy.

The Zambia Mobile Congress has drawn policymakers, telecommunication operators, technology companies and business leaders to discuss innovation, connectivity and the future of Zambia’s ICT sector.

Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has announced that the country has projected a 4.9 million metric tonnes harvest of maize for the 2025/2026 farming season.

Mr Kangwa said the projection is an increase from last year’s production of 3.8 million metric tonnes of maize, indicating a 27.8 percent increment from last season.

He made the announcement today when he officiated at the dissemination of the 2025/2026 Crop Forecasting Survey results meeting, in Lusaka.

“I am happy to announce that for the 2025/2026 agriculture season, the Crop Forecasting Survey indicates  a total national maize output of five million metric tonnes, from this projection,  a total of 4.9 metric tonnes is an allocation of maize grain, while the remaining 182, 311 metric tonnes  is an allocation for maize seed.

“This output presents a 29.3 percent increase in maize production compared to previous agriculture seasons. Specifically, maize grain increased by 27.8 percent, rising from 3.9 million metric tonnes in the 2024/2025 agriculture season to 4.9 million metric tonnes this farming season,” said Mr Kangwa.

The media that the Secretary to the Cabinet further explained that the Crop Forecast Survey (CFS) results indicate a positive trajectory, signaling another good season following the positive performance of the 2024/2025 agricultural season.

“I note with deep gratitude that the country has successfully secured two consecutive seasons of recovery and growth following the devastating climate induced drought we experienced during the 2023/2024 agricultural season,” he stated.

Mr Kangwa also shared that the total national maize supply is estimated at a secure level of 6.7 million metric tonnes which includes a substantial amount of carry over stock of 1. 8 million metric tonnes from previous harvests and the newly projected production.

“National maize grain requirements are accounted for at 4.2 million metric tonnes, leaving us with an estimated net surplus at a substantial margin of over two million metric tonnes. Government is fully committed to strengthening storage infrastructure and expanding market linkages which will benefit all players,” he added.

Mr Kangwa noted that the strong performance being experienced in the crop sector, is a positive response attributed to relatively favourable weather conditions coupled with targeted interventions by government and stakeholders.

He added that the performance is also anchored on progressive strategies framed under the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support programme and the Eighth National Development Plan.

“Government continues to implement comprehensive support services and programmes such as financing, mechanisation, irrigation, extension services, commodity market support and climate oriented agriculture research development,” he added.

And, Mr Kangwa commended farmers for responding positively as demonstrated by the increase in land under cultivation and improved crop productivity.

“With these excellent results we are highly confident in successfully achieving our national targets of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize, three million metric tonnes of soyabeans and one million metric tonnes of wheat annually by 2031,” he said.

He explained that these targets clearly demonstrate government’s commitment to transforming Zambia into a regional food basket and a major agriculture export hub.

Mr Kangwa has also directed the Ministry of Agriculture to prioritise the process of drafting regulations to operationalise the three pieces of legislation namely the Food Reserve Act of 2026, the Agricultural Credits and Warehouse Receipt Act of No. 7 of 2026 and the Agricultural Marketing Act No. 8 of 2026, all aimed at creating a policy environment that supports private sector investments.

And Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, John Mulongoti, explained that the Crop Focus Survey results represent the hard work, resilience and determination of farmers across the country, adding that farmers continue to contribute to national food security.

Mr Mulongoti also indicated that the results will also give the government an opportunity to assess progress made towards the set targets.

Speaking at the same event, Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) Statistician General, Sheila Mudenda, said the results are critical for assessing national food availability, supporting food security interventions and strengthening estimates of agriculture’s contribution to the economy.

Ms Mudenda stated that ZamStats remains fully committed to its mandate of producing quality, timely and relevant official statistics as well as continuing modernising systems and improving data production.

Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI) Research Associate, Maimbo Hamboobe, pointed out that there is an expected increased supply in most countries in Southern Africa due to projected strong output and high carry over stock, with many countries expecting consecutive bumper harvests supported by favourable weather.

Ms Haboombe, however, observed that higher fuel costs remain an upside risk to food prices through rising transport and processing costs, adding that there is also a possibility of transitioning into an El Nino season with a 70 percent chance of it happening.

Meanwhile, Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) President, Andrew Chintala, said with the expected bumper harvest announced today, he is eager to see the market beginning to react according to expectations of players in the food value chain.

Mr Chintala further stated that Zambia now stands a better chance to reposition itself in regional trade.

The Ministry of Education has reassured teachers across the country of the government’s commitment to addressing matters relating to academic and professional upgrades in a fair and sustainable manner.

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kelvin Mambwe, says the Ministry has noted public discussions following recent remarks by the Emoluments Commission concerning academic upgrades and salary progression in the public service.

In a statement issued to the media in Livingstone today, Dr Mambwe said the government highly values teachers who continue to improve their academic and professional qualifications in order to enhance the quality of education delivery in the country.

He noted that teachers pursuing further studies play a critical role in strengthening the education sector and improving learning outcomes among learners.

The Permanent Secretary further hinted at the clarification by the Emoluments Commission that advancement in qualifications does not automatically translate into salary or position upgrades in the public service.

Dr Mambwe explained that cases involving upgraded teachers are being handled on a case-by-case basis, taking into account available establishments, existing vacancies, and provisions within the public service framework.

He acknowledged the backlog of teachers whose academic upgrades are yet to be addressed, but assured that the government is committed to progressively resolving the matter in a transparent and sustainable manner.

He said the government has since 2022 upgraded more than 9,226 teachers countrywide as part of ongoing efforts to address concerns raised by affected teachers within the available structures and approved establishments.

Dr Mambwe added that the Ministry is actively engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure that more deserving cases continue to be considered as positions and vacancies become available.

He has since appealed to teachers to remain calm and patient as the government works towards resolving the issue in an orderly manner.

Dr Mambwe also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the professional growth and welfare of teachers, describing them as key contributors to Zambia’s national development agenda.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in Northern Province is currently conducting a fish ban on Lake Tanganyika.

Northern Province Fisheries and Livestock Officer, Gethings Chisule, says the fish ban is aimed at facilitating the breeding of Kapenta and Buga Fish species on the lake.

Mr Chisule revealed that after conducting studies, the department discovered that the period between 15^th May and 15^th August is a peak breeding period for the two species, hence facilitating the fish ban.

In an interview with the media Mr Chisule explained that Buga Fish and Kapenta are the two commercially used species, thus the closure to allow them to breed.

“After studies, we discovered that the peak breeding period for the Buga fish and Kapenta is between May 15 and August 15, and this is just meant for Lake Tanganyika, Nsumbu, Nsama, and the area along Lake Tanganyika,” he said.

Mr Chisule further clarified that while the fish ban on Lake Tanganyika is in effect until August, other fish lakes such as Mweru Wantipa and Chambeshi will observe their fish ban periods from December 1 to end of February, 2027.

He advised individuals involved in the fish business to ensure they acquire a certificate of origin from the fisheries department which shows that the fish they are selling has not been acquired in areas where the fish ban is in effect.

“If you are moving fish from these other regions where the fish ban is not in effect, you must first acquire the certificate of origin. This document will help you sell your fish freely in areas where the fish ban has been effected in Mpulungu,’’ he said.

Mr Chisule has also commended the compliance levels being exhibited between fishermen and traders in observing the fish ban, citing increased understanding of the importance of the ban.

“So far so good because our fishermen and traders are observing the fish ban because they have come to understand why we effect this ban, it is for their good and for sustenance of this fish ban,’’ he said.

Mr Chisule further called on members of the public to consider venturing into fish farming.

He added that doing so will not only help complement the fish from the lakes and natural rivers on the market, but will also ensure that the fish harvested from the fish farming business help meet the fish demands with the growing human population in the province.

Kabwe residents have called on the government to consider upgrading Mulungushi road to bituminous standard, in order to eradicate the problem of dust emission from trucks carrying mineral slugs.

The residents say the upgrading of the road to a tarmac is the only permanent way to curb the dust pollution, which is also suspected to contain lead which poses a threat to human lives.

Ireen Namonje, a marketeer at Mulungushi market, told ZANIS in an interview that tarring the road will help address the problem of dust emission.

Ms Namonje says residents in Waya Compound have for a long time been exposed to diseases associated with lead pollution, because of the dust.

Mulemwa Libumbu, another resident of Waya Compound, says dust suppression through the use of water bowsers has been costly and unsustainable over time.

Philemon Maambo, another Kabwe resident, says tarring the road is the only solution to the pollution affecting the people of Waya Compound and surrounding areas.

Mr Mambo commended the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) for mobilising over 10 mineral processing companies to undertake dust suppression on Mulungushi road as a short-term measure.

 Some parliamentary candidates participating in the forthcoming general elections in Lumezi North have pledged to undertake violence-free campaigns.

Speaking to the media, United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Anderson Banda said he will focus on issue-based campaigns as aspired by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Banda said the people of Lumezi want to see development and not violence.

“I want to assure the people of Lumezi of issue-based politics by highlighting how I will advocate for policies that will better the lives of our men, women and young people,” he said.

He added that he is cognisant of President Hakainde Hichilema’s development agenda and stands ready to carry forward the development of Lumezi.

“We want to ensure that young people utilise empowerment opportunities and benefit from the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to achieve inclusive development,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity Candidate Clement Mwale also assured violence-free campaigns, pledging to focus on development matters.

Mr Mwale said that having previously served as Council Chairperson in Lumezi, he is capable of making better use of the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

“If we had only 1.6 million Kwacha as Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and were able to build this facility, what about now with the expanded CDF,” he said.

He expressed confidence in effectively spearheading the development of Lumezi.

Only three candidates will contest the Lumezi North seat ahead of the August 13 polls.

These include Anderson Banda of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), Nebby Manda of the opposition Leadership Movement, and Clement Mwale from the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has urged District Conflict Management Committees (DCMCs) in Chibombo, Chisamba, and Kabwe districts, to be impartial as they mediate minor electoral disputes to ensure a fair and credible electoral process.

Kabwe District Electoral Officer, Jovax Ngoma has emphasised that integrity and impartiality are essential, noting that the approach aims to foster peaceful participation and mutual resolution ahead of the August 13 general elections.

Mr Ngoma said this during the official opening of a five-day training workshop for Conflict Management Committees (CMC) in Chibombo, Chisamba, and Kabwe, being held in Kabwe.

“We must give hope and confidence to the people that we are impartial,” Mr Ngoma said.

He warned that escalating political disputes could undermine the electoral process.

During a presentation, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) facilitator Gloria Musambachime noted that the CMC’s role is to mediate minor disputes and escalating cases beyond its capacity to the National Conflict Management Committee (NCMC) or law enforcement agencies.

“Our mandate is just to resolve the minor disputes through mediation. Then the other mandate is to take preventive initiatives such as training, sensitisation and so on. We are preventing the conflict from escalating,” Ms Musambachime said.

Meanwhile, ECZ facilitator Enock Kamkwamba urged committee members to cascade the workshop’s lessons to the grassroots, aiming to promote nationwide peace and unity.

“Bashimapepo (the clergy), use this opportunity to educate our people, politicians to desist from activities which easily incite the people to go and fight. Law enforcement officers, it is incumbent upon you to tell the citizens and political parties that we don’t want violence,” Mr. Kamkwamba said.

Mr Kamkwamba urged law enforcement officers to maintain transparency and standard protocols when reviewing notifications for political rallies, ensuring equal and unbiased treatment of all political parties, and further stressed that security deployments must rely exclusively on agreed-upon, official campaign timetables to avoid any clashes.

A 15 -year -old girl of Katete, has been abducted by a male individual identified as Saimani Mwanza.

The accused is believed to have worked with another male accomplice.

It is believed that the girl was abducted after a ride offer from Mbinga Village to Kangwerema farms in Kawaza Chiefdom of Katete District in Eastern Province.

Eastern Province Polica Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has confirmed the incident.

“Brief information on the matter is that on 24th May 2026, the abducted female juvenile was with her 14-year female juvenile friend who had gone to visit their relatives in Mbinga village. On their way back to Kangwerema farms, they were offered a lift by the accused, who was with the other person who remains unidentified,” Mr Mweemba said.

After getting on the bike, and riding for a while, the accused requested his friend to stop the motorbike.

Upon stopping, the accused got hold of the 15-year-old juvenile and took her to a nearby bush leaving the rider with another female juvenile.

“After a while, the other man followed Mwanza in the bush.

This act allowed the female juvenile to escape and immediately went to tell the parents of the 15 year-old juvenile,” Mr Mweemba said.

The parents immediately mobilised each other and went to the scene but could not find anyone.

After the search, the parents decided to alert the police for assistance.

Mr Mweemba told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) that a docket has been opened as the search continues.

He said that investigations and a manhunt have been launched to bring to book the abductors.

A 35-year-old man of Chama District has died on the spot after two motorcycles collided head-on.

The victim, Peter Phiri, who was riding one of the motorcycles, sustained multiple injuries and died on the spot.

The media reports that the fatal accident happened yesterday, near Chama Town.

This has been confirmed by Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, who revealed that the accident happened around 09:20 hours in the Kaozi village area, about five kilometers north of Chama Town.

“The accident involved a GT motorcycle registration number ARC 8332 riden by Peter Phiri, 35, of Kasangani Village in Chief Kambombo’s area, and an unregistered Kinglion motorcycle ridden by Elias Ngulube, 29, of Lukomboziozi Compound in Chief Kambombo’s area,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said the now deceased sustained a fractured right forearm, fractured right thigh, broken jaw, cuts on the left cheek, and bleeding from the nose and mouth.

His passenger, Grace Thole, 27, of Dungulungu village, sustained a fractured right knee, bruises on the right foot, and complained of general body pains.

Meanwhile, the other rider sustained injuries to the middle and forefinger and also complained of general body pains.

Two passengers on his motorcycle, identified as 17-year-old Mary Mucheleng’anga of Makeni B Compound and 11-year-old juvenile Whynet Mkandawire of Dungulungu Village, sustained minor injuries.

All the injured victims were rushed to Chama District Hospital, where they are admitted, while the body of the deceased was deposited into the hospital mortuary.

Police investigations indicate that the accident happened when Peter Phiri allegedly lost control of the motorcycle due to excessive speed before colliding head-on with the oncoming motorcycle ridden by Elias Ngulube.