Economist Kelvin Chisanga says Zambia must intensify efforts to market its national identity and locally produced goods to strengthen the country’s presence in the Southern African region and beyond.

Mr Chisanga said Zambia possesses abundant natural resources that can drive its economic aspirations if supported by a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving manufacturers, tourism operators, government agencies and other key players.

He noted that aligning these sectors with strategies such as the recently approved Brand Zambia Initiative would help position the country more competitively.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Mr Chisanga said the initiative, approved by Cabinet last month, creates an opportunity for all Zambians to participate in shaping a unified national brand that promotes economic growth, attracts investment and builds national pride.

Mr Chisanga emphasized the need for Zambian products to carry a strong national identity when exported to neighbouring countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, stressing that this would help stimulate interest in Zambia’s tourism and other services.

Mr Chisanga urged the Zambia Tourism Agency and the Proudly Zambian Campaign to intensify promotion of local products and strengthen content integration to support industrial growth.

Meanwhile, Economics Association of Zambia President Oswald Mungule highlighted the importance of maintaining peace as a foundation for economic progress.

Dr Mungule added that Zambian products must consistently meet international standards if they are to compete effectively in global markets.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has launched investigations into alleged labour law violations at Zamfresh and Sunshare following the circulation of a social media video showing a female employee allegedly being assaulted at the workplace.

Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa paid an impromptu visit to the two companies after the video emerged, reportedly depicting a 23-year-old cashier, Ruth Banda, being assaulted by a Chinese national after she was questioned for forging company invoices and stealing K14, 000.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Muntengwa condemned the alleged assault, stating that the Ministry does not tolerate any form of violence or abuse in the workplace.

He emphasised that allegations of misconduct or theft must be addressed through lawful and established procedures and not through acts that infringe on workers’ rights.

Mr Muntengwa further expressed concern over a number of labour irregularities observed at the companies, including the absence of proper protective work suits, failure to issue employment contracts and the payment of uniform wages to workers despite them performing different roles.

He disclosed that the companies have been fined K160, 000 for administrative noncompliance, citing the failure to issue payslips and place workers on formal contracts.

He also directed management to settle all outstanding arrears owed to employees, including overtime payments and wage adjustments to meet the statutory minimum wage.

Meanwhile, Zamfresh General Consultant, Karen Kayuni, acknowledged that workers should not be subjected to assault while on duty and assured the Ministry of cooperation.

Mr Muntengwa has since reaffirmed that investigations will continue.

The Kasama Magistrate Court has sentenced an 18-year-old man of Kalafya area in Chief Mwamba area in Kasama district to five months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing five boxes of tomatoes.

Before Senior Resident Magistrate, Willie Banda, was Bright Mwamba, who was facing one count of theft contrary to sections 301(b) and 272 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

During the presentation of facts, Senior Public Prosecutor, Aaron Kuyeli, told the court that on January 10, 2026, around 10:30 hours, the complainant, Boyd Bwalya, a farmer and resident of Malama Compound in Kasama, lost five boxes of tomatoes.

Mr Kuyeli said the complainant reported the matter to Kasama Police Station and valued the stolen property at K2, 500.

He said the now convict was identified as the prime suspect, adding that he pleaded guilty to the charge.

In mitigation, Mwamba pleaded for leniency, saying he had learnt his lesson during the time he spent in custody.

He further acknowledged that he had gone against the laws of Zambia and promised not to repeat the offence.

In passing sentence, Magistrate Banda said he had considered the mitigation and the fact that the convict was a first offender.

He however noted that theft is a serious offence which carries a maximum penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment.

The court subsequently sentenced Mwamba to five months imprisonment with hard labour.

Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company Board Chairperson, Watson Ng’ambi has observed the need to expand the Kaseba Water Intake Plant in Kafue District in order to meet the growing demand for water supply in the area.

Mr Ng’ambi explained that with the construction of the Kafue Multi-Facility Economic Zone on the western part of the district, there is a need to increase water supply.

Speaking in an interview with the media after touring the Iolanda and Kaseba Water Treatment Plants, Mr Ng’ambi noted that coupled with the increasing population along with various developments, there is a need to expand the water intake infrastructure.

“In terms of supplying water to our communities in Lusaka and Kafue, we have faced challenges in reaching all settlements,” he said.

He stressed the urgency of conducting a feasibility study for the expansion of the water intake at the Kaseba Water Treatment Plant.

 “We need to conduct an urgent feasibility study to determine the kind of expansion we need,” Mr Ng’ambi added.

And Kafue District Commissioner, Maurice Hikapulwe noted that while most parts of the district have been receiving adequate water supply, some areas, such as Kasengele, were not receiving adequate water supply.

“We have some communities in Kasengele who are in need of water,” he said.