A 12 years old boy of Muwozi area in chief Chibwika’s Chiedom in Mwinilunga District of Northwestern Province has allegedly committed suicide after being reprimanded for stealing his mother’s K100 and a pack of biscuits.

 North Western Province Police commanding officer Brightone Siwale has confirmed the matter to the media  today and identified the deceased as Justin Samunyawu 12, a grade one drop out at Muwozi primary school.

Mr Siwale said the incident occured on February 15, 2026 between 07:00 hours and 09:00 hours at Makomeli village in Muwozi area after mother to the deceased Loveness Mushidi 51 recovered K100 and a packet of biscuits allegedly stolen by now deceased.

He explained that upon being warned against stealing, the deceased got angry and left the village but was later found hanging to a tree with fibre tied around his neck by other children who were playing in the nearby bushes.

“Eventually around 09:00 hours some children who were playing at a nearby bush discovered the body of the deceased hanging on a tree with a fiber tied around his neck”, he said.

Mr Siwale said the uncle to the deceased Kelvin Kyupa later reported the matter to the police who visited the scene and found the body still hanging to the tree 200 meters away from the village.

He said upon inspection of the body, police observed no physical injuries apart from a protruding tongue gripped between the upper and lower jaws.

Mr Siwale said police have since advised the family to proceed with burial as no foul play was suspected in the matter.

Government has recommitted to harnessing Zambia’s mineral resources for national development under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership.

Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Reverend Mathews Chilekwa says new mining laws will help to boost exploration and diversify the economy, aligning with the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP).

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Chinsali yesterday, Reverend Chilekwa highlighted the Minerals Regulation Commission’s role in curbing illegal mining and enhancing traceability of mineral resources.

Rev. Chilekwa added that the newly enacted Geological and Minerals Development Act will help to promote geological mapping, exploration, and artisanal mining growth.

“Mining is more than an economic activity, it’s a vehicle for poverty reduction, job creation, and national development as these reforms pin point on value addition, local people benefiting, and the integration of Small-Scale Miners into the mainstream economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Mines Planner under the Department of Policy and Planning Steven Mutwale said the reforms aim to regulate the sector efficiently, with the Commission handling regulation and monitoring, while the Ministry focuses on policy related issues.

Mr Mutwale said the Mines and Minerals Development Act No.11 of 2025 was repealed and replaced by the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No. 2 of 2025 and the Geological and Minerals Development Act.

Mr Mutwale added that the Ministry had  also developed local content statutory instruments to enhance the participation of Zambians in the mineral value chain in the mining sector.

Earlier, the team from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development paid a courtesy call on Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Reverend Mathews Chilekwa at his office.

he United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to completing the Development of Basic Infrastructure (DBI) project for displaced persons and their host communities at Mayukwayukwa Resettlement Scheme in Kaoma District by 2027.

UNDP Project Manager, Mwangana Amukena, expressed confidence that the planned infrastructure will be delivered within the set timeframe.

He noted that the three-year project, launched last year, is funded by the Japanese Government through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and  was  being implemented jointly by UNDP and the Zambian government.

Speaking during a fact-finding mission at Mayukwayukwa, Mr Amukena praised the Zambia National Service (ZNS), the project contractor, for their dedication and commitment to completing the works on schedule.

“The project has been under implementation for the past year since 2025, it’s running up to 2027. It’s a three years project with a budget of about $5.4 million from the Japanese government through JICA. UNDP is hoping to achieve all the planned infrastructure as you can see that ZNS is committed”, Mr Amukena noted.

Resettlement Division Assistant Director, George Mweenda reaffirmed government’s commitment to infrastructure development in Mayukwayukwa resettlement scheme in order to improve the welfare of the displaced settlers and their host Communities.

Mr Mweenda highlighted that that the project targeted construction of infrastructure in schools which include classrooms, staff houses, ablution blocks and water reticulation systems.

He noted that the irrigation scheme was meant for farming activities in the resettlement in line with government’s Presidential directive to increase maize production and enhance food security in the country.

“We’re here to continue the development of Mayukwayukwa resettlement scheme with ZNS team on the DBI project under UNDP. There is a lot of infrastructure which involves the schools, houses and also irrigation plus ablution blocks in schools”, he said.

“The irrigation aspect is that as we put up the schemes, we also want to make sure that we activate the irrigation aspect. Presidential delivery unit is spearheading the issue of 500, 000 metric tons of maize. To support that, we thought that irrigation maybe also can support maize or any other crop so irrigation must be there”, Mr Mweenda noted.

ZNS Project Manager, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Simwanza, assured commitment and time delivery of the project.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Rebeca Grynspan, has praised Zambia’s economic transformation agenda, describing the country as strategically positioned to drive trade, energy and development growth within Africa.

Ms Grynspan has noted that Zambia has successfully turned its landlocked status into a land-linked advantage, positioning itself as a key trade and energy corridor within the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting at State House today, Ms Grynspan said Africa will play a central role in the two major global transitions, noting that the same critical minerals required for clean energy systems are equally essential for sustainable economic growth.

Ms Grynspan has further commended Zambia’s strong participation of women in the economy, citing a rate of about 75.8 percent, which she said is above the global average and a critical driver for inclusive growth and economic diversification.

She has disclosed that UNCTAD, in collaboration with the Zambian government and the private sector, has conducted a practical study on critical energy transition minerals, resulting in the country specific recommendations aligned with Zambia’s development priorities.

Ms Grynspan has also emphasised that the approach is demand-driven, aimed at responding to Zambia’s real needs, rather than externally imposed solutions.

The UNCTAD Secretary-General also acknowledged Zambia’s leadership in climate change adaptation discussions and its role in the global borrowers platform, noting that Zambia’s experience has become a reference point for other developing countries.

She highlighted progress in data and digital management systems, revealing that experts from other countries are already learning from Zambia’s model.

“We are here to support Zambia in capital mobilisation, revenue enhancement and digital transformation. The technology group working with yours will be a model followed in the years to come,” she said.

Ms Grynspan expressed optimism about Zambia’s future, praising the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the country’s Vision 2030, saying Zambia has the capacity, entrepreneurship and natural resource base to build a sustainable and dynamic economy.

“Africa will be key in the two major transitions that the world is going through. The same minerals needed for the energy transition will be needed for the development transition,” Ms Grynspan said. “Your responsible leadership and long-term vision will be key to making that happen.”

Responding to the Secretary General, President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to institutional reforms and digital transformation, stating that the country is focused on delivering measurable outcomes that place it firmly on the path to self-sufficiency.

President Hichilema has commended UNCTAD’s support in strengthening Zambia’s policy and regulatory frameworks, particularly in digital strategy, competition law and e-commerce.

“We are grateful to UNCTAD and other UN agencies for their continued partnership and support. Your guidance has helped us strengthen policy, digital strategy, and governance frameworks,” President Hichilema said.

The President has revealed that the digital reforms currently being implemented will enhance efficiency in public service delivery, improve private sector transactions, strengthen revenue collection and promote transparency.

The Head of State has emphasised that Zambia’s reform agenda is focused on harmonisation, coordination and outcome based implementation, adding that policies must translate into tangible results for citizens.

He has stressed that digital platforms will help curb inefficiencies and irregularities while improving governance systems.

And President Hichilema has further underscored the importance of production and value addition, noting that Zambia must move beyond exporting raw materials and instead invest in manufacturing and regional value chains.

He said African countries must work together to create aggregated economic benefits that generate jobs for young people, while reducing irregular migration.

“We must move from exporting raw materials to value addition. Production and regional value chains are key to creating jobs for our young people,” he said.

He has reiterated that Zambia’s economic transformation programme is anchored on partnerships with knowledge institutions and international organisations, adding that the country is determined to accelerate progress and leave a positive legacy through sustainable reforms.

“This collaboration with UNCTAD and the broader international community is critical as we continue to implement reforms that deliver tangible results for our people,” he said.

The President has also underscored progress in digital strategy, competition law and e-commerce, noting that these initiatives will improve service delivery, enhance transparency and strengthen revenue collection systems.

The Head of State also highlighted Zambia’s commitment to economic diversification, climate resilience, and knowledge partnerships, saying the country aims to leverage its natural resources, entrepreneurial capacity and institutional reforms to create sustainable growth.

The bilateral meeting reaffirmed Zambia’s partnership with UNCTAD in advancing structural reforms, economic diversification, and sustainable development while positioning the country as a model for trade, energy and digital transformation in Africa.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has called on the private sector to join forces with the government in mitigating disasters and building national resilience, as the country is likely to record a bumper harvest despite recent weather related challenges.

Mrs Nalumango was speaking at the handover of relief items by Seedco Zambia Limited and Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) Life Insurance to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).

Mrs Nalumango said among the items donated is 1000 by 25kg bags of mealie meal by ZSIC life insurance and 10 metric tonnes of ultra-early maturity maize seed and 1000 by 10kg bag of mealie meal.

She commended the companies for their timely donations, which included seeds, fertilisers, and other essential supplies.

Mrs Nalumango said the country is likely to record a bumper harvest and urged stakeholders not to be complacent as disasters can strike at any time.

“It is imperative that we work together to mitigate their impact, ” she said.

The Vice President also commended Seedco and ZISC Life Insurance for their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, noting that their contributions would go a long way in supporting affected families and communities.

“Companies have a social responsibility to the communities in which they operate, particularly when it comes to saving lives and supporting citizens during times of disaster,” she emphasised.

Mrs Nalumango also urged Zambians to support the businesses of Seedco and ZISC Life Insurance, saying their commitment to national development and humanitarian causes deserved public confidence and support.

“The country has recently experienced severe weather conditions, including floods and drought, which have affected several districts and communities’’, she added.

Mrs Nalumango reassured the public that government’s response mechanisms remained active and encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and report any emergencies through the toll-free line

The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) says delays in certifying results is part of the verification process aimed at protecting the public from fraudulent qualifications.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with the media in Lusaka, ZAQA Corporate Communication Specialist, Inutu Mwanza says many cases of misrepresented qualifications were detected in 2025 after mandatory verification was introduced.

Ms Mwanza explained that local qualifications are usually verified within 14 days, depending on complexity.

She added that most complaints come from people who wait until the last minute, such as the day before a job interview or school enrollment.

 “Once a qualification is verified, it is valid for life. Only new certificates need separate verification,” she said.

Ms Mwanza said ZAQA is also educating the public about its mandate and improving systems to ensure verification is done on time.

She clarified that ZAQA does not duplicate other government bodies but focuses on verifying and authenticating qualifications.

Ms Mwanza has since urged the public to verify their qualifications early to avoid missing employment or school opportunities.

The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for urging the African Union Member states to take a decisive continental action against child marriage.

NGOCC Board Chairperson, Beauty Katebe has emphasised that child marriage is a significant human rights concern, with far-reaching human, social, health, and economic costs that the AU and Zambia cannot afford to ignore.

Ms Katebe applauded President Hichilema who is the African Union (AU) Champion on Ending Child Marriage when he made a clarion call on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

She lamented that Zambia, like many of its neighbors, continues to combat the challenge of child marriage, a practice she said robs young girls of their potential and future opportunities, hence President Hichilema’s call must be commended.

Ms Katebe stated that while prevalence rates have dropped from 29% in 2018 to 23.9% in 2024, significant work remains.

She stressed that President Hichilema’s renewed call to action is both timely and vital and that his stance builds on the momentum of the Marriage Act No. 13 of 2023, which legally prohibits child marriage in both traditional and statutory settings.

“The President’s consistent leadership on this issue remains a crucial catalyst for ending this practice across the continent,”  Ms Katebe stated.

Ms Katebe stressed that It is crucial, therefore, that the government demonstrates its commitment to addressing child marriage by deliberately increasing resource allocation to tackle the problem.

“In line with this effort, the 2027 Budget should prioritise allocations to areas heavily affected by child marriage to support social behavioral change programmes, improve reporting, fund remedial interventions, and consolidate existing mechanisms nationwide,” she said.