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Zambia allocates land for permanent AU ECOSOCC Secretariat

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Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe says government has been spending over US$74,500 every year in renting a building for the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) Secretariat.

Mr Haimbe says the government has since allocated 10 acres of land in Lusaka for the construction of a permanent structure for the ECOSSOC Secretariat to forestall the cost of renting.

The media reports that the ECOSSOC Secretariat was relocated to Lusaka in 2019 from the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate office in the African Union Commission.

And Zambia has expressed satisfaction that ECOSSOC has demonstrated increased programme implementation capacity since relocating its secretariat to Lusaka in 2019.

Mr Haimbe said in his statement to the Executive Council ordinary session of the African Union in Addis Ababa today that ECOSSOC has also attracted substantial interest from international partners who are now offering variable resources.

The Minister has also reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to hosting the ECOSSOC Secretariat in Lusaka and has since allocated a four acre piece of land for constructing…

He further extolled the ECOSSOC Secretariat for introducing the Kenneth Kaunde Graduate Immersion Programme last year, which is aimed at equipping high performing, recent Zambian graduates with practical experience in policy research, project coordination and organization operations.

The programme also serves as a bridge between academic training and real-world professional practice within the African Union.

Tourism budget hits K1.5b as sector records growth

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Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba says the current administration has deliberately prioritized investment in tourism, as reflected in the continuous increase in budget allocations to the sector.

Mr Sikumba noted that in 2021, the Ministry of Tourism’s budget stood at about K3.3 million, rising to K1.3 billion in 2025 and further to K1.5 billion in 2026.

He explained that this growth has enabled the ministry to scale up international and domestic tourism marketing, improve support infrastructure, strengthen wildlife management systems, and deepen community participation in tourism development.

Delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament on the performance of the tourism sector from 2021 to 2025, Mr Sikumba said the upward trajectory demonstrates the government’s recognition of tourism as a critical pillar of Zambia’s economic diversification agenda.

He disclosed that Zambia recorded 2.3 million international arrivals in 2025 compared to 2.2 million in 2024, while domestic tourism also grew, with over 553,000 visits to museums, national parks and heritage sites in 2025 compared to about 530,000 in 2024.

“Tourism remains one of Zambia’s strategic economic sectors with immense potential to drive economic transformation, job creation and sustainable development,” Mr Sikumba said.

Mr Sikumba emphasized that tourism fosters inclusive growth, benefiting women, youths, and rural communities, and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to encouraging partnerships and promoting both domestic and international tourism through various incentives.

Lubinda, Mundubile, Makebi should unite – Mwamba

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Calls for unity within opposition ranks have intensified after remarks attributed to political figure Emmanuel Mwamba urging Patriotic Front figures Given Lubinda, Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu to work together. The statement appears within a broader discussion about leadership direction, internal cohesion and electoral positioning ahead of the next national polls.

According to the report, Mwamba’s comments centre on the need for cooperation among leading figures linked to the opposition. He indicated that divisions within political structures weaken organisational strength and reduce the ability to present a unified message to the electorate. His remarks arrive at a time when political alignments remain fluid and discussions about leadership continue across several formations.

The article portrays Mwamba’s intervention as part of ongoing dialogue about strategy and direction. He suggested that collaboration among senior figures could stabilise internal structures and improve coordination. His remarks highlight a wider concern that prolonged disagreements risk eroding confidence among supporters who expect clear leadership signals.

Political unity remains a recurring theme within the opposition space. The call directed at Lubinda, Mundubile and Zulu reflects ongoing attempts by different actors to shape the future of the party and its alliances. Observers note that public appeals for cohesion often emerge during periods of transition or uncertainty, when leadership debates dominate political conversations.

Mwamba’s remarks reference the importance of presenting a single front capable of engaging voters across regions. The report indicates that his position rests on the belief that unity strengthens organisational effectiveness and reduces confusion among supporters. His comments suggest that leadership rivalry should give way to collaboration grounded in shared objectives.

Within the article, the issue of party direction appears closely tied to broader national political developments. Opposition formations continue to evaluate their positioning in relation to upcoming electoral processes. Calls for cooperation reflect the recognition that fragmented messaging may weaken the ability to mobilise supporters effectively.

Given Lubinda, Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu remain prominent figures associated with discussions about leadership within the Patriotic Front. Mwamba’s appeal highlights the symbolic weight attached to their roles. The call for unity frames their collaboration as essential for restoring organisational focus and strengthening internal structures.

The report situates the appeal within a wider national context where political actors continue to reassess alliances and strategies. Public statements encouraging unity often signal attempts to influence internal debates while shaping public perception. Mwamba’s intervention underscores the significance of leadership cohesion during a period of political realignment.

Supporters of unity argue that cooperation among senior figures fosters stability within party structures. They believe that shared leadership efforts can help rebuild momentum and reinforce organisational identity. Mwamba’s comments align with this view, emphasising the value of collective action rather than rivalry.

The broader political environment remains shaped by discussions about leadership legitimacy, electoral preparation and organisational renewal. Appeals for unity serve as reminders of the challenges faced by opposition formations seeking to consolidate support. Mwamba’s remarks highlight how internal dynamics continue to shape political narratives within the country.

As debates around leadership direction continue, the call directed at Lubinda, Mundubile and Zulu reflects a broader effort to encourage collaboration among influential figures. The response from those named remains part of the evolving political landscape, where unity and strategy remain central themes.

The discussion surrounding Mwamba’s remarks demonstrates the ongoing importance of leadership cohesion within political movements. With attention focused on internal organisation and electoral readiness, calls for unity are likely to remain a defining feature of political discourse in the months ahead.

Msoni presses Parliament for openness on draft bill vote

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Questions about parliamentary transparency have surfaced after political activist Nason Msoni raised concern over the decision not to disclose how Members of Parliament voted on legislation connected to electoral reform. The issue centres on the handling of the Bill 7 vote and its relationship to a proposed Draft Electoral Process Bill that introduces new requirements affecting political alliances

Msoni’s remarks come at a time when electoral law remains under heightened national attention. According to the report, he wondered why Parliament chose not to publish the voting pattern, particularly when the legislation touches on procedures that could influence the political landscape ahead of elections. He indicated that citizens should be able to examine how their representatives align themselves on issues that carry direct implications for democratic participation.

The proposed Draft Electoral Process Bill has generated debate across civic and political spaces. Provisions linked to alliance registration with the Registrar of Societies have drawn scrutiny, with stakeholders questioning how the framework might shape cooperation among political actors. Msoni suggested that the secrecy surrounding the vote raises legitimate questions about openness in legislative decision-making.

Transparency in parliamentary procedure remains a central theme in the activist’s position. He argued that publishing voting records strengthens accountability and allows voters to assess representation more clearly. In his view, electoral reforms demand a higher level of clarity because they influence governance structures and the administration of elections.

The issue reflects broader national conversations about legislative conduct and democratic standards. Electoral reforms often attract close scrutiny due to their potential to affect political competition and institutional processes. Msoni framed his concern as part of a wider effort to ensure that governance remains open and accessible to public understanding.

Stakeholders following the legislative process have noted that the Draft Electoral Process Bill seeks to introduce administrative order into alliance arrangements. While reform efforts aim to clarify procedures, critics have urged lawmakers to ensure that implementation remains transparent. Msoni’s remarks align with this perspective, highlighting the importance of public confidence in parliamentary decisions.

Parliamentary debates on electoral reform continue to evolve within a complex political environment. As lawmakers consider legislative proposals, civic actors have emphasised the need for clear communication and inclusive dialogue. Msoni’s intervention places additional focus on the role of Parliament as an institution accountable to voters.

The secrecy surrounding the voting pattern has also raised questions about procedural precedent. Observers note that disclosure of voting records allows citizens to understand the positions taken by their elected representatives. Msoni argued that withholding such information risks creating uncertainty about legislative intent, particularly when reforms carry national significance.

Despite the criticism, the legislative process continues through established parliamentary channels. The Draft Electoral Process Bill remains under discussion, with stakeholders examining how its provisions could influence election administration. Msoni’s comments highlight the tension between procedural discretion and public expectation for openness.

His position does not reject the existence of electoral reform but calls for clearer communication during its implementation. He indicated that democratic institutions reinforce their legitimacy through transparency and engagement with citizens. The ongoing conversation around Bill 7 reflects the dynamic nature of legislative reform and the public’s interest in understanding how decisions are made.

As Parliament advances its agenda, the debate over secrecy and accountability is likely to remain a focal point. The question raised by Nason Msoni underscores a broader theme in governance: that legislative authority operates alongside public scrutiny. How lawmakers respond to calls for transparency may shape perceptions of electoral reform in the months ahead.

U20 GIRLS ACCELERATE PREPS FOR UGANDA

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he Zambia U20 Girls have stepped up preparations for the return leg of the fourth-round qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup against Uganda set for the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday, 14th February, 2026.

The Young Copper Queens have set up base in Ndola after battling to a 1–1 draw against Uganda in the first leg of the fourth-round qualifiers played in East Africa last Saturday.

Head coach Florence Mwila has been leading the squad in training at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola.

“The advantage is that we have now tested Uganda. We now know how they play. We now know how they approach the game. Yes I talked about the physicality of Uganda before we even left but now we tested it,” Mwila told journalists in Ndola.

Mwila says Zambia is ready to face Uganda’s physical and high-pressing style when the two sides clash on Saturday.

“The girls have already played Uganda and so we know how to overcome that and we need to be wise in how we make decisions playing players that are very aggressive. We also need to be aggressive,” she said.

Mwila added: “When you have an opponent that is fast and strong you don’t keep the ball too long because by the time you are holding it and trying to think of where to take the ball because they are fast and they are strong; by the time you are thinking of where to go they have already taken the ball.”

FAZ President Keith Mweemba has been urging the young Copper Queens to complete the task in the return leg in Ndola after the 1-1 stalemate in Uganda.

“It is not easy to get a result against a fancied side like Uganda. We are glad the girls showed character by coming from a goal down to equalise and settle for a draw,” Mweemba said.

Captain Jessy Zulu, tramp card Mercy Chipasula and Blessing Maluba are some of the star players in the Zambian squad.

Zambia and Uganda are eying a place in the final round of qualification for the Poland 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

MUCHINDA WARD CAMPAIGNS CONCLUDE ON A HIGH NOTE AS UPND ANTICIPATES STRONG SHOWING

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Campaign activities ahead of the Muchinda Ward local government by-election have concluded, with residents preparing to vote tomorrow as political parties wrap up their final engagements.

United Party for National Development (UPND) Central Province Chairperson Mwabashike Nkulukusa, accompanied by Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs Levy Ngoma, Keembe Member of Parliament Princess Kasune, Central Province UPND Secretary Hastings Mulimba and other party officials, toured several camps in Muchinda Ward. During the visit, the delegation interacted with residents and highlighted the party’s development programmes and governance agenda.

Party officials told residents that development efforts in the ward would continue through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which supports community projects, youth initiatives and local infrastructure.

Mr Ngoma spoke about government policies aimed at improving living standards, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. He also referred to the free education policy, describing it as an important measure for expanding access to learning opportunities.

On agriculture, he said the Ministry of Agriculture would continue supporting farmers as Zambia works toward a maize production target of 10 million metric tonnes. He commended farmers in Muchinda for their maize production and stated that government would keep reviewing maize purchase prices to improve returns for producers.

As the campaign period closed, some residents expressed their views on development programmes, social policies and agricultural support as factors influencing their voting decisions ahead of the by-election.

Legal Reforms Have Restored Confidence in Courts and Boosted Anti-Corruption Fight – Mweetwa

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Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa says legal and social reforms introduced under President Hakainde Hichilema have strengthened confidence in the justice system, particularly in the handling of corruption cases, as courts are now able to fast-track matters.

Mr Mweetwa said the establishment of the Financial and Economic Crimes Court has helped reduce bureaucracy that previously delayed corruption cases. He cited the case of former Finance Minister Dr Katele Kalumba, which took more than 20 years to conclude, as an example of delays that reforms are meant to address. He added that recent forfeitures of property considered proceeds of crime and a number of convictions reflect changes in the system.

He stated that government’s anti-corruption campaign targets past, present and future offences. According to the minister, US$24 million was forfeited to the State from a lawyer after government took office, along with additional funds recovered from a female journalist.

Mr Mweetwa described corruption as a serious social problem that requires collective action from citizens. He also said government has taken note of Transparency International Zambia’s Corruption Perception Index, which rated Zambia at 37, and is prepared to engage with the organisation and cooperating partners to find solutions to recurring challenges.

He noted that issues highlighted in the ZAMMSA report contributed to the rating but emphasised that President Hichilema initiated the forensic audit that exposed the concerns. He added that government has been receiving reports of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) abuse and warned that those responsible would face legal action. Allegations of misuse of school grants are also under investigation.

Mr Mweetwa said the issues mentioned could have influenced Zambia’s CPI rating and should serve as a reminder to intensify efforts against corruption. He further criticised opposition claims that anti-corruption efforts are a hoax, saying it was surprising that critics now allege persecution and link convictions to tribal or ethnic considerations.

Africa Bar Association confirms receipt of Mwamba petition

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The Africa Bar Association has confirmed that it has received a formal petition submitted by the Patriotic Front concerning allegations about judicial independence in Zambia, with the organisation indicating that the matter is under review.

Correspondence signed by Africa Bar Association Vice President (Admin) and Executive Director Rudolf Ezeani acknowledged receipt of the communication addressed to the regional body. The brief response confirmed that the petition and its attachments had been received and would be given attention through the association’s internal processes.

The petition was filed by Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba in his capacity as Patriotic Front Chairperson for Information and Publicity. The submission, dated January 30, 2026, raises a series of concerns about the functioning of Zambia’s judiciary and its relationship with the executive branch of government. In the letter addressed to Africa Bar Association President High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark, the party alleges that judicial independence has weakened and that constitutional safeguards meant to protect the separation of powers are under strain.

The Patriotic Front submission names Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila, stating that the head of the judiciary had failed to uphold institutional independence. The petition claims that judges were exposed to external pressure and that constitutional standards meant to guarantee impartial adjudication were being eroded. The letter frames these claims within broader political developments, pointing to court decisions and legal processes that have shaped Zambia’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Central to the Patriotic Front’s complaint are developments involving the Constitutional Court. The petition references the dismissal of three Constitutional Court judges and rulings that prevented former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu from participating in future presidential elections. The party contends that these events reflect bias within judicial structures, a position presented as evidence to support calls for scrutiny by regional legal institutions.

The petition also describes what it terms a narrowing civic environment. It raises concerns over the treatment of certain political figures, including Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, and alleges that legal mechanisms were being applied in ways that punished opponents. The submission claims that due process had not been consistently upheld in some politically sensitive cases, framing these developments within a wider narrative about democratic governance and the rule of law.

Ambassador Mwamba indicated that the Patriotic Front had already engaged regional bodies beyond the Africa Bar Association, stating that communication had been sent to the Southern African Development Community. The party signalled that additional international institutions could be approached if its concerns about governance and judicial independence remained unresolved.

The Africa Bar Association operates as a continental legal organisation that brings together lawyers, legal institutions, and professional associations from across Africa. Its mandate includes promoting adherence to the rule of law, supporting legal cooperation among member states, and advancing human rights through advocacy and professional engagement. The association’s role often involves receiving petitions or representations from legal practitioners, civil society organisations, and political actors seeking regional attention on matters involving justice systems.

The acknowledgement letter from Vice President Rudolf Ezeani did not outline a timeline for review or indicate any preliminary findings. The communication simply confirmed that the petition had been received and that the organisation would consider the issues raised. No formal response or decision has been announced at this stage.

The Patriotic Front’s petition forms part of a broader exchange between political actors and regional institutions ahead of Zambia’s next electoral cycle. Legal and constitutional questions have continued to feature prominently in public discourse, with parties on different sides presenting competing interpretations of court rulings and governance practices. The Africa Bar Association’s consideration of the submission places the matter within a wider continental legal framework, where regional bodies often assess claims relating to judicial conduct, institutional independence, and democratic norms.

South Africa’s Supreme Court to Hear Appeal in Edgar Lungu Burial Dispute

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South Africa’s Supreme Court is set to hear an appeal in the ongoing dispute over the burial arrangements of Zambia’s sixth Republican President, Edgar Lungu.

The development follows a successful application by the Lungu family to challenge a ruling by the Pretoria High Court in Gauteng, which had ordered that the former president’s body be repatriated to Zambia for burial.

In their appeal, the family argues that the lower court’s decision failed to adequately consider their rights and position regarding funeral arrangements. They are seeking to have the Supreme Court overturn the earlier ruling that permitted the Zambian Government to take custody of Mr Lungu’s remains in preparation for burial.

Mr Lungu, aged 68, died on June 5, 2025, in South Africa, where he had been receiving treatment for throat cancer. Following his death, disagreements emerged between the family and the Government over how his funeral should be conducted.

According to court documents filed by the family, the late former president had expressed a wish that his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, should not attend his burial. However, Government has indicated plans to hold a state funeral, and under established protocol and precedent, the sitting president is expected to be present.

Whiskey Smugglers Hit with K5.5 Million Zra Penalty After Court Conviction

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Two men have been ordered to pay more than K5.5 million to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) after being convicted of smuggling premium alcoholic beverages into the country.

Mweene Mweemba and Sydney Kunda were found guilty by the Economic and Financial Crimes Court for illegally importing alcohol between October 1 and October 30, 2024, through Kazungula.

The pair smuggled several high-end brands, including Jameson Whiskey, Chivas Regal, Deacon Whiskey, Imperial Blue, Bumbu Rum, Malf Godi Gin, Con Afrancia and Beefeater Gin, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government.

When the matter was heard on Monday in Livingstone, the two men entered into plea negotiations under the Plea Negotiations and Agreements Act No. 20 of 2010, an application that ZRA did not contest.

Senior Resident Magistrate Trevor Kalisilira fined each offender K6,400 and directed them to pay ZRA a combined total of K5,562,816.79. The amount covers unpaid duties and taxes of K5,085,983.91, penalties amounting to K376,832.87 and prosecution costs of K100,000.

ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala stated that the authority has strengthened surveillance systems to combat tax evasion and smuggling. He warned that any offenders will face legal action and prosecution in accordance with the law.

Over 5,000 Nyimba Households to Receive Emergency Food Relief Amid Worsening Hunger Crisis

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Government has announced emergency measures to tackle a serious food shortage affecting Nyimba District, especially in the valley areas where more than 5,000 households urgently need relief food.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango said persistent food insecurity in the district is mainly caused by poor rainfall and ongoing human-wildlife conflict, which have made farming extremely challenging.

She made the remarks in Parliament yesterday during a question-for-oral-answer session, responding to Nyimba Member of Parliament Menyani Zulu, who sought clarification on whether government is aware of the hunger situation and what actions are being taken to support affected communities.

Nalumango explained that valley areas receive very little rainfall, making crop production difficult. She added that animals such as elephants and hippos frequently destroy crops, contributing to the district’s chronic food shortages.

According to the 2024/2025 in-depth vulnerability and assessment report, Nyimba District has 24,713 people — about 5,149 households — who require urgent humanitarian assistance.

She noted that around 4,000 households in accessible parts of Nyimba have already received relief supplies. However, roughly 1,000 households in remote villages have not yet been assisted due to access challenges.

To address the crisis, government, through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), has delivered and pre-positioned relief food in the district. The supplies include 677 bags of rice weighing 50 kilogrammes each and 41 bags of beans of the same weight for immediate distribution.

Nalumango also said additional food aid will be sent to the most isolated areas. Government plans to deliver 25 metric tonnes of mealie meal and 50 metric tonnes of beans to Mboroma, across the Luangwa River, to support families in urgent need.

She added that deliveries to hard-to-reach villages will be routed through Mkushi because of poor road access. The relief intervention, she said, forms part of broader efforts aimed at addressing immediate hunger while working toward long-term solutions to strengthen food security in Nyimba District.

Musokotwane highlights economic strategy tied to mining sector

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Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has provided a detailed explanation of President Hakainde Hichilema’s address delivered during the mining indaba, describing the speech as a reflection of Government’s broader economic direction and ongoing reforms within the mineral sector. The minister outlined policy measures aimed at strengthening investor confidence, maintaining fiscal stability and positioning Zambia as a competitive destination for mining investment.

The newspaper report indicates that Musokotwane’s remarks focused on the relationship between economic reforms and mining sector growth. He described policy predictability and fiscal discipline as central to Government’s approach, noting that stability within the regulatory environment remains essential for attracting both domestic and foreign investors. Authorities have repeatedly highlighted mining as a cornerstone of economic planning, given its role in revenue generation and employment creation.

Government messaging surrounding the mining indaba emphasised the importance of aligning economic reforms with long-term sector sustainability. Musokotwane pointed to ongoing policy adjustments designed to enhance production capacity while supporting broader economic recovery efforts. The minister’s analysis framed the President’s speech as outlining a roadmap aimed at strengthening Zambia’s economic outlook through increased mineral output and investment inflows.

The mining indaba platform allows policymakers to engage directly with industry stakeholders, including investors, mining companies and development partners. Musokotwane indicated that discussions at the forum highlighted opportunities for expanding exploration activities and improving operational efficiency within the sector. Government officials have maintained that policy consistency remains a priority, describing it as essential for restoring investor confidence following previous economic challenges.

Authorities have also stressed the need for mining growth to translate into tangible benefits for communities. The minister’s remarks referenced efforts to align mining expansion with infrastructure development and social programmes, reinforcing Government’s broader development agenda. Economic reforms introduced in recent years were described as part of a strategy aimed at stabilising macroeconomic indicators while creating an enabling environment for private sector participation.

Musokotwane further explained that Government’s fiscal measures are intended to balance revenue collection with incentives that encourage investment. Policy clarity, he noted, allows companies to plan long-term projects while contributing to national development goals. The minister described collaboration between Government and industry players as key to sustaining growth, highlighting ongoing consultations aimed at improving sector competitiveness.

The newspaper report framed the minister’s analysis as an effort to contextualise the President’s mining indaba speech within Zambia’s economic reform programme. Officials continue to present the mining sector as a driver of economic activity, with Government seeking to expand production while ensuring responsible resource management. The minister indicated that policy discussions remain ongoing, reflecting efforts to refine strategies that support sustainable growth.

Mining remains one of Zambia’s most influential economic sectors, and Government leaders have repeatedly emphasised its role in strengthening fiscal performance. Musokotwane’s commentary underscored that economic stability and policy consistency are intended to create conditions conducive to investment while supporting broader national development objectives.

HH to attend AU summit in Ethiopia

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President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to travel to Ethiopia for the upcoming African Union summit, a gathering expected to bring together heads of state and government to deliberate on governance, economic cooperation and regional stability. The summit agenda places emphasis on strengthening collaboration among African nations, with discussions likely to focus on development financing, peace building and continental integration.

Government sources indicate that Zambia’s participation aligns with ongoing diplomatic engagement aimed at positioning the country within broader African policy conversations. The summit comes at a time when regional leaders are reviewing progress on economic reforms and collective responses to challenges affecting the continent, including climate pressures, infrastructure development and investment mobilisation.

Officials have framed the trip as part of Zambia’s continued role within multilateral forums. Participation at the summit allows the country to engage with other African governments on matters linked to economic growth, trade expansion and institutional cooperation. Zambia’s presence also reflects efforts to reinforce ties with regional partners while advancing shared policy goals through African Union mechanisms.

Preparatory discussions ahead of the summit have highlighted issues surrounding governance frameworks, peace and security initiatives and cross-border collaboration. Diplomatic engagements during such meetings often include bilateral sessions between leaders, creating opportunities for dialogue on investment and development partnerships. Zambia’s involvement is expected to contribute to conversations on strengthening continental institutions and promoting sustainable economic pathways.

The summit agenda also places attention on social and development priorities, including youth empowerment and economic resilience. Delegations from member states are expected to share national experiences in implementing reforms aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic participation. Government representatives have indicated that Zambia intends to participate actively in these discussions, reflecting domestic policy efforts focused on economic recovery and structural reform.

Participation in continental forums has formed a recurring feature of Zambia’s diplomatic engagements. Government officials have previously noted that involvement in regional and international platforms provides avenues for collaboration while allowing Zambia to present its policy outlook on governance and development issues. Engagement at the African Union summit continues that approach, reinforcing the country’s visibility within regional decision-making processes.

The visit also comes amid broader efforts to maintain diplomatic dialogue with African partners. Such gatherings typically provide a platform for leaders to exchange perspectives on economic integration initiatives, infrastructure development strategies and policy alignment across sectors. The summit is expected to produce communiqués outlining collective positions on key issues affecting member states.

While the summit’s outcomes will depend on deliberations among participating nations, Zambia’s presence signals continued commitment to continental cooperation. Government officials have indicated that the delegation will seek to engage constructively on issues linked to development financing and regional stability, reflecting national priorities within a wider African context.

The numbers don’t lie, but government spin does

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By Dr Mwelwa

Fellow Zambians,

Let us examine these figures with clarity and honesty.

2017: 3.53%
2018: 4.03%
2019: 1.44%
2020: -2.79%
2021: 6.23%
2022: 5.21%
2023: 5.37%
2024: 4.04%

We are being asked to celebrate 6.23% growth as proof of economic success. We are told the country has recovered strongly. But beyond statistics and press briefings, one question matters: does this growth reflect the daily reality of ordinary citizens?

Has the price of mealie meal fallen because GDP rose to 5.37%?
Has load shedding disappeared because growth moved above five percent?
Have young graduates found stable employment simply because international lenders express confidence?

Numbers can tell a story, but they do not tell the whole story.

Yes, 2020 brought a global crisis. Yes, Zambia faced economic contraction during that period. Yet the pressure felt by families today did not start with the pandemic, and many households continue to carry that burden. Small businesses remain under strain, farmers face rising input costs, and young people move from opportunity to opportunity with little certainty.

What kind of growth leaves living costs high?
What kind of recovery fails to ease pressure on small traders?
What kind of stability depends heavily on external conditions?

Debt restructuring has been presented as a milestone. Renegotiating obligations can create breathing space, but it does not on its own generate new industries, factories, or long-term employment. Agreements on paper must translate into real economic activity that touches communities.

Zambia’s economy still relies heavily on copper exports. It remains exposed to global market shifts and external shocks. Public messaging cannot replace structural change.

If growth were truly inclusivea, local markets would reflect renewed confidence.
If growth were transformative, energy supply would show consistent improvement.
If growth were sustainable, fewer young people would feel compelled to search for opportunities outside the country.

Those of us in the opposition are not against economic progress. We support growth that reaches households, supports enterprise, and strengthens livelihoods. Celebrating percentages while families struggle does not build trust.

The country needs industrial expansion that creates value at home.
It needs policies that lower the cost of living in practical terms.
It needs jobs that give dignity and stability.

The figures may appear encouraging.
Yet the lived experience of many citizens paints a more complex picture.

In a democracy, economic indicators matter.
The voice that ultimately decides the future belongs to the people.

Teachers Unions support Government’s warning

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Teachers’ unions have backed Minister of Education, Douglas Siyakalima’s warning that teachers abandoning their rural schools risk losing their jobs.

The District Teachers’ Union (DTUZ) General Secretary, David Siamutwa said the warning is timely.

Mr Siamutwa explained that learners in rural areas are not different from those in urban areas as they also need quality education.

“The needs of pupils in rural areas are just the same as the needs of those in urban areas therefore, there is need to render the teaching services to children in the rural areas because leaving those areas will mean there will be no education in those parts of the country,” said Mr Siakalima.

Mr Siamutwa emphasised on the need for teachers to be professional by honoring their deployment.

Meanwhile, Mr Siamutwa has implored the government to consider improving living conditions for the teachers serving in remote areas.

He highlighted that teachers will not shan their posts if housing conditions are improved in rural areas.

And Mr Siamutwa has also called on the communities in which the teachers are deployed to serve to embrace them.

Mr Siamutwa has however expressed concern over reports of witchcraft, which he said scare teachers to serve in rural areas.

“We urge the members of the community to accept the teachers to make their work easy.”

In a related development, Basic Education Teachers Union (BETUZ) Director Public and International Relations, Obby Chisala says the union is saddened by reports of teachers abandoning their posts in rural areas as reported by the Ministry of Education.

Mr Chisala counselled teachers to offer their services professionally regardless of the areas they are posted to work from.

“Our role as teachers is to deliver quality education to every Zambian regardless of where they are,” said Mr Chisala.

He appealed to government to continue improving working conditions for teachers working in rural areas.

Mr Chisala however said the union in line with government reforms is committed to building housing units for rural based teachers.

Yesterday, Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima warned that teachers who abandon their assigned rural postings risk losing their jobs and that government has intensified efforts to curb absenteeism in underserved areas and firing is one of them.