President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia will learn from Ghana’s experience in managing its gold sector following private talks with Ghanaian President John Mahama.

President Hichilema made the remarks after the two leaders held closed-door discussions and later chaired a bilateral meeting at State House, followed by another private session with the Ghanaian delegation.

During the bilateral meeting, President Hichilema said the discussions focused on matters of strategic importance to both countries, particularly mining and gold.

He said Zambia intends to study Ghana’s management of large-scale, small-scale and artisanal mining to avoid repeating challenges faced in the West African country.

“We need to work together not just as presidents, but as businesses for our people. We want to build on the work that Ghana has already invested in, which is relevant to us, and learn how to deal with other important issues,” President Hichilema said.

He added that President Mahama shared insights into Ghana’s economic restructuring, including reforms related to fiscal discipline and the rule of law.

President Hichilema reiterated that Zambia’s mineral resources should benefit citizens rather than illegal mining activities.

President Mahama said both countries face similar challenges in the mining sector and agreed to share experiences.

“We discussed issues to do with the mining industry because both of us have mining sectors facing the same challenges. We talked about artisanal mining, small-scale mining and large multinational operations, and how we can share experiences,” President Mahama said.

He added that the leaders also discussed agriculture and agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation.

Reports from Ghanaian media indicate that Ghana reformed its gold sector between 2021 and 2025, increasing gold reserves from eight tonnes in 2023 to about 35 tonnes by 2025. The reforms reportedly strengthened foreign exchange reserves, stabilised the currency and generated about US$5 billion through increased state ownership and control in the subsector.

Meanwhile, President Mahama addressed Zambia’s Parliament, urging African countries to pursue economic independence and redefine development strategies.

“We must win the economic fight for economic transformation and prosperity for our people. Africa must redefine its development trajectory. Too many African countries remain trapped in what I described as triple dependency — dependency on external actors for security choices, dependency on donors for health and education systems and dependency on supplies of critical minerals,” he said.

He said such conditions weaken sovereignty and called on African countries to take greater control of their economic futures.

President Mahama’s three-day State Visit ends today, with Zambia and Ghana expected to sign eight memoranda of understanding covering mining, agriculture and other areas of cooperation.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for more support from the banking sector towards Zambia’s energy sector in order for the country to achieve its target of producing over 10 000 megawatts by 2031.

He has thanked the banking sector for their contribution to the country’s development, further calling for an increase in support to energy projects, adding that this will require more support from financial institutions.

The media reports that President Hichilema has since implored the banking sector to consider reducing interest rates in order to lower the cost of capital and increase access to financing for investors.

The Head of State said this when the ABSA Group Chief Executive Officer, Kenny Fihla paid a courtesy call on him at State House, in Lusaka.

And the ABSA Group CEO has commended the Zambian government for its efforts in stabilising the economy.

He has noted that due to the government’s good policies, Zambia has recorded a reduction in inflation, positioning the country as an attractive investment destination.

Mr Fihla has assured of ABSA Group’s continued support to the country’s sectors such as energy and mining, which contributes largely to economic growth.

Speaking at the same meeting, ABSA Group Chairman, Austin Mwape assured that the bank is putting in place interventions to reduce the cost of capital, through a system known as concession financing.

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has taken a significant step towards promoting awareness and understanding of human rights in the context of elections in Mongu.

 In a meeting held in the Mongu Council Chamber with stakeholders, Human Rights Commission Director for Education Training and Advocacy Mwelwa Muleya emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of proportionality, lawfulness, and necessity in exercising human rights during electoral processes.

Human Rights Commission Senior Education and Training Officer Lucy Bwalya explained that the Human Rights Commission Act No. 4 of 2024 of Zambia, passed by the National Assembly, repealed and replaced the 1996 Act to strengthen the commission’s operations.

Ms Bwalya noted that the adopted Mandela Rule grants the commission legal personality authorization, strategic litigation for victims, and refines its functions in promoting and protecting human rights.

She reiterated the commission’s commitment in initiating strategic litigation on behalf of complainants and victims to provide legal redress.

” As we enter into the campaign period, we face a lot of legal complaints from both parties and supporters, hence the need for the commission to take up responsibility of a fair and quick trial,” Ms Bwalya explained.

“The legislation was enacted to address evolving human rights challenges and enhance the enforcement capabilities of the commission within Zambia, “she added.

The HRC Senior Education and Training Officer explained that ahead of the elections the commission will provide the vulnerable groups representation and investigation of cases before the courts of law.

And Community leader Situmbeko Mukelabai emphasized the need for the commission to intensify its operations ahead of the elections in order to provide fair judgement.

Meanwhile, Prince Mayamba, a representative from The Center for Democratic Governance and Research (CDGR) has called on the commission to enhance the training into the districts.

Government and the public service unions have agreed to increase monthly basic salaries for public service employees by K700 across the board with effect from January 1^st, 2026.

This follows the conclusion of negotiations on improved salaries and conditions of service for public service workers after the conclusion of negotiations on Wednesday.

The two parties have also agreed to revise upwards the daily meal allowance from K150 to K175.

The media reports that Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) President, Joy Beene, who served as Union Bargaining Team Leader made the announcement in Lusaka today.

Mr Beene said the agreement was reached during negotiations between the Government Bargaining Team, represented by Public Service Management Division Permanent Secretary Lois Mulube, and the Union Bargaining Team.

“The two parties have agreed to review salaries and selected conditions of service in order to improve the welfare of workers,” Mr Beene said.

Mr Beene noted that the agreement was a product of constructive dialogue between the two sides and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to continued engagement with the government.

Permanent Secretary Public Service Management Division, Lois Mulube, commended all stakeholders for their commitment and dedication throughout the discussions.

She expressed optimism that the agreement would contribute to improved morale and productivity among public service workers across the country.

Zambia and Ghana have signed 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) across various sectors of the economy as part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by President Hakainde Hichilema and his Ghanaian counterpart, President John Mahama.

The media reports that Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rodney Sikumba, and Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, signed the MOU on Diaspora cooperation, among other agreements.

Mr Sikumba, who is also Minister of Tourism, signed additional MOUs on cooperation in disaster risk management, an agreement between the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority.

He further signed an MOU between the Zambia Bureau of Standards and the Ghana Standards Authority, focusing on standardisation, conformity assessment and training.

Meanwhile, Acting Minister of Defence, Jack Mwiimbu, signed an agreement on the waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and ordinary passports between Zambia and Ghana.

Mr Mwiimbu also signed an addendum to the existing MOU on military and defence cooperation, including rules of procedure for the Joint Defence Implementation Committee between the two countries.

In the transport sector, Acting Minister of Transport and Logistics, Gift Sialubalo, signed a bilateral Air Services Agreement between Zambia and Ghana.

Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima, signed an MOU on cooperation in the field of health, as well as an agreement between the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority and Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority.

The MoUs are expected to further deepen bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.

Earlier, Zambia and Ghana held high-level bilateral talks at State House aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing shared development priorities.

President Hichilema hosted President John Mahama, with discussions centred on enhancing political, economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The talks focused on priority sectors such as agriculture, mining and education among others.

Both leaders reaffirmed the need to promote best practices in the area of Artisanal mining in a quest to get maximum benefit from the sector.

President Mahama expressed appreciation to President Hichilema for the invitation to undertake a State Visit to Zambia, noting that the visit is aimed at further deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors of the economy.

About 1,394 hectares of crop field have been attacked by fall armyworms in Isoka District in Muchinga Province affecting 2,836 farmers.

Speaking in a phone interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), Isoka District Crop Husbandry Officer Kelvin Sikanyika said the affected hectarage accounts for 26 percent of crops as of last week.

Mr Sikanyika said government has moved in swiftly to contain the outbreak, adding that the district was still projected to record a bumper harvest owing to favourable rainfall patterns.

“So far, 1,394 hectares of crops have been attacked, representing 26 percent as of last week, but government is working tirelessly to combat the outbreak,” he said.

He explained that the Ministry of Agriculture supplied the district with 130 boxes of chemicals to support affected farmers.

Mr Sikanyika said 83 boxes have already been distributed to camp extension officers, while 47 boxes remain available for farmers who are yet to report cases of infestation.

“Farmers whose fields have been affected are encouraged to report immediately to their camp extension officers so they can access the remaining chemicals,” he highlighted.

Meanwhile, farmers in the district have commended government for the timely intervention.

One of the farmers, Maureen Chisanga said the prompt distribution of chemicals has brought relief to many farmers whose crops were under threat.

“The fall armyworms had threatened my maize field and other crops, and we feared low yields, but the intervention from government has given us hope of saving our crops and ensuring food security for our families,” she noted.

Government and Japan have launched the HOPE II Project, a five-year initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development and self-reliance for former refugees and host communities in Meheba in Kalumbila and Mayukwayukwa resettlement camp in Kaoma.

The project is expected to benefit over 100,000 people in the two districts.

Speaking at a Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting, Permanent Secretary for Resettlement Division, Mavis Nkomeshya, said the project builds on the successes of HOPE I, which ended in 2025, and focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, improving livelihoods, and enhancing social cohesion.

The media reports that Ms Nkomesha said the key areas of focus include strengthening local government systems, promoting value chain agriculture, enhancing access to Constituency Development Fund financing and fostering private sector engagement

Ms Nkomeshya further emphasised the project’s alignment with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision for inclusive growth and productive agriculture.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative, Tomoko Ono, emphasised the project’s focus on human security and sustainable self-reliance, highlighting key areas of collaboration which includes market oriented agriculture, practical skills development, stakeholder coordination, research on economic opportunities and support for Local Area Plans.

Dr Ono urged stakeholders to implement agreed activities and ensure Zambian ownership of the project for sustainable results.

“JICA looks forward to close collaboration with the Zambian government and partners to ensure no one is left behind,” she said.

Government, through the Ministry of Technology and Science, in partnership with the Finnish Government, has embarked on a pilot programme to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in key sectors such as health and mining.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, says the initiative is aimed at enhancing service delivery and improving data management across critical sectors of the economy.

The media reports that speaking during a dialogue meeting in Lusaka this morning, Mr Mutati said the adoption of AI in the health sector will improve record-keeping, data analysis and overall efficiency within the health system.

“The inclusion of Artificial Intelligence in our health systems will help us to keep accurate and reliable records, improve decision making and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery,” he said.

The Minister added that the application of AI in the mining sector will support the expansion and better management of Zambia’s mineral stock data, thereby strengthening the country’s mining value chain.

“Through technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, Zambia can improve mineral exploration, expand mineral inventories and optimise the mining sector for sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Mr Mutati further highlighted that the Finnish Government, through Nokia, partnered with Zambia to sponsor 100 young entrepreneurs, equipping them with entrepreneurship skills and digital literacy to enable them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

Meanwhile, Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs, Sakari Puisto, said Finland has made significant investments in Zambia’s technology and mining sectors through public funding of strategic national programmes.

He emphasised that the integration of AI in health and mining is central to Finland’s efforts to help bridge the digital literacy gap in Zambia.

Dr Puisto has reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Zambia through the Ministry of Technology and Science, noting that the collaboration remains key to advancing digital transformation and economic growth.

A total of 6,000 people have benefited from the Cash for Work Programme in Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Ward 12 of Kanyama Constituency in Lusaka since its implementation in the area last year.

According to Aaron Mwanza the Area Councilor, the programme, which started in his ward in August 2025, had monthly allocations provided for each constituency and ward.

In an interview with the media, Mr Mwanza explained that in the first month of implementation, about 600 beneficiaries were enrolled under the programme in the ward.

He added that as the programme advanced and by the time it was concluding, the number of beneficiaries increased to 6,000.

Mr Mwanza, however, disclosed that about 20 percent of the beneficiaries have not yet been paid, particularly those who worked between October and November.

He quickly assured though, that the affected beneficiaries are expected to receive their payments before the end of February, once funds are released.

Mr Mwanza further indicated that the Cash for Work Programme will this year be more productive, as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has distributed tractors to all constituencies to improve garbage collection.

He also appealed to residents to seek correct information from ward offices following alleged reports that the programme is a scam due to delayed payments.