The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested eight suspects in connection with drug-related offences in North-Western and Western provinces.

In North-Western Province, Muswila Mukumbi, aged 30, was arrested in Kasumbela area of Kalumbila District for unlawful cultivation of cannabis weighing 170 kilogrammes and unlawful possession of a firearm with six rounds of ammunition.

Also arrested in the same area were Patson Kaloku, Michael Lubelenga, Gertrude Lubelenga and Edward Mulaya. The four have been charged with unlawful cultivation of cannabis plants weighing a combined total of 350 kilogrammes.

In a separate operation in Kapombu area of Mwinilunga District, Maggie Insanga, aged 33, was arrested for unlawful cultivation of cannabis weighing 50 kilogrammes.

Meanwhile, in Western Province, Ululi Mulikita of Limulunga District and Sipopa Sipopa of Mongu District have been charged with trafficking in cannabis weighing 50.2 kilogrammes and 20.5 kilogrammes respectively.

All suspects are currently in lawful custody awaiting court appearances.

DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba has thanked law enforcement partners and members of the public for their continued support and urged citizens to report any suspected drug-related activities.

One Person has died while three others are nursing serious injuries in a road traffic accident that happened in Mpika District in Muchinga province.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Dennis Moola disclosed the development in a press statement today.

Mr. Moola said the accident occurred yesterday at 11:20 hours along the Great North Road at Danger Hill area about 28 kilometres north of Mpika town involving two vehicles.

He said Involved was a Howo Sino truck bearing registration numbers ADF 841ZM property of Dayun Logistics Company which had a damaged front bumper, broken right headlamp and damaged grill which was being driven from north into the southern direction by Chongo Katandule aged 43 of Makeni area in Lusaka.

Mr. Moola explained that the driver of the Howo Sino truck escaped unhurt together with two other passengers who were on board.

He further disclosed that also involved was a Toyota Spacio bearing registration number ALC 6977 which had an extensively damaged front part which was being driven from South into the northern direction by Moses Sokoni aged 40 of Kamwanya Compound in Mpika.

Mr. Moola added that Moses Sokoni the driver of the spacio sustained fatal head and body injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mpika Urban Clinic.

The Police Commissioner added that the spacio had three passengers on board who sustained serious injuries.

“The passengers in a spacio were, a four-year-old named juvenile who sustained a deep cut on the left eyebrow, bruised face and general body pains, a seven-year-old juvenile who sustained painful waist and general body pains and also a 15 years old juvenile who sustained bruised knees and general body pains,” he said.

The Police Chief explained that all the three named juveniles have since been admitted at Michael Chilufya Sata Hospital in Mpika district.

He said the accident happened when the driver of the Howo Sino truck failed to keep to his side lane and in the process collided with the oncoming Toyota Spacio.

The body of the deceased driver of spacio has since been deposited at Mpika urban clinic mortuary awaiting postmortem examination.

Meanwhile Mpika District Commissioner David Siame has expressed sadness at a number of road traffic accidents that have happened in Mpika since last week.

He said since last week on Wednesday the district has lost three people in three different road traffic accidents in the district.

“Am appealing to all motorist and other road users to always be alert and observe all road traffic rules,” he said.

The Ministry of Tourism in Northern and Muchinga Provinces says it is satisfied with the developments that were recorded in the tourism sector last year.

Northern and Muchinga Region Tourism Coordinator Kambole Sikate said  the region managed to attract significant interest and achieve developments from the public through the Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for tourism development.

The media reports that the region has seen private sector investing in tourism development in the region.

Mr Sikate said this in an interview with  in Mpulungu District.

He cited the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board, among others, who have invested in the tourism infrastructure.

Mr Sikate said this development will help to boost regional economic growth.

“In the year 2025 we saw how the public-private partnership model worked in the region. We saw the Workers Compensation Control Board invest in tourism and build a hotel and shopping mall which is fully operational, and we have also seen the private sector which is now investing in tourism at Chishimba Falls,” Mr Sikate said.

He said the regional office managed to register 63 accommodation establishments on the Government Service Bus, Zamportal, in the year under review.

“In hotel management we are on course; in terms of registration we have managed to register 63 accommodation establishments within the region on the government service bus,” he said.

Mr Sikate has pledged continued partnership with traditional leaders in promoting traditional ceremonies within the region.

He further  explained that the region is planning this year to attract more investors for infrastructure development, focusing on creating accessibility to tourism

The Alliance Against Corruption (AAC) Executive Director Noel Chisebe says the Kwacha appreciation reflects Zambia’s improving economic fundamentals, increased investor confidence, and effective economic management.

Dr Chisebe has told the media in an interview in Kabwe that the Kwacha appreciation was good for the country because it boosts the purchasing power and attracts investment while reducing inflation.

He added that the performance of the Kwacha was a testament to Zambia’s progress, and not a weakness as asserted by some sections of society.

“A strong currency encourages business growth and access to cheaper imports and stimulates entrepreneurship and job creation. This encourages savings and investments, securing Zambia’s economic future,” he said.

Dr Chisebe urged policy makers to leverage this momentum to promote economic diversification, and ensure benefits reach all Zambians.

“Our policy maker’s goal should be to convert short-term gains from improved investor confidence and strong copper receipts into long-term plans,” Dr Chisebe said.

He dismissed fears by some sections of society that the kwacha appreciation will negatively affect the local industries but instead will bolster the imports.

He further cautioned that the situation if not well managed could trigger closure of factories consequently resulting in increased dependence on imported goods

First National Bank (FNB) and Dutch FMO Entrepreneurial Development Bank, have signed a 50 million United States Dollars financing facility that will play a critical role in supporting climate action and green growth while driving economic development.

The media reports that speaking during the ceremony, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Douty Chibamba, says green finance contributes to environmental protection and creates jobs that ensure inclusive growth.

“This facility aligns well with Zambia’s green growth strategy, our national adaptation plan as well as our pledges under the nationally determined contributions. it also reflects the growing recognition that climate finance must reach businesses on the ground,” he said.

Mr Mposha expressed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable finance through continued collaboration with development partners and the private sector.

FMO Entrepreneurial Development Bank Manager, Angelica Haas, disclosed that the funds support investments in climate smart agricultural solutions, efficient water, off-grid solar systems and sustainable forestry products and projects.

Ms added that it will leverage the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to provide technical assistance to FNB in order to strengthen its capabilities for appraising and identifying climate mitigation and adaptation projects and investments.

Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands, Ilyaas Sherally, said the empowerment initiative is a demonstration of a strong and growing relationship between the Netherlands and Zambia.

He added that the Dutch grappled with the effects of climate change and that it has gained significant experience that has made it become a global leader in climate adaptation and resilience whose expertise is ready to be shared worldwide.

Meanwhile, FNB Chief Executive Officer, Kapumpe Chola said the financing facility, that will be dispersed through FNB Zambia standard frameworks to qualifying applicants, reinforces the role of financial institutions as enablers of sustainable development.

The climate smart initiative has been made possible by FMO Entrepreneurial Development Bank and Dutch Fund for Climate and Development, with cooperating partners that include, FNB, WWF and the Bank of Zambia.

The 14^th Joint Permanent Commission meeting on Defence and Security has opened in Lubumbashi with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reaffirming their commitment to regional security and peace.

The media reports that Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Hamaundu, alongside his counterpart and Co-Chairperson, Jean Baelongandi, officially opened the meeting of Senior Officials from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Lubumbashi today.

The meeting is being held from January 13 to 16, 2026.

Speaking during the meeting, the two countries emphasised that regional security depends on proactive cooperation and shared commitments.

In his remarks, Mr Hamaundu underscored the importance of regional cooperation and peace, and recognised the DRC government’s dedication to maintaining cordial relations with Zambia.

Mr Haamaundu said it is also important to strengthen bilateral ties amidst challenging regional socio-economic conditions.

He reaffirmed Zambia’s dedication to ongoing collaboration with the DRC and emphasised that the two countries should maintain peace and security along their shared borders and across the broader region.

Mr Hamaundu further acknowledged the longstanding pleasant relations between the two nations dating back to their shared history during pre-independence struggles.

And Jean Baelongandi, the Chief of Staff of the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security and Traditional Affairs, noted that Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are brotherly countries that share common interests and values.

Mr Baelongandi, who is also the Co-Chairman of the 14^th JPC meeting, noted that it is the duty of the two countries to work closely in finding solutions to issues that threaten peace and security.

The meeting underscores the two nations’ resolve to work together in tackling security threats and fostering stability despite the prevailing socio-economic hardships faced.