The Civil Service Commission has launched an impromptu inspection tour of the Copperbelt Province to verify whether newly recruited health workers under the 2025 national recruitment exercise have reported for duty.

According to Copperbelt Province Principal Public Relations Officer Marilyn Rose, the Commission is engaging district authorities and health sector stakeholders to assess compliance with deployment directives and identify any challenges affecting the reporting process.

Civil Service Commission Chairperson Choolwe Beyani said the exercise forms part of government’s monitoring efforts to ensure that all 2,000 health workers recruited nationwide are successfully integrated into the public health system.

The Copperbelt Province received 246 of the newly recruited health personnel.

During the tour, the Commission is meeting District Commissioners, Town Clerks, Town Secretaries and District Health Directors to confirm attendance records and address any administrative or logistical issues that may have affected deployment.

Dr. Beyani noted that the recruitment exercise highlights progress made under the government’s decentralisation programme, which has delegated greater authority and responsibility to provincial and district structures.

He said the recruitment process demonstrates that decision-making powers are increasingly being exercised closer to local communities, in line with the decentralisation agenda.

The Commission also commended local authorities and district structures for successfully implementing the recruitment process and pledged continued oversight and technical support to strengthen service delivery.

Meanwhile, Dr. Beyani urged Human Resource Management Committees (HRMCs) to take an active role in resolving concerns raised by newly appointed health workers and ensuring a smooth transition into their new positions.

The inspection exercise is expected to help government assess the effectiveness of the recruitment programme while ensuring that health facilities receive the personnel needed to improve healthcare delivery across the province.

President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed gratitude to Zambians for the trust they placed in him during the 2021 general elections, stating that he does not take their support for granted.

Speaking at the launch of the UPND 2026–2031 Manifesto at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, President Hichilema reflected on the challenges his administration inherited and outlined an ambitious plan aimed at accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, and improving living standards.

The President said Zambia was facing severe economic difficulties when the UPND assumed office in 2021, including debt distress, before later confronting challenges such as cholera outbreaks, drought and power shortages.

He said the country had since made significant progress, including restructuring 94 percent of its debt, restoring investor confidence, expanding free education and creating more than one million jobs.

According to President Hichilema, the new manifesto represents a shared vision between the UPND, its alliance partners and the Zambian people, building on promises made in 2021 and achievements recorded over the past five years.

Among the key targets outlined in the manifesto are increasing annual copper production to three million tonnes, raising maize production to 10 million tonnes, producing three million tonnes of soybeans, one million tonnes of wheat, expanding electricity generation to 10,000 megawatts, attracting five million tourists annually and achieving US$1 billion in beef exports.

The President said the economic programme is expected to generate approximately US$65 billion in annual economic value and create more than two million jobs.

He added that increased agricultural production would help lower the cost of living, particularly the price of mealie meal, while continued investment in energy infrastructure would help permanently end load shedding.

President Hichilema also announced plans to establish a public university in every province, expand transport infrastructure, modernise rail networks and operationalise a 24-hour economy through greater public-private sector collaboration.

He further revealed that government intends to ensure every province has an international airport as part of broader efforts to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity.

The President urged UPND members not to become complacent ahead of the August elections, calling on supporters to actively campaign and mobilise votes.

He concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace peace, unity, hard work and progress, saying Zambia’s future depends on collective effort and national cohesion.

The launch was attended by Vice President Mutale Nalumango and representatives of UPND alliance partners.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Nakonde District, Muchinga Province has urged farmers to take advantage of post-harvest training programmes being conducted in various agricultural camps across the district

Nakonde Agricultural Officer Purity Wasamumu said climate change affects all agricultural production and requires farmers to adapt.

Ms Wasamumu said officers are training farmers in modern technologies and producers should adopt the practices without delay as it will improve their yields going forward.

“With the modern technologies that the officers are training, farmers should adopt them and not leave them behind because this is what will help us have a better harvest from now on,” she said.

The agricultural officer was speaking in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) at her office today.

And Senior Agricultural Officer Jesse Chama explained that camp extension officers were currently conducting trainings in post-harvest technologies at camp level.

Mr Chama stated that the training covers harvesting techniques, winnowing, cleaning and storage.

He said proper storage facilities were critical to reducing post-harvest losses among small-scale farmers.

He noted that the polythene-lined bags were suitable for storing most grains and offer better protection compared to chemical pesticides.

Mr Chama added that chemical pesticides require a waiting period before produce can be utilized, whereas the recommended storage bags allow immediate use.

“Farmers are being advised to use bags with polythene inside for storage instead of ordinary bags, which are not expensive and can be managed by small-scale farmers,” Mr Chama said.

He further stated that adoption of the recommended practices will strengthen food security and increase household income.

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has commended the Zambian Government for securing an impressive 97.85 percent participation rate in its recent Eurobond buyback initiative, describing the outcome as a significant step towards improving the country’s debt management strategy.

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning launched a tender offer to repurchase a portion of Zambia’s US$1.36 billion Eurobond due in 2053.

The transaction is being financed through a US$600 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB), coupled with a US$65 million incentive aimed at encouraging bondholder participation.

In a statement issued today, CTPD Researcher for Public Finance Robinson Nakambo said the strong response from bondholders demonstrates confidence in the transaction structure and reflects growing trust in Zambia’s debt management efforts.

Mr Nakambo said the organisation welcomes the government’s move to replace expensive external commercial debt with lower-cost financing, especially where the financing is tied to investments that can strengthen the country’s electricity infrastructure.

“The high level of participation indicates strong acceptance of the offer by bondholders and reflects confidence in the transaction structure,” he said.

He noted that while the initiative appears promising, a comprehensive Net Present Value (NPV) analysis is necessary to establish whether the buyback will generate financial savings for the country in the long term.

Mr Nakambo said such an assessment would help determine whether the combined cost of the buyback and the new financing is lower than the future payments Zambia would have made under the existing Eurobond obligations

He further observed that although the AfDB financing appears to have been offered on favourable terms, important information regarding the loan remains undisclosed.

Mr Nakambo said details such as the interest rate, repayment schedule, grace period and maturity profile are crucial in assessing the full impact of the transaction on Zambia’s debt sustainability.

He said that the initiative has the potential to strengthen Zambia’s debt position if the total cost of the buyback and the AfDB loan, measured in present value terms, is lower than the cost of servicing the Eurobond over time.

Mr Nakambo also stressed that the success of the programme will depend on whether investments in electricity infrastructure generate sufficient economic benefits to justify the new financing.

“If these expected benefits materialise, the transaction could contribute to a stronger debt position and improved economic performance.

“However, if they do not, the buyback may alleviate one financial pressure while creating another, particularly as Zambia continues to face domestic debt-related pressures, “he said.

The Eurobond buyback forms part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce debt-servicing costs, improve fiscal sustainability and support critical investments in the energy sector.

Ministry of Tourism Director of Culture and Traditional Affairs Bessie Chelemu says Zambia has made significant progress in implementing UNESCO’s Culture 2030 Indicators framework aimed at measuring culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

Mrs Chelemu says culture is globally recognised as both an enabler and driver of sustainable development prompting UNESCO to develop a framework of 22 indicators that measure the role of culture across key development areas.

Speaking during a workshop in Kabwe, Mrs Chelemu explained that the indicators are grouped under four dimensions namely Environment and Resilience, Prosperity and Livelihoods, Knowledge and Skills, and Inclusion and Participation.

“Zambia is among 16 countries worldwide implementing the framework with support from UNESCO and the European Union. The framework links culture directly to Sustainable Development Goals such as heritage preservation, education, employment creation and social inclusion,” Mrs Chelemu said.

Mrs Chelemu explained that the Ministry of Tourism through the Department of Culture and Traditional Affairs is spearheading the implementation process in collaboration with various government ministries and institutions including the Zambia Statistics Agency, National Arts Council and National Heritage Conservation Commission.

She stated that the initiative will help Zambia generate credible cultural data to inform policy formulation and strengthen evidence-based decision making.

She added that existing data on tourism, employment and cultural activities will contribute to measuring culture’s impact on national development.

She said Zambia has already laid a strong foundation through legal frameworks, cultural centres, intangible cultural heritage registers and existing Sustainable Development Goal data systems.

She emphasized that the success of the programme will depend on effective coordination among government institutions, local authorities and communities.

Meanwhile, UNESCO Culture 2030 Indicators Consultant Gankhanani Moyo explained that the project seeks to measure culture’s impact across various sectors.

And National Arts Council Director Maanka Chipindi said the workshop will help to collect data that will provide evidence on how cultural activities contribute to economic growth

Government has spent over K199 million on agriculture support programmes in Southern Province aimed at boosting productivity and advancing national food security targets.

The funds have been channelled towards the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), irrigation development and mechanisation initiatives from 2022 to date.

Speaking during the first-quarter Provincial Development Coordinating Committee meeting in Choma, Southern Province Permanent Secretary Namani Monze said the investments are central to achieving the country’s maize production ambitions.

Dr Monze said the interventions have benefited 183,735 farmers under FISP across the province.

He highlighted that 36,355 farmers have been trained in smart agriculture practices as part of efforts to promote modern and climate-resilient farming methods.

“This investment is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity key to contributing to the country’s 10 million tonnes maize production target by 2027”, he said.

Dr Monze however raised concern over potential irregularities in beneficiary selection under FISP, Social cash transfer and the implementation of the school feeding programme.

Dr Monze directed agricultural authorities, district commissioners to work with responsible departments to clean up the beneficiary register.

“I direct the Provincial Agriculture Coordinator to review the FISP beneficiary list and eliminate ghost beneficiaries in order to sustain the gains made so far,” he said.

Dr Monze also highlighted gains made in health, education, and empowerment.

He said 98 maternity annexes and 288 sanitation facilities have been built in schools and health facilities to improve hygiene and service delivery across the province during the period under review.

He further indicated that government has also improved staffing levels significantly, with 2,152 health workers and 5,038 teachers recruited in Southern Province since 2022.

“In addition, K69 million has been disbursed to 3,793 beneficiaries under youth and women empowerment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods”, he explained.

Dr Monze also thanked government heads of departments, councils and parastatals for the combined efforts that reflect government commitment to strengthen service delivery and promote inclusive development across Southern Province.

Aspiring Member of Parliament, for Katuba Constituency in Central Province, Chooma Mwachikoka, has commended President Hakainde Hichilema, on his decision of returning the Public Gatherings Bill to Parliament, for further adjustments.

In an exclusive interview with the media, Mr Mwachikoka says that the president has demonstrated democratic leadership, by ensuring that the will of all concerned stakeholders and ordinary citizens is heard and put into consideration.

Mr Mwachikoka, added that it is his wish that the clause that demands that the police be notified when people gather, should be amended to a mere police notification and request for manpower.

“The President is demonstrating that he is trying to make sure that the democracy of our country, a young democracy, grows by following the will of the people, and that it should prevail,” said Mr Mwachikoka.

He said that the government should however ensure that people that have convened at a particular meeting have taken care of all security concerns.

“I think the public are saying that the police should just be notified, in a modern democracy, there is no need to put so many restrictions,” he added.

He also called for particular attention to other contentious clauses before the bill is brought back to the president for ascent.

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing African unity, sustainable development and regional cooperation, as the country joined African continents today commemorating Africa Day, a historic occasion that celebrates Africa’s liberation journey and aspirations for a prosperous Africa.

Speaking during the Africa Day commemorations in Lusaka, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga, says this year’s African Union theme, “Ensuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” is particularly significant as it highlights the critical role that water security and sanitation play in improving public health, food security, economic growth, environmental sustainability and climate resilience across the continent

Mr Muhanga stressed that Africa Day marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963, an institution that has laid the foundation for continental solidarity and cooperation and whose legacy continues through the African Union.

He said the day provides an opportunity for Africans both on the continent and in the diaspora to celebrate the achievements attained over the years while renewing their commitment to addressing the challenges that continue to affect the continent.

He also paid tribute to African freedom fighters and visionaries whose sacrifices secured independence and dignity for many African nations, noting that their commitment to justice, self-determination and unity remains a source of inspiration for present and future generations

He noted that Zambia holds a special place in Africa’s liberation history, having provided political, diplomatic and logistical support to liberation movements in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe during the struggle against colonial rule.

Mr Muhanga explained that Zambia’s support for liberation movements was guided by the belief that the freedom of one African nation was inseparable from that of the entire continent, adding that the country’s contribution remains one of its most enduring legacies.

He further stated that Zambia continues to uphold the principles of Pan-Africanism, respect for sovereignty, peaceful coexistence, democratic governance and mutually beneficial cooperation among African states.

He also observed that as a country endowed with abundant water resources and home to major transboundary river systems, Zambia recognises the importance of regional cooperation in promoting sustainable water management and environmental protection

Mr Muhanga also highlighted the progress Africa has made through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), strengthening regional economic communities, infrastructure development and growing intra-African cooperation.

He said the AfCFTA presents unprecedented opportunities to expand markets, strengthen value chains, promote industrialisation and accelerate economic transformation across the continent.

Meanwhile, Head of African Union Economic Social and Central Council (ECOSOCC) William Carew whose speech was read on his behalf by ECOSOCC Head of Administration, Human Resource and Finance Mutale Muloshi expressed that Africa’s future will be shaped by its people, particularly the youth, women, innovators and communities, who remain key drivers of the continent’s transformation.

He adds, that while Africa is rich in potential there was need for governments and stakeholders to continue addressing challenges that hinder social and economic progress.

Mr Carew further urged African nations to align with the African Union Theme of the Year 2026, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.

He highlighted that the theme serves as a call to action for governments, civil society organisations and development partners to mobilise communities and support policies that guarantee equitable access to water and sanitation services.

He also emphasised on the need to achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063 which will require collective effort and determination from all Africans.

He has since encouraged the continuity of spirit of unity and commitment reflected in this year’s Africa Day celebrations and that Africans should be inspired to work together in advancing sustainable development and improving the lives of people across the continent.

And speaking at the same event, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Zambia and Dean of Africa Group Charity Charamba said Zambia’s support for the African Union under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema continues to strengthen regional cooperation and collective development.

Ms Charamba said the celebration, held under the theme “63 Years of Unity, Integration and Development: Let’s Celebrate Together,” provided an opportunity for African countries to reflect on the progress made in advancing the continent’s shared aspirations.

She noted that the Africa Group was pleased to celebrate this year’s Africa Day after failing to hold commemorative activities as a group last year, adding that the event demonstrated the spirit of togetherness among African nations.

 She also thanked the Zambian Government for the hospitality extended to members of the Africa Group, the diplomatic community and African diaspora communities residing in the country.

She further commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for maintaining regular engagements with the Africa Group through briefings on issues of mutual interest.

Ms Charamba said Africa Day remains significant as it marks the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 25, 1963, where African leaders chose unity, liberation and self-determination as guiding principles for the continent.

She noted that the African Union continues to advocate for reforms at the United Nations Security Council, including the allocation of at least two permanent seats with veto powers and five non-permanent seats for Africa

” Africa should remain committed to speaking with one voice on matters affecting the continent and advancing its role in global peace, security and development.” she said.

President Hakainde Hichilema says the next chapter for the United Party for National Development (UPND) will focus on further reducing the cost of living for Zambians while accelerating economic growth.

Speaking when he launched the UPND Manifesto at Mulungushi International conference, President Hichilema says the party’s ambition is to double the size of the economy through massive economic transformation aimed at creating jobs, boosting investment and improving livelihoods.

He outlined the five pillars of the UPND 2026 manifesto as growing the economy, connecting the nation, serving the people, effective delivery-oriented public sector and financing the future of Zambia.

President Hichilema was speaking in Lusaka today during the unveiling of the UPND’s 2026 Party Manifesto.

Mr Hichilema noted that the party manifesto incorporates alliance partners in its shared vision for the country, adding that the manifesto and the election is about protecting unity, inclusion, peace, progress and the future.

He disclosed that every provincial centre will house an international airport and that three rail systems are currently being worked on, that is the Tanzania-Zambia railway (TAZARA), Zambia Railway Line (ZRL) and the Lobito railway.

He emphasised that more measures will be effected to protect free education, further saying there shall be a public university in every provincial centre.

“We shall introduce performance-based contracts to curb inefficient in the public sector, the work culture must change. We shall operationalise the 24-hour economy,” he said.

He explained that to finance the country’s future, the UPND will expand public-private partnerships beyond roads to hospitals and bridges.

“We will also raise money on capital markets and prioritise production for exports. We will push investment expenditure more than consumption expenditure,” he added

He pointed out that target setting is important for economic growth, adding that set targets include realising 10 million tonnes of maize, 10 thousand Megawatts of electricity, five million tourists, three million metric tonnes of both copper and soya beans.

“One million metric tonnes of wheat and one billion United States dollars’ worth of beef exports,” he added.

Mr Hichilema also reminded the gathering of a UPND vision of a peaceful, united and prosperous nation and advised that hatred, violence and ethnic divisions must be rejected.

And Vice President Mutale Nalumango said the New Dawn Administration has fulfilled many of the promises it made to the Zambian people.

Mrs Nalumango said President Hichilema has demonstrated commitment to delivering on his administration’s development agenda and improving the welfare of citizens.

Meanwhile, UPND National Chairperson Collins Maoma described President Hichilema as a visionary leader committed to uniting the country and driving economic development.

Mr Maoma said the President has continued to work closely with alliance partners to promote national development and improve the economy.

Earlier, hundreds of UPND supporters, mainly youths, gathered at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre where they sang and chanted party slogans in celebration of the manifesto launch.

President Hakainde Hichilema has declined to assent to the Public Gathering Bill and has referred it back to Parliament for further consideration, citing constitutional concerns.

According to State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, the President returned the Bill to Parliament on May 29, 2026, in accordance with Article 66(1)(b) of the Constitution.

Mr. Hamasaka said the Head of State identified inconsistencies between the current draft legislation and established judicial precedents, prompting him to withhold assent and request that lawmakers reconsider the proposed law.

He explained that while the President acknowledged several positive aspects of the Bill, he emphasized the need for the legislation to be fully aligned with the Constitution, particularly the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under Part III of the Republican Constitution.

According to State House, President Hichilema believes legal reforms should strengthen democratic governance and expand, rather than limit, the freedoms enjoyed by citizens.

“The President reaffirmed that legal reforms must strengthen the nation’s democracy and broaden the freedoms enjoyed by all Zambians,” Hamasaka stated.

The President has expressed confidence that Parliament will revisit the Bill and address the concerns raised so that any future legislation reflects constitutional principles and the highest standards of democratic governance.

The Public Gathering Bill was intended to reform the legal framework governing public assemblies and gatherings, but its reconsideration means Parliament will now have to review the provisions highlighted by the President before it can become law.

The two principal suspects linked to the murder of seven people and the theft of 43 cattle in Lukulu District, Western Province, have been shot dead during a police operation.

According to Rae Hamoonga, the suspects, identified as Numbo Mate Mubita, 41, and Chiteta Kayombo, 25, were killed while attempting to escape police custody.

Police say the two suspects were leading officers to the Kashasha area, where they had allegedly hidden a firearm believed to have been used in the killings that occurred at Kamboyi Village in Lukulu District last weekend.

Mr. Hamoonga explained that during the operation, one of the suspects reportedly retrieved the concealed weapon and opened fire on the escorting officers. The pair then attempted to flee from the scene.

Police officers returned fire, fatally wounding both suspects.

Following the incident, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle believed to have been used in the murders. The firearm had its serial number defaced and was found together with three rounds of ammunition.

The two men had been under investigation as the main suspects in the killing of seven people and the aggravated theft of 43 cattle from Kamboyi Village, a crime that shocked residents of Lukulu and surrounding communities.

Police say investigations into the broader circumstances surrounding the murders and cattle theft are continuing.