Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga has launched the 14^th edition of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) Magazine and the 5^th Proudly Zambian Campaign Catalogue, declaring that new policy reforms will significantly expand local participation in national value chains.

Mr Mulenga praised ZAM for hard work, dedication and leadership in promoting industry standards and supporting the country’s economic transformation agenda.

He highlighted two major policy interventions introduced this year namely Statutory Instrument No. 45 of 2025, which provides preferential treatment for local products in public procurement, and new local content regulations under the Geological and Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025, which compels mining companies to source more goods and services from Zambian suppliers.

“These reforms will ensure that all levels of Zambian enterprises, manufacturers, processors and service providers, take centre stage as contributors to national development,” Mr Mulenga said in Lusaka today.

The minister described the ZAM Magazine as a critical platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and industry learning, and commended the Proudly Zambian Campaign Catalogue for serving as a strategic marketing tool linking local producers to public and private sector buyers, including regional markets.

Mr Mulenga announced that the Proudly Zambian Campaign has grown to 158 member companies and 635 certified products, up from 47 companies and 157 products in 2021.

“This progress reflects a national transformation in mindset and growing consumer confidence in our local products,” the minister said.

However, Mr Mulenga warned against the illegal use of the Proudly Zambian logo by uncertified businesses, saying the practice threatens the integrity of the campaign and risks misleading consumers.

He has since urged businesses seeking to join the programme to follow proper certification procedures.

The minister also called on consumers, industry players and government agencies to support local enterprises in order to sustain the momentum of industrial growth.

Speaking earlier, ZAM Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Muntanga Lindunda commended the country’s rising manufacturing capacity, describing the launch of the 5^th Proudly Zambian Campaign Catalogue and the 14^th edition of the ZAM Magazine as a reaffirmation of national resilience and industrial ambition.

Ms Lindunda said the publications demonstrate how far the local manufacturing sector has come, and how determined it is to expand its regional footprint.

“This is not simply a launch, it is a celebration of progress, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of Zambian enterprise,” she said.

She credited recent gains in the manufacturing sector to strong collaboration between government, the industry and consumers.

The ZAM CEO has since called for continued consumer commitment to local products, saying every purchase of a Zambian-made item supports jobs, boosts national industry and enhances economic independence.

Meanwhile, ZAM Vice President-South, Fronscen Haloba, has urged government, industry and consumers to intensify support for locally produced goods because Zambia’s manufacturing future depends on a united commitment to building a strong domestic industrial base.

Ms Haloba said the two publications showcase the strength, diversity and rising competence of Zambia’s manufacturing ecosystem.

She further called for stronger enforcement of quality standards to ensure fair competition and protect consumers, as well as a stable policy environment that encourages investment and value addition.

The Chisamba Magistrate’s Court has fined a 21-year-old man K1, 000 or, in default, six months simple imprisonment after he was convicted of assaulting his 60-year-old grandfather.

Resident Magistrate Suzen Magalashi  found Peter Kayombo of Fringilla Farm guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 248 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

The court heard that on November 15, 2025, Kayombo assaulted his grandfather, Abel Banda, following a domestic dispute.

Banda testified that his grandson used fists and kicks during the attack, leaving him with a fractured left arm and general body pains.

A medical report was submitted as evidence and the state presented two witnesses, including the victim.

After the prosecution closed its case, the court ruled that a prima facie case had been established, requiring the accused to enter a Defence.

Despite being informed of his rights, Kayombo chose to remain silent and called no witnesses.

Magistrate Magalashi convicted Kayombo, stating that the state had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

In mitigation, Kayombo pleaded for leniency, admitted wrongdoing and promised not to re-offend.

Passing sentence, Magistrate Magalashi ordered him to pay a K1, 000 fine by December 2, 2025, or face six months simple imprisonment in default.

The ZEP-RE PTA Reinsurance Company, in collaboration with Lions Club of Nkwazi District 415, has donated essential food items to Home of Happiness for children with disabilities.

This donation was done as part of the ZEP-RE’s corporate social responsibility initiative programme.

Speaking during the donation, ZEP-RE Country Manager for Zambia and Malawi, Owen Munthali, said the donation is an initiative reaffirming the company’s commitment to making a difference in the communities.

Mr Munthali said the donation of about K31, 000, will lighten the pressing challenges that the orphanage is facing.

“This donation is not just a statement of donation but that of solidarity and that we are with you Home of Happiness,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lions Club of Nkwazi District 415 President, Beatrice Mbewe, said Home of Happiness is a shelter that has become a sanctuary for vulnerable children in the community.

Ms Mbewe expressed gratitude to ZEP-RE Insurance for their invaluable partnership in supporting this noble cause.

“Your contribution has brought joy and hope to these young lives,” she said.

And a Social Worker of Home of Happiness, John Zulu, said the orphanage does not only accommodate children with disabilities but also children with no disabilities to promote inclusiveness.

Mr Zulu said the orphanage has since grown from sheltering only about seven children to about 87 children currently.

He also thanked ZEP-Re and Lions Club for the donation.

“We don’t take a donation like this lightly, we are sincerely grateful,” he said.

-Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, has praised the media in Zambia for their role in informing the public through their reporting about the energy sector.

Mr Chikote said the accurate and efficient reports on the reforms and growth plans in the sector have boosted investor interest to invest in the area of energy.

He was speaking at the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) inaugural media awards ceremony in Lusaka last night.

He commended the CEC for the initiative to recognise the media as partners in the sector, noting that the initiative is timely considering the challenges being faced in the sector.

Mr Chikote further encouraged the media to be trustworthy ambassadors of the energy sector.

He has since pledged government’s support in ensuring that journalists and other media personnel are provided with the needed information and environment to perform their functions.

And Acting Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Bernard Domingo, has commended the CEC for recognising and supporting the media as they play a vital role in informing the public on reforms taking place in the sector.

Mr Domingo reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the media to thrive and freely perform their functions without interference.

Earlier, CEC Chief Executive Officer, Owen Silavwe, expressed gratitude to the media for supporting the institution as it evolved over the last 70 years of its existence.

Mr Silavwe said the CEC remains committed to innovation in the sector in order to address the challenging energy deficit in the country.

Journalists were awarded for their work in financial reporting, consistency, print media, Television and Radio coverage among others.

The overall CEC Excellence award was scooped by Buumba Chimbulu of the Daily Nation, while most Promising Journalist Award was scooped by Clara Chisenga of Rise FM.

Best TV coverage was scooped by Derrick Chitayamba, Best Radio by Phyllis Sitenge and Best Print by Kennedy Mupeseni.

Others were Best Financial Results reporting coverage scooped by Buumba Chimbulu and most consistent Journalist by Kennedy Mupeseni.

The Chinese government says it stands ready to continue helping in modernising and developing Zambia.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, says this will be achieved through the long-standing bilateral relations that exist between China and Zambia.

Mr Jing reiterates that China has executed capital projects that exemplify how joint efforts can turn Zambia’s modernisation aspirations into tangible results.

He was speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka today.

“China is ready to continue working with Zambia to cement forward their traditional friendship, and expand cooperation across various fields, so as to better promote the common development of the two countries,” he said.

On the TAZARA revitalisation project, Mr Jing said China is ready to work with Zambia and Tanzania to ensure that the railway infrastructure has renewed splendor.

The envoy said China has also put in place a long term strategic plan and that his government would not like to see Zambia accrue huge foreign debts.

Meanwhile, Zambia-China Friendship Association Secretary General, Frederick Mtesa, said the association plays a key role in promoting and consolidating the relationship between the two countries.

Dr Mtesa said the revitalization project of the TAZARA is a new journey toward the shared dream of modernisation.

Both the Chinese Envoy and Dr. Mtesa described the railway as a landmark project of China-Africa cooperation.

North-western Province Permanent Secretary, Grandson Katambi, has called for a unified front between the government and civil society organisations (CSOs) to foster inclusive and sustainable development while promoting transparency and accountability in human rights advocacy.

Colonel Katambi (Rtd) said the role of civil society organisations in Zambia remains indispensable and vivid, noting that they have contributed significantly to the advancement in democratic governance, inclusive development and social justice.

He said CSOs bridge the gap where state structures are limited and inspire citizens to take ownership of societal progress.

He was speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Solwezi today which was organised by People in Need (PIN) and the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) with support from the European Union (EU).

Col. Katambi said the government has incentives to support CSOs and their collective efforts in ensuring democratic governance, inclusive development and social justice are met following the limited funding and difficulties in scaling up their interventions.

He said stakeholders need to leverage each other’s strengths for a collective impact, adding that the government is committed to providing a conducive environment for both the private sector and CSOs to thrive.

The North-western Province Permanent Secretary said he was however aware that CSOs face hurdles such as limited funding, insufficient stakeholder support, and difficulties in scaling up interventions.

“Therefore, let this gathering help in reaffirming collective commitment to supporting each other. Government on its part will support you because you are not our competitors but our partners. We work for the same people to better their lives. If the government, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens work together in peace, we can build a Zambia where development is inclusive, sustainable and just,” he stated.

Col Katambi has meanwhile reminded the international and local CSOs in the province to work together by pooling expertise and sharing resources for collective impact and transformation of lives.

He noted that development cannot be the responsibility of the government alone saying it must be broad-based, inclusive and participatory.

He added that development must also harness the collective efforts of all stakeholders if poverty reduction and sustainable growth are to become a reality for the province and Zambia as a whole.

Col. Katambi further said the government is working round the clock to provide and sustain a conducive environment for the private sector and civil society organisations to thrive and contribute significantly to poverty reduction and inclusive development.

And PIN Project Manager, Nora Nyirenda, said it is imperative for organisations to contribute effectively by utilising and strengthening existing mechanisms and platforms created for sustainable development.

Ms Nyirenda said CSOs, together with the government and the private sector through the traditional leaders and corporate institutions, will be able to harmonise their voices and be able to network and complement their efforts.

She said the 2 million Euros European funded project will be implemented by four CSOs in Solwezi and Kalumbila districts targeting women, youths and the marginalised groups.