The Ministry of Community Development in Mpulungu district, Northern province has flagged off the distribution of farming inputs to farmers under the Food Security Pack (FSP) Programme for the 2025/2026 farming season.

Mpulungu District Commissioner, Gehard Sikazwe, launched the distribution at Isoko Secondary School and urged beneficiaries to use the inputs prudently.

Mr Sikazwe noted that the programme is costly and stressed the need for farmers to use the support for its intended purpose.

Mr Sikazwe said Government has implemented the Food Security Pack in the district for many years to enhance household food security and reduce poverty.

“If you look at these inputs that you are collecting today, they can even cost close to K7,000 at the market and Government is giving them to you for free so that you can have food in your homes,” he observed.

He also reminded farmers to pay back what is required, noting that some beneficiaries in the past failed to do so and disadvantaged others. He explained that the inputs are part of a revolving fund and each beneficiary is expected to return two bags of maize, which are later used for other empowerment initiatives within their clubs.

And Mpulungu District Community Development Officer, Cain Mbambo, said the department has received inputs for 1,896 beneficiaries, an increase from 1,413 in the 2024/2025 farming season.

Mr Mbambo said the beneficiaries have been drawn from 27 Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs) across the district.

Mr Mbambo added that the number of years beneficiaries remain on the programme has been increased from two to three.

“This means that this year we will not have new members as earlier planned, but will maintain the old register and only add numbers according to the increase,” he said.

Under the programme, each beneficiary receives four bags of fertilizer, a 10kg bag of seed and a 10kg bag of legumes.

ZANIS reports that this year, 500 farmers will also receive sunflower seed to promote crop diversification.

Mr Mbambo said the department is currently cleaning its system to ensure the right people benefit, adding that distribution will begin next week.

He said sensitisation activities have already been conducted to ensure farmers understand the repayment requirement of two 50kg bags of maize or the cash equivalent.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries have thanked Government for its continued support to small-scale farmers.

One beneficiary, Clement Yambayamba, said the inputs have helped improve food security and reduce poverty in Isoko and the wider Mpulungu area.

He assured that beneficiaries will continue meeting their repayment obligations to support community development.

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has underscored the critical role of accurate statistics in tracking regional progress and informing policy decisions that foster integration.

COMESA Assistant Secretary General for Programmes, Mohamed Kadah, says the oversight role played by the Statistics Committee remains a cornerstone of the regional body’s strategy for advancing statistical development.

The media reports that speaking when he officially opened the 16th COMESA Committee on Statistical Matters, Dr Kadah noted that the meeting comes at a crucial time, as the COMESA Regional Strategy for Development of Statistics (RSDS) 2021–2025 enters its final year of implementation.

He said the gathering will enable delegates to take stock of achievements recorded so far and reflect on the challenges and priorities that lie ahead.

Dr Kadah explained that an independent end-term review conducted in late 2025 with support from STATTAFRIC (AUC) and Paris 21 recommended actionable steps to address challenges such as resource constraints and inadequate staffing.

He emphasised that COMESA will continue to urgently seek additional funding and strengthen capacity across the region.

Meanwhile, Dr Kadah highlighted several milestones achieved under the RSDS pillars which include enhanced market integration statistics, expanded support in international merchandise trade, improved import and export price indices, and sustained harmonisation of consumer price indices.

He also acknowledged the contribution of development partners such as the African Development Bank, Statistics Norway, and Statistics Sweden, among others.

The three days meeting has attracted participation of Statistics representatives from the 21 COMESA Member States.

2,882 households in Petauke District of Eastern Province have been targeted under the rainfed Food Security Pack (FSP) programme.

Flagging off the distribution of the rainfed FSP in Manyane area of the district, Petauke District Commissioner Martha Mulenga said that this was targeted at vulnerable but viable households, to ensure that they are food secure and that they contribute towards the food security of the nation.

Ms Mulenga explained that this was the third year running for the target beneficiaries, who under normal circumstances were supposed to be whined off after two years.

She said the beneficiaries have been maintained for the third year due to the drought experienced in the 2023/2024 farming season.

The package includes two 50 kilogram bags of D-Compound, two 50kilogram bags of Urea, one 10 kilogram bag of maize seed and one 10 kilogram bag of groundnut seed.

“For the government to give you these inputs, you are expected to alleviate hunger in your households. I sincerely appeal to you, do not sell the fertiliser,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nsenda Tembo, a beneficiary from Manyane appreciated the timely disbursement of the inputs.

“We are grateful here in Manyane for the inputs. We are just praying that the rains continue in this trajectory so that we have a bumper harvest,” he said.

Another beneficiary Rhoda Nyirenda said she was not anticipating to receive the inputs this year as it was the third year running on the programme, hence her gratitude to the government for the gesture.

“Government did not neglect us during the drought, even the following farming season, they did not neglect us. We were thinking that the programme has ended, but the government remembered us and has given us fertiliser even this year,” she said.

The FSP weans off its clients after two years, however due to the drought experienced in the 2023/2024 farming season, the programme has added an extra year for the beneficiaries.

A 25-year-old man of Chipangali District in Eastern Province has died by suicide after ingesting aluminium sulphate tablets, which are used for maize preservation.

The deceased, identified as Maxwell Banda, reportedly added the tablets to a drink, which he later consumed.

In a statement to The media, Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident, indicating that on November 15, 2025, Banda travelled from Katete to Early Trading Area in Chipangali District to his father’s house, where he had been tasked with buying maize.

Mr Mweemba said that on November 17, 2025, around 13:00 hours, Banda was seen with his friends heading to buy maize and that later, at about 17:00 hours, he was again seen with the same friends before passing through home.

Mr Mweemba revealed that Banda returned home with a bottle of drink, which he attempted to give to his wife, who declined as she already had her own beverage.

Mr Mweemba said the deceased then consumed the drink himself, which is suspected to have contained the maize preservative tablets.

He said moments later, Banda collapsed and began vomiting despite being given some milk and rushed to the hospital, Banda was pronounced dead around 12:30 hours on November 18 2025.

Mr Mweemba added that the motive behind the act remains unknown and that police do not suspect foul play.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, has acknowledged the importance of private sector participation in industrial development in the country.

The Minister further notes that steel production is one sector that is helping to stimulate and attain the country’s economic growth.

Mr Mulenga states that government supports industrialisation from viable companies such as Motison Metals Integrated Steel Limited (MMI) a private company that produces steel and contributes to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The media reports that the Minister has also expressed gratitude that MMI is producing steel that is crucial and used for the mining operations, agriculture, construction and energy sectors.

Mr Mulenga, who was accompanied by his Permanent Secretary In-charge of  Investments and Industrialisation, Crusivia Hichikumba, said this when he toured MMI Steel Limited to familiarise himself with its operations.

The company supplies large quantities of steel metals to support industrial growth as well as nails, roofing sheets, tubes, pipes, plastic tanks among other steel related materials.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the tour, MMI Steel Limited Group Director, Gopal Kedia, appealed to the government to consider reducing duty on imported raw materials.

Mr Kedia disclosed that his firm is currently operating at 30 percent, hence, this incentive would help resolve electricity challenges being experienced.

He further revealed that the firm imports raw materials from China and South Africa.

Mr Kedia also stated that the company exports metals to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe.

The Zambia Red Cross Society has expressed gratitude to its partners and volunteers for the efforts in promoting humanitarian values and providing critical support to those in need.

Speaking at a media breakfast meeting in Lusaka today, Director of Programmes, Jack Bbhabbi, highlighted the society’s achievements over the past year and emphasised the importance of collective efforts in addressing pressing humanitarian challenges.

The media reports that Mr Bbhabbi also acknowledged the contributions of the Meteorological Department, praising their accurate weather forecasts, which have been instrumental in supporting farmers and households.

“We really appreciate the support that we get from the Met Office, the forecasts have helped the society’s efforts in supporting humanitarian endeavors,” he said.

And, Zambia Red Cross Society National Training Chairperson, Imboela Imboela, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to disaster risk management and reduction, healthcare, as well as environmental programmes.

He further emphasised the importance of partnerships and collaboration in advancing disaster preparedness and response across the country.

“We value your role as members of the media and stakeholders in amplifying our message and work,” he said, urging participants to actively engage in the discussion and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The media breakfast was held under the theme “Strengthening Community Resilience through Effective Disaster Management”.

 Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, has implored young people to consider entrepreneurship and agriculture as viable career paths.

Mrs Nalumango has emphasised that the sectors offer opportunities for prosperity and job creation.

The media reports that speaking at the 2025 Youth Connekt Zambia Summit, the Vice President encouraged youths to take advantage of government initiatives and access loans from institutions like the Citizen Empowerment Fund (CEF) to start their own businesses.

She further highlighted government’s efforts to support youth entrepreneurship, including providing arable land for resettlement and start-up capital for agribusiness ventures.

Mrs Nalumango also commended the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts for transforming youth resource centers into hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship.

“When you work for yourself, you are the great person, you are employed by yourself, and you are creating jobs for others,” she said.

She also urged young people to be innovators and employers rather than seeking employment.

And, Mrs Nalumango emphasised the importance of agriculture in the country’s economy, noting that it is a sector that can drive growth, food security, and employment.

She has since encouraged young people to embrace climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable farming practices.

“Let us make the Green Hustle not just a slogan, but a reality that transforms lives and communities across Zambia,” she said as she declared the 2025 Youth Connect Nation Summit open.

Minister of Youths, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, stressed the importance of empowering young people to drive agricultural transformation and contribute to the green economy.

“Youth Connekt Zambia has moved from concept to concrete impact, providing a practical bridge between policy commitments and real opportunities for young people,”Mr Nkandu said.

The Minister noted that over 3,000 young people have been reached with information on youth policies, empowerment opportunities, and green economy pathways, adding that more than 400 youths have received practical training in agribusiness planning, financial literacy, and climate smart agriculture practices.

Mr Nkandu also commended the National Youth Development Council and partners for their efforts in coordinating the chapter, and urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

“Investing in the potential of young Zambians is not optional, it is central to our national development agenda, so I’m calling on stakeholders to deepen collaboration and scale up programmes that are showing tangible impact,” he added.

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali, has highlighted the initiatives being supported by the UN to empower Zambian youth.

She emphasised the importance of investing in young people, stating that Zambia’s economic growth hinges on empowering its youth to create sustainable livelihoods and generate income.

“Some of the key initiatives supported by the UN include the launch of the updated National Youth Policy and the National Arts Policy, providing a framework for youth empowerment and development.

“Over 1,500 young Zambians have been employed through this programme, gaining valuable work experience and skills development among others,” she stated.

National Youth Development Council Secretary, Waana Kankinza, highlighted the importance of empowering young people, stating that they are the driving force behind the country’s development.

“Young people are not asking for hand-outs; they are asking for fair opportunities, access to finance, and an enabling environment to drive the Green Hustle,” she said.

Ms Kankinza outlined the Council’s commitment to supporting government policies on youth empowerment and employment, facilitating platforms for dialogue and capacity building among others.

The 2025 Youth Connekt Zambia Summit aims to promote youth entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture, providing a platform for young people to connect, share ideas and drive agribusiness innovation.

Luangwa District in Lusaka Province has received 600 bags of rice from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to strengthen the food security for vulnerable households in case of an emergency.

Each of the 600 bags weighs 50 kilogrammes.

Luangwa District Commissioner, Luke Chikani, who received the consignment on behalf of the district, says the food stuff will be handy especially during this rain season.

Mr Chikani says due to the geographical location of the district, there are possibilities of cases of flash floods or roofs being blown off some houses as the district is prone to storms.

He said this move by the government has put the district in a better position to swiftly respond to any food shortages that may arise.

“The provision of the bags of rice by the government shows the government’s endless commitment to ensure that vulnerable households are food secure,” Mr Chikani said.

Mr Chikani has since commended the government for its continued support in improving the welfare of citizens.