Senior Chief Mwewa of the Ng’umbo people in Chifunabuli District, Luapula Province has advised the media to be factual and professional in their reporting.

Senior Chief Mwewa states that the media should be in the forefront to champion truthfulness in the country as opposed to spreading falsehoods.

Responding to an article attributed to him carried by the News Diggers Newspaper, under the headline “Allow opposition to express themselves, Zambia looks like a one -party state,” Senior Chief Mwewa refuted having issued the statement.

The traditional leader clarified that during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Samfya – Kasaba road, all the Ng’umbo Chiefs were happy that the government had finally heard the cries of the people of Chifunabuli.

The traditional leader recalled that during the same event, he even cautioned the media against telling lies.

“You the media you always tell us that the President lies but here today, we are witnessing the groundbreaking ceremony of the road which he had promised when he came for the Ukwanga traditional ceremony last year so who is a liar, you the media and not the President,” Senior Chief Mwewa said.

He notes that the event for that particular day was about the road which made everyone in Chifunabuli happy and there is no way he would have started talking about other things like reported in the said tabloid.

” I was approached by a reporter from a certain newspaper when I was about to go and deliver my speech during the groundbreaking ceremony and she wanted me to comment on the political situation in the country to which I declined, saying today we are here to talk about the road and not other issues,” Senior Chief Mwewa stated.

The Senior Chief says that during his speech, he never mentioned the issue which was reported in the tabloid and that there is no way he could have contradicted himself as his speech focused on appreciating the government for finally working on the road which previous governments had failed to do.

President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) and Kasama Archbishop Ignatius Chama has called for caution and broad consultation in the Government’s ongoing efforts to amend the Republican Constitution ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

Speaking during his weekly appearance on Lutanda Radio in Kasama — monitored by Radio Icengelo News — Archbishop Chama said while constitutional reform is a noble undertaking, it must be guided by consensus and the aspirations of the Zambian people, rather than political expediency.

He observed that the Government appears intent on incorporating the provisions of Bill 7 of 2025 into the Constitution before the 2026 polls, but warned that rushed amendments risk undermining public confidence in the reform process.

“Amending the Constitution is a noble cause,” Archbishop Chama said, “but it must reflect the will of the people. Zambia has unfortunately developed a tendency to alter the Constitution according to the wishes of those in power rather than the aspirations of the citizens.”

Delivering part of his message in Icibemba, Archbishop Chama appealed for divine guidance, cautioning that the country’s fast-paced approach to constitutional changes could prove counterproductive.

“Ala natulombe kuli Lesa umutekatima wakwe muli uyu mulimo usuma uwakwalulamo fimo fimo mu lupapulo lwesu. Ama speed yalepaya,”
he said, meaning “Let us ask God for His guidance in this important work of reforming our Constitution. Things are moving too fast.”

He further noted that constant constitutional changes driven by shifting political interests risk turning Zambia into a nation where the Constitution changes with every government, rather than standing as a lasting reflection of national consensus.

“Pantu mukuchita ifintu lubilo lubilo, nomba natusanguka Icalo cicinja ifyaba mulupapulo cilanshita ubuteko bwa cinja. Nokucila natusanguka Icalo icicinja ulupapulo ukulingana nefyo ubuteko bulefwaya, tefyo abantu balefwaya,”  he cautioned — urging leaders to act in the spirit of unity and patriotism.

Archbishop Chama concluded by expressing hope that the newly constituted Technical Committee on Constitutional Reforms would carry out its work with patriotism, honesty, and transparency, ensuring that any amendments truly serve the interests of the Zambian people.

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has unveiled its first Electric Vehicle, marking a major step in Zambia’s transition, towards a sustainable and low emission economy.

Speaking during the Inaugural Chief Executives Forum for the Electric Vehicle Ambassador Zambia Initiative, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha, said the event marks not only the unveiling of an electric vehicle but also a new investment narrative for Zambia.

He says under the visionary leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, the government is repositioning the country as a regional climate investment hub, driven by clean technology, renewable energy and sustainable finance.

Mr Mposha explained that Zambia has adopted a whole-of-government approach to green mobility anchored in the Eighth National Development Plan, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the Green Growth Strategy, supported by clear fiscal industrial incentives.

He added that the government has removed all import duties except VAT on imported electric vehicles, while VAT has been waived for locally produced units.

He further revealed that the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has developed licensing standards for electric vehicle charging stations, in order to ensure safety and regulatory clarity.

Mr Mposha has also emphasised that banking, insurance and pension industries need to develop green asset financing, EV leasing models and climate credit lines, noting that the “future of finance is green.

He also reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to partner with development partners and international financiers to mobilize resources from facilities such as the Green Climate Fund and Climate Investment Funds to de-risk early stage electric vehicle investments and expand charging infrastructure.

“E-mobility is a triple dividend that drives economic growth, reduces carbon emissions and promotes social inclusion through cleaner cities and green jobs,” he said.

Furthermore, the Minister noted that the government sees electric mobility not as a cost but as a modernization strategy aligned with President Hichilema’s vision of transforming Zambia into a green industrial economy by 2030.

“As we unveil this electric vehicle today, we are not only unveiling a car we are unveiling a vision,” he said.

He explained that a vision of Zambia as Africa’s green investment frontier, where policy meets innovation and public-private partnerships deliver prosperity and sustainability.”

And Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says the launch demonstrates the government’s resolve to embed sustainability and innovation at the heart of national development.

He described electric mobility as more than a technological advancement, noting that it symbolizes Zambia’s broader economic transformation anchored in industrialisation and green growth.

“Our challenge is no longer policy design, but policy delivery,” he said.

Mr Kangwa also called on the private sector to invest in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, assembly plants and battery recycling.

He also urged stakeholders to collaborate through technology transfer and blended finance, in order to drive scalable green investments.

And Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Douty Chibamba said the procurement of the electric vehicles is not just a compliance measure but a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to implementing the Green Economy Agenda through evidence-based action.

Dr Chibamba has also disclosed that a pilot study conducted by the ministry shows that an electric vehicle can travel from Lusaka to Kitwe (357 km) on a single full charge costing only K200, compared to K1, 500 to K2,000 in fuel for a petrol-powered vehicle of similar size.

He has explained that electric vehicles run entirely on renewable energy, adding that the ministry has also installed a solar-powered charging station, which demonstrates Zambia’s ability to harness solar and hydro resources while easing pressure on the nation.

He has also highlighted that Zambia’s transition to e-mobility is guided by standards, infrastructure and policy coherence, noting that the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has developed technical and safety standards for charging stations, while the Electric Mobility Policy and Strategic Framework is nearing completion under the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

He emphasised that the initiative is aligned with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), the Green Growth Strategy and the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which targets a 47 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

He has since urged collaboration among regulators, businesses and development partners to make Zambia’s e-mobility story a model for Africa, one that is technically sound, economically competitive and environmentally transformative.

Laura Miti on Archbishop Banda’s ZRA Vehicle Gift

Lusaka, Zambia — Human rights activist Laura Miti has publicly questioned why Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda was gifted a Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) vehicle, reigniting scrutiny around the irregular disposal of public assets that led to former ZRA Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda being jailed for six years. This situation raises critical questions for zambia.

Miti published her remarks on social media , using pointed questions to highlight what she described as the moral and governance implications of the transaction. In her post, she wrote:

“I wonder what Archbishop Alick Banda thought was a good reason for him to be gifted a ZRA car.
I mean, what was he told was the reason he had been selected to receive an asset from a public institution, he had no relationship with?
Interesting to know too, would be how the Archbishop feels about two people going to jail for unprocedurally giving him and others cars bought by taxpayers.”

Her comments came a day after the Lusaka Magistrates Court convicted and sentenced Chanda to six years imprisonment with hard labour, and former ZRA Director of Administration Callistus Kaoma to nine years, over the irregular “gifting” of 22 ZRA-owned vehicles to Patriotic Front (PF) figures and sympathisers.

During trial, testimony revealed that Archbishop Banda was among the recipients of the vehicles. Witness Sitali Mulozi, a former administration manager at ZRA and described by Magistrate Sylvia Muyinya as an accomplice witness, told the court that vehicles initially listed for internal staff tenders were deliberately withdrawn and handed to the then ruling PF for election campaigns using employees’ personal details.

Other witnesses detailed breaches of procedure. Security supervisor Emmanuel Moyo testified that on 18 September 2018, he was instructed to release six vehicles—including a Toyota Hilux, four Mitsubishi Pajeros, and a Nissan Navara—under a single name, in clear violation of auction rules. Moyo said he raised concerns but complied under Kaoma’s directives.

Former employee Emily Banda told the court she received a vehicle valued at K35,000 as a “gift” but was told to pay only K12,000 despite not qualifying for the auction. The court found that several vehicles were disposed of without board approval, not advertised publicly, and allocated irregularly.

Chanda, who appeared in court in a blue suit, reportedly listened with faint smiles as judgment began but appeared visibly shaken as the six-year sentence was read. He pleaded for leniency, citing family responsibilities and his long public service career, insisting he believed he was acting in the institution’s interest.

He was convicted on three of the 22 counts, while Kaoma was found guilty on 16 counts. Magistrate Muyinya said the disposal process was “unprocedural, unlawful, and benefited individuals outside the prescribed tender system.”

Miti’s intervention places renewed focus on Archbishop Banda, raising questions about accountability and ethical leadership. Her use of direct questions rather than statements has stirred discussion among commentators and the public on platforms like X and Facebook.

As of Wednesday, Archbishop Banda had not issued a public response to Miti’s remarks or to the renewed spotlight on the ZRA vehicle gift. The Catholic Church has also not released an official statement on the matter.

The ZRA vehicle case has been one of the most prominent corruption-related prosecutions linked to the former ruling party, touching senior public figures and politically connected individuals.

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged African leaders to fast‑track digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth, calling it essential for the continent to no longer linger “at the back of the queue.”

President Hichilema notes that digital platforms and identity systems must form the bedrock of inclusive service delivery.

President Hichilema said this when he officially opened the Third Annual Africa Digital Summit at Ciela Resort in Lusaka.

“Identity and inclusive services are our foundation for us to achieve our express position in the community, not at the back of the queue,” he said.

President Hichilema emphasised that political leadership must be justified by visible economic outcomes.

“Our primary duty is to deliver and that leaders remain in office by virtue of creating opportunities and improving the lives of citizens’’, he stated.

President Hichilema deplored the continent’s dependence on external digital platforms for trade even between neighboring countries, noting that it is inefficient and costly and called for platforms that enable African‑to‑African commerce directly.

The Head of State urged investment in digital infrastructure that would, for instance, allow real‑time tracking of trucks en route to and across borders.

President Hichilema said by digitising processes at trucking points and border posts, he said, time and cost could be significantly reduced.

On travel and identity documents, the President proposed systems that make it easier for African citizens to cross borders with minimal friction.

President Hichilema noted that despite belonging to the same continent and sharing histories, many systems still treat Africans as strangers to each other.

To support these ambitions, the Head of State called on governments, private sector actors, and investors to scale up collaboration and infrastructure development.

President Hichilema described digitisation not as optional but as essential for investment, trade, and competitiveness.

He also acknowledged one of the continent’s most pressing obstacles: unreliable electricity supply.

“Without electricity, digital services cannot function,” President Hichilema said, highlighting the urgent need to expand power infrastructure to support digital ecosystems.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to digital innovation, transparency, and secure governance.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening digital systems, including citizen data protection, to enhance the government’s ability to serve its people effectively.

“As we collectively chart the future, our priorities must remain transformation, efficiency, transparency, and security,” Mr Mwiimbu said.

Highlighting the role of international collaboration, Mr Mwiimbu acknowledged the contributions of foreign partners and investors whose technological expertise supports Zambia’s and Africa’s broader digital agenda.

Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane hailed digital technology as a transformative force in delivering social protection and driving inclusive economic growth especially in rural areas.

He said Zambia was witnessing digital revolution that is changing lives particularly in the countryside where access to services was once difficult or impossible

Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati lauded the Smart Village project as a transformative initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and bringing prosperity to Zambia’s most remote communities.

Mr Mutati emphasised that technology must serve all citizens, including those in villages, by providing access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

He said the Smart Village project demonstrates that digital transformation is not just about infrastructure, but about people.

“This year, we are expanding a lot more, regardless of where you are, we are going to ensure you have the same opportunity,” Mr Mutati said.

Executive Governor of Zamfara state in Nigeria Dauda Lawal commended Zambia for successfully hosting the summit consecutively for three years.