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ZCCM-IH crosses $1 billion market capitalisation mark

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ZCCM-IH crosses $1 billion market capitalisation mark

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, has commended ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) Plc for crossing the $1 billion market capitalisation mark on the Lusaka Securities Exchange Plc (LuSE).

Mr Kabuswe reiterates that the milestone is attributed to the government’s good policy environment in the mining sector, among others.

Speaking when ZCCM-IH, together with LuSE, hosted a symbolic Bell-Ringing ceremony to celebrate the huge milestone, Mr Kabuswe observed that the government’s commitment towards unlocking the mining sector is bearing fruit.

“As the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the board, management and staff of ZCCM-IH on this remarkable feat.

This milestone is not only a reflection of the company’s financial prowess but also a demonstration of their commitment to driving national development,” he said.

He said the enabling business environment that is currently prevailing in the nation instill confidence in investors.

Mr Kabuswe added that government has implemented various reforms to enhance the investment climate, including tax incentives and infrastructure upgrades.

The minister stressed that the company’s strategic investments in various mining companies have contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth.

He further observed that with its gold mandate, ZCCM-IH is poised to play an even more pivotal role in the development of Zambia’s gold sector.

Mr Kabuswe said the government’s decision to entrust ZCCM-IH with the responsibility of formalising, developing, and transforming the country’s gold sector will increase the value.

And ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson, Preston Musonda, said the moment is more than just a financial achievement, but a testament to the resilience and transformation of ZCCM-IH since 2021.

He stated that from guaranteeing a $1.7 billion Glencore debt in 2020 to a now strengthened balance sheet having resolved and unlocked Mopani and thus charting a new growth trajectory, ZCCM-IH has indeed emerged as a giant on the Lusaka Securities Exchange.

Mr Musonda explained that in the past eight months, the ZCCM-IH share price has gained 131 percent from K65 in January this year, to K150 per share as of yesterday, August 27, 2025.

He said crossing the $1 billion market capitalisation threshold places ZCCM-IH as the second most valuable company on the Exchange and strengthens the role as a central player in Zambia’s capital markets.

Earlier, Lusaka Securities Exchange Chief Executive Officer, Nicholas Kabaso, explained that Zambia’s capital market has deep and viable investment opportunities.

Mr Kabaso observed that the achievement comes at a time when there has been renewed mining activity within the economy with copper production being forecasted to grow above 800 metric tonnes for this year and above three million metric tons over the medium term.

Man commits suicide over witchcraft accusations

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Man commits suicide over witchcraft accusations

A 65-year-old man of Chama district in Eastern Province, has allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself to a tree in the bush over allegations that he bewitched his second wife.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident stating that it occurred on the 27th August, 2025 at around 14:00 hrs in Nyembe village of chief Chibale.

The brief facts of the matter are that the deceased, Boyd Simukoko, married two wives, Maria Namfukwe, the first one and Setelina Kaluba, the second one.

The second wife had been ill for a long time suffering from swollen legs and stomach.

Mr Mweemba stated that the children of the second wife called a witch doctor, known as “Twapachalo,” who claimed that their father was behind their mother’s illness.

He explained that when the children confronted their father about the allegations, he expressed ignorance.

However, later that afternoon, Mr Simukoko went into the bush, about 50 metres away from his home, and committed suicide despite earlier telling his first wife that he was going to the farm.

An inquiry has been opened into the matter and the relatives have been advised to bury the body and mark the grave for possible exhumation.

Government loses K18.4million annually to defaulting Cooperatives

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Government loses K18.4million annually to defaulting Cooperatives

About 18.4 million Kwacha worth of revenue is being lost annually by government due to unpaid annual returns by cooperatives in the Country.

Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister, Elias Mubanga disclosed that only 10 000 out of 139 000 registered cooperatives in the Country have been filing annual returns.

Mr Mubanga explained that all registered cooperatives are mandated to file 133 Kwacha annually as returns, in line with the cooperatives act number 29 of 1998, but bemoaned the low compliance levels.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Mr Mubanga explained that this has made it difficult for government to evaluate the performance of cooperatives in the Country which are expected to contribute to job creation and economic development.

The Minister has since warned that any failure to abide by payment of administrative fees, further emphasising that any defaulting cooperatives should not be allowed to access government empowerment programmes as well as artisanal mining licenses.

“Any defaulting cooperatives should not be allowed and I emphasise should not be allowed to access empowerment programmes such as those provided under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in the Ministry of Agriculture Youth Empowerment Fund, citizens economic empowerment fund and artisanal mining licenses”, Mr Mubanga stressed.

Mr Mubanga noted that his Ministry will therefore collaborate with all government Ministries providing empowerment programmes to make it mandatory for any cooperative applying for such to attach evidence of annual returns to their submissions.

“This requirement will also apply to artisanal mining whenever they are applying for licenses”, he stressed.

He has since urged all cooperatives in the Country to cooperate with the Ministry officers at provincial and district levels, by submitting their returns as mandated.

“The deadline for submission of returns is indicated on the cooperative societies management system on the Zamportal and falls within three months after the close of each respective cooperative’s financial year end”, the Minister indicated.

Sun Pharmaceuticals Director Uddit Sadhu Detained in Dubai

Lusaka Times Editor
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Sun Pharmaceuticals Director Uddit Sadhu Detained in Dubai

Sun Pharmaceuticals Director Uddit Sadhu Detained in Dubai Threatened to be Deported to Zambia

“…as former Interpol Candidate, Nawa Mubita, is alleged by the Sadhu family to have issued a grudge Red Alert Notice against persons that thwarted his election bid, a matter the family links to a complaint filed from Libala Police Post in Lusaka…”

Dubai- August 27th, 2025

An Indian businessman with significant interest in Zambia has been detained in the United Arab Emirate, pending an extradition and deportation to Zambia.

Uddit Sadhu, a director in a company, Sun Pharmaceuticals, which is owed millions of dollars by the Zambian Government, was stopped and detained at Dubai International Airport when he was flying back home to India.

The Zambia Police in Zambia issued a Red Corner Notice for Uddit Sadhu’s arrest on 16th August 2025 following a complaint filed by John Kawadilu Kalenga and Mususu Mambo Kalenga on behalf of the estate of the John C.M Kalenga, at Libala Police Post.

Background:The Sun Pharmaceuticals Saga

Sun Pharmaceuticals won remarkable judgments in the High Court and Supreme Court over the debt owed to it by the Development Bank of Zambia(DBZ).

It’s a debt arising from overpayments made by the company to DBZ during the service of its development loan.

Following this win, the family of Mr. John Kalenga, the late businessman and politician made their first appearance on the matter in 2018 to stake a claim against payouts that were made to the company.

The Kalenga children challenged the ownership of the firm claiming that following the death of their father in 2003, Director and CEO, Vinod Sadhu, illegally changed the ownership of the company to himself, spouse and son.

This matter has however been extensively litigated and settled in courts of law re-affirming the ownership of the company to belong to the Sadhus.

The primary issue revolved around the ownership and control of Sun Pharmaceuticals Limited, a company registered in Zambia in 1964.

History of Sun Pharmaceuticals Zambia

Sun Pharmaceuticals in Zambia has a history tied to Frank and Hirsch (Northern Rhodesia) Limited, a company established in 1963 that was later renamed Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

After its owners sold their interests to Mr. John Kalenga. The company’s trajectory shifted significantly in the 1990s when the Sadhu family invested in the business and, began constructing Zambia’s first disposable syringe factory in Ndola, a project that encountered financial and political challenges.

Vinod Sadhu of Indian origin, subsequently took over the project and the associated loan.

The Sadhu family was later affirmed as the rightful owners of Sun Pharmaceuticals Limited by the Supreme Court of Zambia in February 2020 after lengthy appeals by the Kalenga family.

In 2022, Vinod and his son Uddit were detained and abducted by persons that purported to be police officers.

The officers claimed that the two had engaged in fraud in changing legal ownership of the company and had wrongfully received pay-out amounting to $20million belonging to Sun Pharmaceuticals.

The Sadhus sued the police officers and a member of the UPND in the Lusaka High Court for abduction and illegal detention.

At the same time, the Zambia Police and Anti-Corruption Commission acted on a report by the Kalenga family.

The Sadhus were required to be in the country as investigations on the ownership complaint were laid and being investigated.

When court documents dating back to 1997 were shown to both the ACC and the Zambia Police, the Sadhus were cleared and allowed to travel.

The Kalengas reported the George Kunda law firm that handled the Sun Pharmaceuticals case to the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) for fraud and unethical behaviour.

In July 2024, the LAZ Practioners’ Committee dismissed the complaint conclusing that the law firm was not in conflict and as demonstrated by various court judgement and rulings there was no nexus between the complainant and Sun Pharmaceuticals and that their father was a previous Director and bot a shaewhokder in Sun Pharmaceuticals.

The law firm also proceeded to sue the family Spokespersons, Gregory Chifire for repeated defamation against the law firm.

After their return to India while their lawyers pursued the outstanding compensation and pay-outs, a sinister fresh process was started that called for their arrest by the Zambia Police.

This came shortly after a strong report of their abduction and extortion was published in the United Kingdom that became critical in thwarting the election of Zambia’s, SADC and Afripol Candidate, Mubita Nawa to the Interpol.

He lost the election to VALDECY URQUIZA of Brazil.

It appears it’s this report and the impending pay-outs due to the Sadhus that has generated a grudge Interpol Red Alert report that has seen the detention and pending extradition of Uddit Sadhus to Zambia.

“Mr Mubita Nawa who is Police Commissioner and Director – Administration is being accused by the Sadhu family of being at the centre of this latest red alert against them.”

As at Monday 25th August 2025, an administrative deportation order had been issued for the repatriation of Uddit to Zambia even when the two countries have no signed treaty.

Brief Status of the Case

Allegations of fraud: The Kalenga family filed complaints with authorities, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, alleging the Sadhu family had fraudulently acquired their shares in the company.

The Kalengas also accused a law firm, George Kunda Legal Firm, of having a conflict of interest for representing Mr. Sadhu.

Court rulings:
The Sadhu family has consistently won in court. A series of rulings from Zambia’s High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court have upheld the Sadhu family as the rightful owners of Sun Pharmaceuticals.

The courts rejected the Kalengas’ various appeals, noting they did not exercise their right to join previous litigation.

Investigations and dismissals:
The Kalenga family’s allegations have been investigated and dismissed by multiple bodies.

The Anti-Corruption Commission closed the case twice due to lack of evidence of wrongdoing.

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) also cleared the George Kunda Legal Firm of any conflict of interest, stating there was no clear connection between the current Kalenga family complainants and the company.

Court order fulfillment: One of the complaints concerned the release of funds owed to Sun Pharmaceuticals.
Authorities explained these payments were made in accordance with court orders and were not illegal.
Kalenga family stance:
Despite the repeated legal losses, the Kalenga family has continued to seek government and Zambia Police intervention in the matter.

*Efforts to reach Mr. Mubita Nawa for comment were unsuccessful by press time.

email us:social-at-lusakatimes.com

1.3 million people benefit from STC countrywide

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1.3 million people benefit from STC countrywide

Government has increased the number of beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer fund from 400, 000 in December 2021 to 1.3 million in August 2025.

Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba, who was in Mazabuka on a working visit, has disclosed that the government spends huge sums of money in social cash transfer payments bi-monthly.

Ms Mwamba said it is the president’s directive that no one should be left behind.

“Our mission is to empower our people, to protect the most vulnerable so that every child can go to school and every adult can live in dignity,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mazabuka District Commissioner, Oliver Mulomba, has reported that the district has been implementing the social cash transfer programme since 2017, benefiting 12,487 households.

Mr Mulomba said 3,195 more households will be added to the social cash transfer programme by December this year to bring the total number of benefitting households to 15,692 in Mazabuka district.

And Mazabuka Mayor, Vincent Lilanda, has praised Ms Mwamba for the initiative of the exercise of verifying beneficiaries of the social cash transfer fund which was done in December 2021.

Mr Lilanda said the verification exercise has ensured that the right people benefit from the Social Cash Transfer fund and that government funds do not go to waste.

North-Western Province Highest Performing Province In Zambia

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North-Western Province Highest Performing Province In Zambia

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has ranked North-Western Province as the highest-performing province in Zambia, underscoring its central role in driving the country’s renewed economic ambitions.

UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. James Wakiaga, said recent investments such as the commissioning of the Kansanshi Mine S3 Expansion Project and the planned Lumwana Super Pit expansion, worth billions of Kwacha, mark a transformative era for the province.

“According to the data that informs the UNDP report, North-Western Province has a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.673, making it the highest-performing province in the nation,” Dr. Wakiaga said in remarks delivered on his behalf by UNDP National Economist, Elda Chirwa.

He noted that the S3 expansion would not only boost national copper production but also create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and improve the living standards of people in the province.

The findings were shared during the presentation of the Human Development Report for North-Western Province, which highlights the links between climate change and human development.

China Eyes Key Sectors as Investment Interest in Zambia Grows

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China Eyes Key Sectors as Investment Interest in Zambia Grows

President Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that Zambia is attracting fresh investment interest from Chinese business executives following his state visit to China last year.

Speaking after receiving a courtesy call from the executives at State House this afternoon, President Hichilema said the meeting focused on a wide range of investment opportunities available in the country.

“It is gratifying that our state visit to China last year has continued yielding positive results in terms of opening up our country for more investment and business opportunities that will create jobs for citizens, particularly the youth,” the President said.

The Chinese delegation expressed interest in key sectors including agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, and health. They further indicated their willingness to pursue joint ventures with Zambian citizens to ensure inclusive growth.

President Hichilema urged the investors to move swiftly in actualizing their commitments, stressing that Zambia has created an enabling environment for both local and foreign businesses to thrive.

If implemented, the planned investments are expected to create jobs, boost technology transfer, and expand Zambia’s export potential across regional and global markets—strengthening the country’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Zinc plant closed in Kabwe

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Zinc plant closed in Kabwe

The Central Province administration has shut down the operations of Superdeal Zinc processing plant in Kabwe’s mining area for violating environmental and general safety regulations.

Provincial Deputy Permanent Secretary, Godfrey Chitambala, announced that the processing plant has been closed with immediate effect and that it will only be allowed to resume operations after putting remedial measures in place.

Speaking after an impromptu visit to the plant following complaints of pollution and safety concerns by the surrounding community and workers respectively, Mr Chitambala said the government supports investments but not at the expense of the lives of people.

“Investments should not come at the expense of the people. This is pure negligence and the government will not allow impunity that puts the citizens’ lives at risk,” Mr Chitambala said.

Kabwe District Commissioner, Lennox Shimwambwa, urged the local authority to lock up the premises and fine the company for abrogating the appropriate rules and regulations that govern mining in the country.

Mr Shimwambwa lamented that the dust and gas emissions from the processing plant are churned out into the surrounding community throughout the day at the expense of the local people.

“This is the saddest part of my life since the time I was appointed commissioner for Kabwe. We can not be sitting in our offices while our people are being killed like this. This is total negligence that can’t be condoned and amounts to murder. The council, this thing must be shut down immediately and fined appropriately,” Mr Shimwambwa ordered.

And Kabwe Municipal Council Director of Public Health, Christopher Mtonga, said the company has no respect for the environment and even the safety of the people that work for the same processing plant.

Mr Mtonga said this was evident from the raw sewer stench smelled by the inspection team at the processing plant and the workers that were seen working without protective clothes.

“This is negligence on the part of the company for exposing workers to hazardous working environment while subjecting the surrounding community to gas fumes 24/7. It is in the interest of the government that while profits are made, the environment and people must be protected,” Mr Mtonga said.

Meanwhile, Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Chrizoster Phiri, called for stern action against the zinc processing company.

Ms Phiri likened the working environment at the plant to slavery and said she will not allow people suffer for profits.

but the plant manager complained that the company has been working at a loss due to frequent load shedding and threatened that she will engage her lawyers to rebut the closure.

More arrested in ongoing health sector investigations

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More arrested in ongoing health sector investigations

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested former acting Permanent Secretary for Administration at the Ministry of Health, Sivah Kachimba, alongside other senior Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply (ŹAMMSA) officials and two Directors of private companies as a result of the ongoing investigation in the health sector.

This is according to a statement made available to ZANIS by Drug Enforcement Commission Director General, Nason Banda.

Mr Banda said the number of individuals charged and arrested in the investigation are now ten, including four that were arrested earlier this year.

He added that Sivah Kachimba, former Acting Permanent Secretary Administration at the Ministry of Health was arrested for wilful failure to comply with laid down procedures in procuring of contracts.

Others are Japhet Phiri, a procurement specialist at ZAMMSA who was arrested for forgery and writing of false documents and Sipho Banda, senior procurement officer at ZAMMSA for conspiracy to commit a felony.

The DEC also arrested Chanda Napanje, a senior procurement officer at ZAMMSA for conspiracy to commit felony, forgery and uttering of false documents and Godfrey Kabengele, Director at Mukushi Business Venture for dealing in allied substances without a pharmaceutical license and money laundering.

Also arrested is Kankomba Kakompe, a Director at Lumumba Pharmaceuticals for obtaining pecuniary advantages by false pretences, forgery and uttering false documents.

The rest are Victor Nyasulu, former Director of ZAMMSA, Nalishebo Siyandi, former Director General of Supply Planning at ZAMMSA, Benjamin Nsenje, former Finance Manager at the Ministry of Health under Peace Health RCHMMC/N project and Collins Nchimunya Habadu, former Director of Procurement at ZAMMSA.

Mr Banda explained that the intention of the law enforcement agencies is to bring the ongoing investigation to a close so that the policy direction is revisited to guide the medical supply services in order to avoid recurrence of what the nation has experienced over a long period of time.

He added in a separate matter, DEC has successfully forfeited to the state properties in Chirundu district believed to be proceeds of crime.

The properties include a 9.5 hectares piece of land along Zambezi river, 700 hectares of land near Chiwena school, 10 hectares of land along Siavonga road, 43.1 hectares of land in Mwiingi village and 170 hectares farmland near Zamtel farm.

“Other information gathered suggests that the owner obtained 2,000 hectares of land in Siavonga which he divided in 250 hectares tracks of land and registered in various names, including his companies which is likely to be forfeited by state,” Mr Banda said.

What “Unity” Dr. Nevers Mumba?

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What “Unity” Dr. Nevers Mumba?

MMD leader Dr Nevers Mumba has reportedly told the Daily Revelation Newspapers that “the UPND must work hard towards ensuring that every Zambian knows that this is a government for all the provinces, stressing that they must prove to the citizens that they are bringing unity because the same is not visible in the country.”

If the words attributed to our former vice president are correct and he wasn’t misquoted by the newspaper, then we are very disappointed. What unity is Mumba really talking about; does it only become visible when he’s part of government?

Politicians in our country must learn one or two lessons from people like Brig. Gen. Godfrey Miyanda. Run your race, and when your time is up, retire quietly and enjoy farm life as opposed to attempting to eat with every government that comes along!

Since Mumba wants to mislead the nation on this issue, we shall cite a few practical examples; you may access full details from our explosive upcoming book: Dilemma of One Zambia, One Nation, presidency, governance & regionalism:

Enhanced CDF
During the previous regime, areas that were perceived to be opposition UPND strongholds….the so-called Zambezi provinces, were deliberately and callously “starved” of CDF. The money was either delayed or not disbursed at all! But under the able leadership of President Hichilema, CDF is reaching all the constituencies in real time.Even the famous police Landcruisers that have been procured under this facility are ubiquitous in every district. Perhaps Mumba is better advised to get hold of the PF Kanchibiya Member of Parliament, Sunday Chanda and find out the wonders he has done using CDF in his constituency.

Nominated MPs
Part of the reason why our forebearers saw it fit to introduce the aspect of nominated MPs in our constitution was to perhaps enhance national unity in case a given political party failed to secure parliamentary seats in certain parts of the country. For instance, in the last general elections, UPND did not perform well at parliamentary seats in the northern regions. Now, of the 8 nominated MPs, President Hichilema allocated a record half of the slots to the same region!

Cabinet
For the first time in a very long time, we have a cabinet that represents our national character. People from all our 10 provinces have found room in this particular government unlike in the previous regime whereby certain regions were considered not worthy of ministerial positions.

Next time the likes of Mumba want to talk about UNITY, we’d urge them to do their research thoroughly.

Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst
Zambezi

Safety on the Road and 1xBet: Winners of the Second Stage Share Their Road Safety Vision

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Safety on the Road and 1xBet: Winners of the Second Stage Share Their Road Safety Vision

The second stage of the Safety on the Road program by 1xBet, in collaboration with the NGO Safety for People on the Move, has once again rallied communities in Zambia around the importance of road safety. This phase focused on one of the most pressing issues — road accidents and the human factor — highlighting common causes, practical solutions, and the role every road user plays in preventing tragedies.

Winners Speak and Share Their Stories

The spotlight falls on those whose voices and actions stood out the most. The second stage winners Chris Sinkutwa and Mwansa Baron talk about why they joined the campaign, what winning meant to them, and the lessons they believe every driver, cyclist, and pedestrian should take to heart.

Chris explains his motivation simply: “Road safety is a shared responsibility. I wanted to help spread awareness and contribute to saving lives by encouraging safe road habits.” His proactive stance paid off, not just with a prize but with the satisfaction of making a difference. “It felt great to win. It showed me that my voice and actions towards promoting road safety truly mattered,” he adds.

For Mwansa, joining the campaign was about both personal and community well-being. “Road safety affects everyone — drivers, pedestrians, and the whole community. By participating, I wanted to promote safe driving practices and raise awareness,” he says. Winning, he notes, was “an incredible feeling that motivated me even more, knowing my efforts could inspire others to value safety and help save lives.”

As part of their recognition, the top three winners of this stage received 10,000 ZMW, 6,000 ZMW, and 4,000 ZMW respectively — rewards that symbolized not only achievement, but also appreciation for their commitment to promoting road safety in Zambia.
Both winners agree on the essence of road safety: alertness, responsibility, and respect for others. Chris defines it as “protecting lives so that everyone can reach their destination safely,” while Mwansa emphasizes “taking all necessary precautions to prevent accidents and ensuring the safety of oneself and others.”

Beyond the prizes, what stood out to the winners was the 1xBet campaign’s spirit. Chris enjoyed “how interactive and educational it was, bringing people together to discuss important issues and rewarding positive engagement.” Mwansa valued “the sense of community and the opportunity to see how collective efforts can lead to positive change.”
And when it comes to the future, both are clear: they want more. As Mwansa puts it, “1xBet’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement is inspiring. More campaigns focusing on safety, education, and community welfare would only strengthen their impact.”
The second stage of Safety on the Road has shown that real change begins when individuals take responsibility — and when their voices inspire others to do the same.
The campaign isn’t over — stay tuned and join the next challenges for a chance to make an impact and win. Follow 1xBet Zambia for updates — and participate in the next part of the movement for safer roads.

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Africa needs US$8.3 billion to end malaria

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Africa needs US$8.3 billion to end malaria

The Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership to End Malaria has observed that malaria is an African problem that needs about US$8.3 billion to address.

RBM Partnership to End Malaria Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Charles revealed that over 600,000 lives are lost to malaria every year.

Dr Charles added that 1,600 African children under the age of five die of malaria every day.

He noted that US$8.3 billion is needed for the malaria fight saying, currently, there are gaps in financial resources on the continent.

He was speaking during a ministerial press conference on ending malaria in Lusaka today.

He has since urged African leaders to take health related issues as priority if the continent is to end the disease.

During the same meeting, Zambia’s Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima, said the Malaria Council of Zambia is determined to end the disease as it has to date mobilised over US$150 million cash as well as in kind towards malaria programmes country wide.

Dr Muchima, who was represented by his ministry’s Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi, observed that establishing the end malaria councils in the region as well as mobilising resources is key to African led financing solutions.

He has urged African countries to be independent as well as self reliant in malaria elimination.

He noted that Zambia has made tremendous strides in the health sector through various initiatives.

Earlier, Botswana Assistant Minister of Health, Lawrence Ookediste, said African countries should translate malaria commitments into tangible action.

Mr Ookediste noted that even though malaria challenges are huge, so are the opportunities to eliminate it.

And in his welcome remarks, World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, who was represented by Dorothy Achu, noted that despite progress made in the malaria fight, there is still more to be done on the continent.

Professor Janabi reiterated the need to build local strengths such as strong national systems that work together as one in the region.

The African delegates were speaking today during the ministerial end malaria press briefing under the theme, ‘accelerating Africa’s Malaria Fight’ on the sidelines of this year’s 75th session of the World Health Organization’s Regional Committee for Africa.

North-Western, Zambia’s renewed economic ambition- Dr Wakiaga

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North-Western, Zambia’s renewed economic ambition- Dr Wakiaga

United Nations Development Programs (UNDP) resident representative, James Wakiaga has described North-Western Province as the engine of Zambia’s renewed economic ambition.

Dr Wakiaga says the recent commissioning of the S3 Expansion Project at Kansanshi Mine and the committed billions for the Lumwana Super Pit expansion are not just figures on a balance sheet but they are signals of a transformative era.

He said according to the data that informs their report, North-Western Province has a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.673, placing it the highest-performing province in the nation.

ZANIS reports that Dr Wakiaga says the commissioning of the S3 project will create jobs, local business opportunities, and a critical contribution to national copper production targets which will consequently raise the standard of living of the people.

He said this in a speech read for him by UNDP’s National Economist, Elda Chirwa during the presentation of human development report for Northwestern Province that explores the interactions between climate change and human development.

And speaking at the same function, Northwestern Province Deputy Permanent, Luckson Mulumbi says government will support the report by ensuring that it is distributed to the members of the Public

Govt welcomes South Africa Court decision on Lungu burial

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Govt welcomes South Africa Court decision on Lungu burial

Government has welcomed the Constitutional Court of South Africa’s ruling on the application regarding the repatriation and burial of late President Edgar Lungu’s remains in Zambia.

Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, said in a statement made available to ZANIS that government respects the court’s decision and remains committed to working with the Lungu family to reach an arrangement that considers their wishes, while upholding the rights of the state.

“The Government of the Republic of Zambia has taken note of the Constitutional Court of South Africa’s ruling concerning the burial of the Sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. On behalf of the government, we want to thank the court for its timely consideration of the matter,” Mr Kangwa stated.

He expressed gratitude to Zambians for their understanding during the impasse and for avoiding inflammatory comments.

Mr Kangwa urged citizens to keep the Lungu family in their prayers as the country continues to mourn the former President.

He emphasized that in keeping with the stature of the high office, government’s wish is for the late President to be accorded a dignified funeral.

The statement follows the South African Constitutional Court’s dismissal earlier today of an application by the Lungu family to appeal against the Gauteng High Court ruling that ordered the repatriation of the former President’s remains to Zambia.

According to the order contained in a statement from the Constitutional Court Acting Registrar Dumisani Mathiba, to the concerned parties, the Constitutional Court has considered the application for leave to appeal directly to it and has concluded that no case has been made out for a direct appeal, and that leave to appeal must be refused.

“The Constitutional Court has considered the application for leave to appeal directly to it and has concluded that no case has been made out for a direct appeal. Consequently, leave to appeal must be refused,” read the court order.

President Lungu died in South Africa on June 5, 2025 after an illness.

On 17th August 2025, the Gauteng High Court ruled that the remains of the former president be repatriated to Zambia for a state funeral.

However, the Lungu family applied for leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court.

Hamukale commends government’s decision to export maize

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Hamukale commends government’s decision to export maize

Agriculture Economist, Edify Hamukale, has commended the government for approving the export of over 500,000 metric tonnes of surplus maize.

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‎In an interview with ZANIS, Dr Hamukale observed that this significant export opportunity is expected to increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.

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He noted that exporting over 500,000 metric tonnes of surplus maize will capitalise on a bumper harvest of over 3 million tonnes, which was recorded in the recent farming season.

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‎Dr Hamukale added that exporting maize will contribute to Zambia’s gross domestic product (GDP).

‎He also noted the importance of exporting value-added products such as animal feed and mealie meal in future to maximise benefits from maize value chains.

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‎”This strategic move would not only enhance foreign exchange earnings but also create new opportunities for economic growth,” Dr Hamukale said.

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‎He however urged the government to ensure that the country has enough maize grain to ensure food security in the country.

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‎”I would like to state that much as we are exporting, we should ensure that we buy sufficient maize for domestic needs and I toured a number of Food Reserve Agency depots, the response by farmers is quite overwhelming because of the good price,” Dr Hamukale said.

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