President Hakainde Hichilema has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, for the two-day France–Africa Summit co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto.

President Hichilema’s plane touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 15:30 hours local time.

The Head of State was received by Kenya’s Minister of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, along with other government officials.

Shortly after his arrival, the President signed the visitors’ register before proceeding to the hotel.

Later this evening, President Hichilema will attend a gala dinner with other Heads of State and government, hosted by President William Ruto.

More than 30 African Heads of State and government, together with business leaders, are participating in the summit dubbed Forward Africa, with the main gathering scheduled for tomorrow at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

The summit is expected to provide a platform for African countries to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with France while advancing investment and sustainable development partnerships.

Discussions will focus on seven thematic areas, including green industrialisation and energy transition, economic partnerships and investment, as well as reforming the global financial architecture.

Youth employability and entrepreneurship, climate sustainability, peace, and security will also form part of the agenda.

Shiwangandu Member of Parliament Stephen Kampyongo has called for a more inclusive approach in the proposed legislation on benefits for former Chief Justices, arguing that other senior judicial officers should also be considered under improved conditions of service.

Debating the Benefits of Former Chief Justice Bill Number 67 of 2026 in Parliament today, Mr Kampyongo said while he supported the proposed amendments aimed at creating a stand-alone law for former Chief Justices, the government should avoid isolating one office at the expense of other key judicial positions.

Mr Kampyongo noted that benefits for former Chief Justices were previously provided for under the Judges’ Conditions of Service Act, Chapter 277 of the Laws of Zambia, and cautioned against narrowly focusing on a single office without reviewing the broader judicial framework.

“Yes, we know the financial implications that come with such improvements, but if we’ve to honour people that serve at that high level of government, being the judiciary, we must just try and find resources,” he said.

The Shiwang’andu lawmaker argued that deputy Chief Justices and presidents of superior courts such as the Constitutional Court also performed significant responsibilities and should not be excluded from improved post-retirement benefits.

“Some of them hold that office up to retirement and more often than not perform the same duties as the Chief Justice in their absence. So why should we leave out such important office holders?” he asked.

The former Home Affairs minister further questioned what provisions would apply to the President of the Constitutional Court, describing it as an equally important and independent court.

Mr Kampyongo urged the sponsors of the Bill to reconsider the proposed legislation and adopt a holistic approach that caters for all senior judicial officers.

“We should have been looking at improving the judges’ conditions under the Act so that as you improve conditions at the top, you’re also considering those at the bottom,” he stated.

According to Mr Kampyongo,  the proposed law risked creating a piecemeal approach to judicial benefits, similar to delays experienced in revising benefits for the Office of the Vice President following the enactment of the 2016 Constitution.

He also raised concern over provisions relating to surviving spouses, saying failure to clearly address such issues in legislation could create future disputes.

“I don’t know why this issue of saying ‘the spouse, surviving spouse, surviving spouses’ has been such an issue, and how we fail to deal with simple straightforward issues like this,” he said

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Committee considering the Bill recommended the removal of active politics as grounds for loss of benefits for former Chief Justices.

The Committee observed that former judicial office holders remained entitled to constitutional freedoms, including freedom of association and participation in public affairs.

However, the Committee recommended that state-provided ancillary benefits should not be used for partisan political activities.

He urged the government to consider the recommendations contained in the report to enhance the credibility, constitutionality, and fairness of the proposed legislation.

The Committee supported the enactment of the Benefits of Former Chief Justice Bill Number 67 of 2026, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the institutional dignity and independence of the judiciary.

The House has a lot of work to do of adopting some reports and passing and amending 69 pieces of legislation ahead of its adjournment.

Initially, there were 74 bills to be attended to within a short period of time but five of them were withdrawn by respective ministries.

Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Tuesday Bwalya has commended Caritas Zambia for intensifying efforts to challenge harmful social norms and promote the safety of women’s participation ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Dr Bwalya said Faith-Based Organisations are key in curbing gender-based violence.

He said the move by Caritas Zambia to build capacity in faith leaders is of value as it will help them to play their role in the fight against GBV.

“What you are doing to build capacity of stakeholders such as faith-based organisations and community members is commendable work to prevent GBV and violence against women participating in politics because prevention is better than cure,” he said.

Dr Bwalya praised Caritas Zambia for taking continuous action to challenge harmful gender norms and safeguard the wellbeing of women.

He noted that such interventions were critical as the country prepared for the 2026 polls.

The Permanent Secretary further said that the Muchinga Provincial Administration wants to see an environment that is free and fair for women to participate in elections.

“We shall ensure that the police protect everyone, including women participating in elections,” he said.

 Dr Bwalya said this in Chinsali when Caritas Zambia Project Coordinator Christabel Mwango paid a courtesy call at his office.

And Ms Mwango said Caritas Zambia, through phase two of the Spotlight Initiative programme, was implementing a campaign to prevent gender-based violence and violence against women participating in elections.

Ms Mwango said the organisation was in Chinsali to build the capacity of faith leaders and community members to prevent GBV and promote safe participation of women in elections.

“Ending violence against women in elections requires collective action, and this is more reason we are bringing on board faith-based organisations and community members through capacity building,” Ms Mwango said.

Phase two of the Spotlight Initiative is currently being implemented in Isoka and Chinsali districts in Muchinga Province and in Katete and Chipangali districts in Eastern Province.

Over 200 defilement cases have been recorded in Eastern Province from January to April this year.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has expressed concern over the rising cases of defilement in the province.

He says the current situation involving defilement cases in Eastern Province has become alarming.

In an interview with the media, Mr Mweemba disclosed that the province continues to record the highest number of defilement cases in the country, with more than 200 cases involving children below the age of 16 recorded between January and April this year.

During community sensitisation meetings held in Mwase and Kapichila chiefdoms of Lundazi District, Mr Mweemba called upon the people from the two chiefdoms and the province as a whole to effectively join in the fight against defilement.

He condemned the abuse of children and questioned the behaviour of some men involved in such crimes.

“What has come over some men to even think of having carnal knowledge of a two-year-old child, including their own biological children?” Mr Mweemba asked.

He warned that Government has stiffened laws against defilement, adding that perpetrators are no longer entitled to police bond or bail.

Mr Mweemba further appealed to communities to protect the girl child and support their education and development.

“Let us protect the girl child and allow them to attain education and grow into productive women who can contribute to national development,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senior Chief Mwase of the Chewa people of Lundazi District described the increasing cases of child defilement as embarrassing and unacceptable.

The Traditional Leader said he felt ashamed that some of the perpetrators were from his chiefdom.

“I am deeply embarrassed because it is my subjects who are involved in these acts. I can no longer walk with my head held high because of this vice,” Senior Chief Mwase lamented.

He said that he has directed all headmen in his chiefdom to handle defilement cases seriously and ensure offenders were  reported to the police without fear or favour.

“I have instructed all headmen in my chiefdom to ensure that perpetrators of this abominable crime are reported to the police so that the law can take its course,” he said.

 A Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-funded electrification project valued at K8.5 million has been launched in Kaphinde and Kazimule areas of Luangeni Constituency in Eastern Province, bringing electricity to schools, health facilities, trading centres and surrounding villages.

Luangeni Constituency Member of Parliament Moses Moyo praised the effective utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), saying the initiative is delivering meaningful development to rural communities.

Speaking during the commissioning of the electrification project, Mr Moyo described the connection of the two communities to the national electricity grid as a major milestone that was already creating economic opportunities for local residents.

The project has connected schools, rural health posts, agriculture camp houses, trading centres and several villages to electricity.

Mr Moyo said the development had long been awaited, as residents previously travelled more than 10 kilometres to access essential services such as hammer mills and sunflower oil processing machines.

He noted that community members have already started opening businesses including welding shops, barbershops, salons, bars and retail stores following the electrification of the area.

Mr Moyo, who also serves as Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, commended President Hakainde Hichilema for increasing the CDF allocation, saying the move has enabled resources to reach rural communities and empowered citizens to identify their own development priorities.

Meanwhile, Langamu Chifunda said the electrification project will help Zesco Ltd expand its customer base while contributing to increased revenue generation.

Mr Chifunda said the project will improve living standards and create opportunities for economic growth and social development in Luangeni Constituency.

He further urged residents to observe electricity safety measures by avoiding illegal power connections, unsafe wiring and constructing structures close to power lines.

“As ZESCO, we are urging the people here to avoid illegal electricity connections, unsafe wiring and constructing structures close to or under power lines,” he said.

And Helminnah Phiri commended government and the area Member of Parliament for ensuring the project became a reality.

Ms Phiri said electricity will greatly improve administrative operations at Kaphinde Primary School, which has an enrolment of 732 pupils.

She explained that teachers previously relied on writing examination questions on classroom boards due to the lack of printing facilities.

“Pupils will now each have examination question papers because we will be able to make photocopies for them during examinations,” she said.

Meanwhile, local entrepreneur Kelvin Longwe said the electrification project was expected to stimulate business growth in the area.

Mr Longwe, who operates a welding business, said residents previously travelled between five and 10 kilometres to access welding services.

“This development will help us grow our businesses and improve our livelihoods,” he said.

A former Catholic priest accused of stealing a church vehicle has appeared before the Petauke Magistrate’s Court where he has denied the charge.

Simon Tembo, 42, is alleged to have stolen a Toyota Hilux registration number CAA 7255 ZM valued at K700,000 belonging to the Chipata Diocese Catholic Church in Ukwimi area of Lusangazi District.

Tembo, who is said to be a mechanic by profession, is charged with theft of a motor vehicle contrary to Sections 281(a) and 272 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that the offence occurred on October 30, 2025, in Lusangazi District.

When the matter came up for plea before Magistrate Misozi Banda, Tembo pleaded not guilty and immediately applied for bail.

“I plead not guilty, Your Honour, and I would like to apply for bail,” he said.

However, State Advocate Christopher Nyambe told the court that the prosecution needed to bring a witness before responding to the bail application.

“We wish to bring one witness before the court responds to the bail application, but the witness is currently in Chipata, “he said.

And Magistrate Banda later adjourned the matter to May 28, 2026, for possible commencement of trial and for the State’s response on the bail application.

The accused has since been remanded in custody pending the next court appearance.

Government says there is need to invest in young people as they are key in the national development agenda.

Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Principal for Creative Arts Industries and Research Development, Nicholas Goma, says youths remain one of Zambia’s greatest national assets because of their active participation in different sectors of the economy and society.

Speaking at the launch of the human capital Insights report, organised by Zanga African Metrics in partnership with BongHive Consult in Lusaka, Mr Goma said the creative arts and sports sectors possess enormous potential to stimulate economic growth.

He said strengthening human capital especially among young people is essential for the country’s long-term development and prosperity.

Mr Goma said the launch of the data report by Zanga African Metrics will enhance the calibre of people, especially young ones.

He further praised Zanga African Metrics and BongHive Consult for introducing and launching the report, saying it is expected to spark discussion on how Zambia and Africa can better develop and utilise human capital.

Mr Goma observed that the report comes at an important time as it addresses issues such as leadership, entrepreneurship, workplace culture, business performance and human capital development among others.

“The interest of the ministry is to see this report by Zanga in collaboration with BongHive Consult to add particular value in the development pathways of our young people.

“Our mandate is directly connected to youth empowerment, skills development in the areas of sports and creative Arts enterprises, leadership participation and creation of opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

He added that the information contained in the report will serve as a useful resource in shaping deliberate strategies aimed at preparing young people for leadership, entrepreneurship and social contribution.

Mr Goma also encouraged parents and guardians to nurture children’s talents, creativity and skills from an early age.

Meanwhile, Zanga African Metrics Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Nankhonde Kasonde said the organisation supports companies and institutions in recognising employees as central to productivity and profitability.

Ms Kasonde explained that the organisation’s data tools have been utilised in 20 African countries across sectors such as mining, aviation and telecommunications.

“This report has never existed before globally, there is no report that publishes data on human capital competencies with a population that has a majority of Africa’s face, human capital development is critical for Zambia and Africa at large, hence this report launch,” she said.

And co-founder and Director of Entrepreneurship at BongHive Consult, Simunza Muyangana said people are the backbone of every economy stating that investing in human capital is necessary for organisations to succeed.

Mr Muyangana said the newly launched report serves as a reminder to organisations and industry leaders that people are the key drivers of value creation and productivity.