Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a borderless and sustainable energy future for Africa, with a target of achieving 10 gigawatts of power generation by 2030.

Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote said Zambia remains focused on actualising energy projects currently in the pipeline to enhance energy security both locally and across the region.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Energy Director for Energy, Mafayo Ziba during the Energy Forum for Africa Conference 2026 project progress report and media launch Gala Dinner in Lusaka.

The Minister said progress recorded so far demonstrates the impact of sustained commitment and collaboration.

“What we have seen from the projects showcased here today is a clear call to action to focus on actualising the pipeline of projects before us. Our commitment and consistency are beginning to yield real results, and we must see this through to the very end, which is achieving 10 gigawatts by 2030,” Mr Chikote said.

He noted that the Energy Forum for Africa has evolved into a strategic platform that is driving action by bringing together policy makers, investors and industry players.

“Over the past two years, the Energy Forum for Africa has grown into more than just a conference. It is now a platform where policy meets investment, innovation meets implementation, and dialogue translates into measurable progress. Africa’s energy future must be shaped by Africans, for Africans, in partnership with the global community,” he said.

Mr Chikote added that the 2026 conference to be held from 7th to 9th October in Lusaka, and themed “Driving a Borderless Energy Future for Africa,” reflects the continent’s ambition to achieve energy security through regional integration.

“The journey toward a borderless energy future for Africa is not without challenges, but it is a journey worth taking. Zambia remains committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions and working with partners to ensure that the region becomes energy secure and economically empowered,” he added.

And speaking at the same event, Convener of the Energy Forum for Africa, Hope Chanda said the forum has continued to grow into a results driven platform that is delivering tangible outcomes for the energy sector.

Ms Chanda added that the forum’s regional engagements are aimed at unlocking collaboration and strengthening Africa’s energy market.

She further emphasised the importance of local participation in driving the continent’s energy agenda.

Meanwhile, Energy Forum for Africa Programmes Manager, Yvonne Mulasikwanda said the gathering reflects the progress made in strengthening Zambia’s energy sector through collaboration and innovation.

Ms Mulasikwanda added that the forum continues to provide a critical platform for engagement among key stakeholders.

Former Mines Minister under the United National Independence Party (UNIP) administration, Mulundwe Muzungu has praised Zambia’s founding President, Kenneth Kaunda for his exemplary political leadership, describing him as a democratic leader who championed unity within the party and the nation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the media, Mr Muzungu said Dr Kaunda fostered a culture of inclusiveness and dialogue which strengthened both the party and the nation.

Mr Muzungu noted that Dr Kaunda believed in bringing people together regardless of one’s social background, describing him as a man of truth, who consistently encouraged unity as a foundation for national development.

He added that the former Head of State governed with humility and fairness, guided by strong moral principles that emphasised respect and equality.

“Dr Kaunda lived by the golden rule treating others as one would wish to be treated, a principle he said defined his political leadership style and interactions with citizens”, Mr Muzungu said.

The former Minister further said that his political leadership approach helped build trust and cohesion among Zambians during the formative years of the country’s independence.

He has since urged current and future leaders to emulate Dr Kaunda’s values of democracy, unity and selflessness in order to sustain peace and national progress.

Meanwhile, Governance Activist Samson Zulu said Dr Kaunda was humble, focused and loved people, adding that his strong religious background having been born to missionary parents, shaped him into a firm advocate for justice and human dignity.

He added that Dr Kaunda’s political legacy is reflected in his graceful concession of power and peaceful transition from one administration to another.

Mr Zulu has since appealed to citizens to avoid violence and hate speech as the country heads towards elections in August this year.

“We must emulate the legacy of Dr Kaunda as his legacy is anchored on the One Zambia, One Nation motto”, he said.

And Political Rights Champion and Democracy Specialist Ngande Mwanajiti reiterated that Dr Kaunda left a legacy that called for oneness.

He noted that the commitment Dr Kaunda showed to politics from a youthful stage deserves to be emulated especially by the young people.

Mr Mwanajiti also highlighted that Dr Kaunda believed peace and unity were not only meant for Zambia but for the Southern African region as well.

Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has cautioned Members of Parliament against making unverified claims regarding the whereabouts of the remains of late former President Edgar Lungu.

The caution followed a query raised in Parliament by Binwell Mphundu, who sought clarification from Vice President Mutale Nalumango over reports suggesting that Lungu’s remains may have been stolen from a morgue in South Africa.

In her ruling, Mutti stressed that Parliament is a House guided by facts and verifiable information, urging lawmakers to avoid speculation when debating sensitive national matters.

She questioned the basis of the allegations, asking whether there was any concrete evidence to support claims that the former president’s body had been stolen.

The Speaker further warned that making unsupported statements in the House risks misleading the public and undermining the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

Mutti also noted that the matter is already before the courts and widely discussed in the public domain, and therefore should be left to relevant authorities and the judiciary to handle.

Her remarks underscore growing concern over the spread of unverified information surrounding the late former president’s remains, as legal processes continue.

President Hakainde Hichilema is tomorrow April 25, expected in Kasama District of Northern Province for a one day working visit.

President Hichilema is expected to arrive at Kasama Airport at 8:00 hours.

Speaking at a media briefing in Kasama today, Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao, said upon arrival the President will pay a courtesy call on Mwine Lubemba Chitimukulu at his palace in Mungwi District.

Mr Mbao revealed that the Head of State will after paying a courtesy call on the Mwine Lubemba, officially commission the newly constructed Shopping Mall and Hotel in Kasama

The Provincial Minister has underscored the two infrastructure projects as vital for fostering economic activities, job creation and boosting tourism in the region.

Mr Mbao has also disclosed that later in the day, Mr Hichilema will hold a community engagement with members of the public in the district.

He added that the President will conclude his visit with a meeting with party officials at the United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretariat.

Mr Mbao has since called on members of the public to turn out in large numbers to welcome the Head of State.

Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Director General, Nason Banda has urged citizens to uphold the values of discipline, peace, unity and integrity as the country commemorates the legacy of Zambia’s First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the media, Mr Banda says the late statesman’s principles remain a cornerstone for national development as the country continues to benefit from the foundation he laid.

“The values of discipline, peace, unity and integrity that Dr Kaunda championed are key to Zambia’s continued development and must be upheld by all citizens,” he said.

Mr Banda said there is need for political leaders and public servants to reflect on late Dr Kaunda’s leadership style by prioritising service to the people over personal gain.

“Public office must be about service, like in the UNIP era, leaders served the nation selflessly and left the office with nothing, this is the mindset we must restore in today’s governance,” Mr Banda said.

Mr Banda further emphasised the importance of integrity in the management of public resources, stating that accountability and transparency are essential for sustainable national progress.

He also emphasised the need for institutions to uphold ethical standards, noting that integrity is critical in strengthening public trust and promoting good governance.

 “Commemorating Dr Kaunda should go beyond symbolic remembrance, but translate into practical adherence to the values he espoused,” he said.

Government has signed a concessionaire agreement with Goodlife Group Zambia for the construction of 6,480 bed spaces at the University of Zambia (UNZA) over a period of 24 months.

Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane disclosed that the project is valued at over 37 million United States Dollars (USD), reflecting strong private sector confidence in Zambia’s education sector.

Dr Musokotwane said the concession agreement will run for 27 years, allowing for construction, financing, operations, and the eventual transfer of the facilities to the university.

The Minister said the signing of the concessionaire agreement marks a major shift in addressing the country’s long-standing student accommodation crisis.

Dr Musokotwane added that the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to reforms and the adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a practical solution to infrastructure challenges.

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi appealed to Goodlife Group to construct the bed spaces within the stipulated time frame and to international standards.

Meanwhile, Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima explained that the demand for higher education has risen sharply due to population growth and government policies such as free education, which have seen over 3.5 million learners return to school.

Mr Syakalima, who was represented by Permanent Secretary for Administration Noriana Muneku, said that with between 170,000 and 180,000 pupils completing Grade 12 annually, Zambia must prepare for increased pressure on universities to accommodate more students.

Goodlife Group Zambia Chief Executive Officer Shawn Kabemba assured the government that the project will be completed within two years and on time, and that student hostel bed spaces will be well maintained.