Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people has died.

The revered traditional leader, who served as Paramount Chief of the Ngoni-speaking people of Eastern Province, passed away today, bringing to an end a significant chapter in the history of one of Zambia’s largest traditional kingdoms.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni was widely respected for his role in preserving Ngoni culture and traditions and for promoting peace, unity and development within his chiefdom and the country at large.

During his reign, he played a key role in strengthening traditional leadership institutions and remained a prominent voice on matters affecting local communities and national development.

His death has sent shockwaves across Eastern Province and the nation, with messages of condolences expected from government officials, traditional leaders, political figures and members of the public.

Further details regarding the cause of death, funeral arrangements and succession are yet to be announced.

More details to follow.

 Lusangazi District Commissioner, Margaret Zulu, has called for increased investment in agriculture to strengthen food security and create jobs.

Ms Zulu says agriculture remains a key driver of national development and poverty reduction.

 Speaking today when she officiated at the Chinika Block Agriculture show, held under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment”, Ms Zulu said investment in irrigation and mechanisation systems are important in the agriculture sector.

“Technology, storage facilities and value addition is critical in improving productivity and creating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.

“Trade and investment are essential drivers of economic growth. When we invest in agriculture, we invest in the future of our nation,” she said.

The District Commissioner noted that changing climatic conditions, increasing food demand and growing market competition require farmers to embrace innovation and modern farming methods.

She further encouraged local and foreign investors to support sustainable agricultural development aimed at empowering small-scale farmers, women and youths.

Ms Zulu also commended farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses and other stakeholders for their continued contribution towards the growth of the agricultural sector.

She assured that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes innovation and advancement in climate smart agriculture.

Chief Sandwe of the Senga people of Lusangazi advised farmers in the district to ensure household food security by avoiding selling all their maize and other agricultural produce immediately after harvest.

The Chief warned farmers against rushing to sell their produce to private buyers offering exploitative prices before the government announces the official maize purchasing price through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

The Ministry of Health in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province has intensified surveillance and preventive measures at the border entry point to guard against the risk of Ebola, even as Zambia remains free of any confirmed case.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at the District Health Office today, Nakonde District Director of Health Services, Philip Munkonge, confirmed that no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case has been recorded in the district as well as in the country.

He said the heightened response is a proactive step, given that confirmed cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, both of which share regional travel links with Zambia.

Dr Munkonge stated that screening of travelers has been strengthened, with particular attention on those arriving from high-risk countries.

He disclosed that the health team at the border is conducting strict checks and monitoring for signs and symptoms that may indicate exposure.

Dr Munkonge added that the hand hygiene and sanitation protocols have been enforced at all key entry and clearance points to reduce transmission risks.

“Ebola is a deadly virus, but it is preventable with early detection and strict public health practices. Our teams are on high alert and we are working closely with regional partners to ensure no case enters undetected,” Dr Munkonge stated.

He noted that emergency preparedness meetings are ongoing and that the district has initiated cross-border engagements with Tanzanian health authorities to coordinate surveillance and response efforts.

Dr Munkonge further called on all stakeholders in the district, including traditional leaders, the media, the clergy and community members to remain vigilant and to actively support prevention efforts.

He said public cooperation will be key to keeping Nakonde and Zambia safe from the virus.

“We have this duty to ensure that we protect our nation. With our town being a border town, we all have these roles to play and we continue to appreciate that you always respond whenever you are called upon,” he said.

And Nakonde District Environmental Health Technologist, Cephas Mwanantesha, during his presentation, explained that Ebola is first transmitted from infected animals to humans and thereafter spreads between people through direct contact with body fluids.

Mr Mwanantesha listed blood, saliva, breast milk, and semen as potential transmission routes, noting that the virus can persist in semen for up to 60 days after exposure.

He urged communities to avoid contact with wild animals, while emphasising personal hygiene as the first line of defense.

President Hakainde Hichilema has observed that private sector revenue is central to the economic growth of Zambia.

President Hichilema says Barrick Mining Corporation’s contribution, through its US$250 million local procurement initiatives to the local economy in line with the mining local content statutory instrument, is commendable.

President Hichilema has also congratulated Barrick Mining Corporation for its increased production, which supports the government’s target of three million tonnes copper production output.

The Head of State has further called on the company to accelerate the Lumwana Super Pit Project which will result in employment creation.

He was speaking when Barrick Mining Corporation Chief Operating Officer for Africa and the Middle East, Sebastiaan Bock, paid a courtesy call on him at State House in Lusaka today.

Mr Hichilema noted that high production levels and efficiency in the mining sector are vital for overall economic development.

The President has since commended the company’s approach to ensuring that a significant percentage of its employees are locally sourced.

President Hichilema also praised Barrick Mining Corporation for employing 98 percent Zambians, with plans for an additional staff through various infrastructure projects.

And Mr Bock announced plans by the mining company to invest further in developing modern infrastructure for employees through the Manyama housing project, including roads and other essential facilities within the operating area.

He also stated that Barrick Mining Corporation, which has so far contributed US$ 5.1 billion in the Zambian economy, also aims to create more than 550 new jobs through the expansion project, with an additional 2,500 jobs through the construction phase in the near future.

Mr Bock has since commended the Zambian government’s consistency and support to the mining sector in the country, saying the move sends positive signals to investors and development in the country.

The Zambia Police Service has called on members of the public in North-Western Province to remain peaceful and united ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Christopher Chanda says the Zambia Police Service, through the Community Services Division, has intensified community engagements aimed at promoting peaceful elections and discouraging mob justice.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Kyawama Market in Solwezi District yesterday, Mr Chanda said the 2026 Police theme, “Peaceful Elections, A Shared Responsibility,” remains a call to action for all citizens.

He urged members of the public to work together with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and reporting suspicious activities to the police.

‘‘Community Services Division has continued engaging communities across the province on the importance of unity, peaceful coexistence and adherence to the rule of law as the country approaches the general elections’’, said Mr Mulofwa

 He further urged youths to remain strong and not be enticed by violent political parties to cause confusion in the communities.

 Meanwhile, Community Services Unit National Coordinator Parent Hanyama encouraged women to be vigilant and not to allow any unruly individuals or political parties to take advantage of them during the election period.

 Head of Community Services in North-Western Province Joseph Mukanzu reiterated the need for citizens to refrain from violence and mob justice, stating that peaceful communities are essential for national development.

 Mr Mukanzu further encouraged residents to embrace aspiring candidates from different political parties and avoid engaging in political violence.

 And some marketeers at Kyawama Market have welcomed the sensitisation programme, describing it as timely and important in promoting peace before, during and after the elections.

One of the traders, Ilunga David, commended the Police Service for engaging directly with community members on issues affecting public safety and peaceful coexistence.

Government has applauded Simba New Materials Technology Company Limited of Jiangsu Province in China for donating solar mini-grid equipment worth US$350, 000 to Kaumbwe Constituency of Petauke district in Eastern province.

Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Ephraim Munshifwa noted that the donation marks an important milestone in complementing government efforts to enhance access to clean, reliable and sustainable energy services across the country, especially in rural areas and underserved communities.

Prof. Munshifwa acknowledged that the donation demonstrates the importance of partnerships in accelerating Zambia’s energy access agenda and promoting sustainable development.

He said the equipment received today for the first Phase is worth US$80,000 and comprises 49-kilowatt solar Photovoltaic capacity system and 130 kilowatt-hour energy storage system, which will benefit nine schools and five rural health centers.

“Under phase one of this initiative, the systems will be distributed, installed and commissioned at selected learning and health institutions within Kaumbwe Constituency, specifically nine government schools and five rural health centres,” he added.

He explained that these installations will greatly improve service delivery in the education and health sectors by providing reliable electricity for lighting, refrigeration, information and communication technology, among other essentials.

He also said Zambia is intensifying efforts to utilise renewable energy to diversify the national energy mix so as to complement the hydropower which is susceptible to the effects of climate change.

Prof. Munshifwa was speaking today at his office, where the equipment was received and handed over to former Kaumbwe Constituency Member of Parliament Aaron Mwanza, during a symbolic ceremony.

Earlier this year, former Kaumbwe Constituency Member of Parliament Aaron Mwanza, led a delegation to market Zambia at the Challenges and Opportunities in the Energy sector conference to Chinese enterprises. It was through this platform that the former lawmaker lobbied for electrification of public institutions in Kaumbwe Constituency, which has resulted in the donation of the solar mini-grid equipment by a Chinese firm.

Prof. Mushimfwa has since urged beneficiaries to safeguard the equipment and expressed optimism that the partnership with Simba Limited and government will continue to grow.

And Dr. Mwanza said the donation is simply a fulfilment of a commitment made by Simba New Materials Technology Company Limited during a Presidential delegated trip to China, on January 16, 2026.

He thanked the Simba New Materials Technology Company Limited for the donation, adding that the initiative will go a long way in helping the people of Kaumbwe Constituency.

Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Education Director for Secondary Schools Yvonne Chulu appreciated the company for the gesture, indicating that the initiative demonstrates the strong ongoing cooperation between Zambia and China, especially in sectors that directly improve the lives of people, such as education, health and energy.

“The Ministry of Education welcomes this intervention because energy access is no longer a luxury in schools, but a necessity. Electricity in schools means improved teaching and learning conditions.

It means learners can study in a better environment, teachers can prepare lessons more effectively, and schools can begin to access digital learning opportunities that are critical in the modern world,” she said.

Meanwhile, Simba New Materials Technology Company Limited Chairperson Daisy Xun said the total investment of the overall project is estimated at around US$350,000, adding that upon completion of the project, the initiative will resolve long-standing power shortage in remote local areas, thereby ensuring high-quality development of rural education and health services through clean, green energy.

“The phase one selected equipment handed over today, comprises complete solar microgrid systems, with 49 kilowatts, total voltage and 130 kilowatt hours energy storage system, valued at US$80,000 US,” added Ms Xun.

Ms Xun said the gesture is a response to actively improve people’s livelihoods in rural areas through green energy assistance.

The government has reaffirmed its dedication to programmes that directly improve livelihoods, empower households, and build resilience among vulnerable communities in Luapula Province.
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‎Luapula province Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama said the Government under President Hakainde Hichilema, continues to prioritise food security, improved nutrition, human capital development, and inclusive economic growth as part of broader efforts to uplift the lives of ordinary citizens.
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‎Speaking in a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Permanent Secretary Evans Sikabbubba during a Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop for the Food and Nutrition Security Enhanced Resilience Plus (FANSER+) Project in Mansa, the Luapula PS said the deliberations of government departments, development partners, non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, and private sector from Chipili, Chembe and Mansa districts, involved in implementing the FANSER+ Project, presents an important opportunity to strengthen food and nutrition security, promote gender inclusion, and build resilience among vulnerable families across the province.
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‎“The president has consistently emphasised the importance of partnership, effective service delivery and people-centred development. This is why the government continues to support programmes that directly impact communities, empower households and improve livelihoods,” Ms Chinama said.
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She added that sustainable development can only be achieved through strong multi-sectoral collaboration, coordinated action, and shared responsibility.
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‎“A strong and resilient nation begins with healthy, empowered and food-secure communities. It is therefore encouraging to see government and cooperating partners coming together today with a shared commitment to improving the lives of our people,” Ms Chinama said.
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‎She thanked cooperating partners, including GIZ, GOPA AFC, and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), for their continued support towards Zambia’s development agenda and for complimenting government efforts to improve community livelihoods.
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‎Ms Chinama also commended the training of health workers under the FANSER+ initiative, stating that strengthened service delivery at community level would contribute significantly towards improving nutrition and health outcomes.
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‎She expressed hope that participants would deepen their understanding of the project’s objectives, strengthen working relationships, and share lessons from ongoing nutrition, gender, and savings group activities.
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‎“It is my sincere hope that the meeting will produce actionable resolutions, stronger collaboration, and a clear joint implementation roadmap that will contribute to the successful rollout of the FANSER+ Project in Luapula Province,” she said.
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‎Meanwhile, Mansa District Administrative Officer Judith Nyirenda said the district was ready to apply the knowledge and information shared during the workshop to effectively implement project activities at the local level.
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Ms Nyirenda added that the engagement had provided stakeholders with an opportunity to strengthen coordination and improve understanding of the project’s objectives and implementation strategies.

Former Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, has praised BongHive for its unwavering commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs through technology-driven opportunities.

Speaking during a celebration to mark BongHive’s 15 years of operation in Lusaka, Mr Mutati emphasised the critical role technology plays in driving economic transformation.

He noted that BongHive has over the years made substantial contributions to the growth of digital innovation in Zambia.

Mr Mutati stated that the importance of technology in stimulating economic development across the globe cannot be underestimated, observing that many of the world’s financially strong companies are technology-based.

The former Minister further highlighted that the digital technology sector contributes more than 50 percent to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“I wish to pay glowing tribute to you BongHive for being among the pioneers of technology in the country and for turning ideas into impact among startups.

 I have come to officiate at this event not as a former Minister of Technology, but as a friend of technology,” he said.

Mr Mutati encouraged BongHive to remain steadfast in its mission to position Zambia as a regional technological hub, adding that the country is among Africa’s most connected nations in terms of fibre infrastructure.

He also stressed the importance of embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), saying it has applications across nearly all sectors of the economy and that AI works hand in hand with human intelligence.

Mr Mutati referenced the discovery of Africa’s largest copper deposits at Mingomba Mine in Chililabombwe, where AI reportedly played a key role during the exploration stage.

He urged BongHive and other institutions to continue integrating AI into their operations to maximise benefits and improve productivity.

“Your expertise in shaping and turning business and technological ideas into tangible business opportunities for young people, our technology entrepreneurs must be able to generate ideas before looking for funding, as opposed to asking for funding before pitching up a business idea,” he said.

Meanwhile, BongHive Co-founder and Executive Director, Lukonga Lindunda, outlined several achievements the organisation has recorded, including equipping young entrepreneurs in agriculture and the digital ecosystem with business knowledge and skills.

Mr Lindunda noted that BongHive has contributed to Zambia’s technology ecosystem over the past 15 years, adding that the country is increasingly gaining global recognition for its innovation and technological advancements.

“BongHive is dedicated to helping young people and the country at large to embrace and appreciate the significance of digital technology which his company is continuously building and imparting capacity to Zambians,” he said.

The BongHive 15th anniversary celebrations attracted partners, sponsors and entrepreneurs who have benefited from the organisation’s business and technological mentorship programmes.

South African Supreme Court judges have sharply questioned the Zambian Government’s legal team over its argument that former president Edgar Lungu still retained sufficient status for the State to determine his burial arrangements despite the withdrawal of his benefits while alive.

During tense court proceedings in Bloemfontein, the judges repeatedly challenged the government’s justification for claiming authority over the late former Head of State’s remains against the wishes of the family.

At the centre of the hearing is an appeal by the Lungu family challenging an earlier Pretoria High Court ruling that allowed the Zambian Government to repatriate Mr. Lungu’s remains for a state funeral and burial in Zambia.

In one of the strongest moments during the proceedings, the bench questioned the State’s position by asking:
“What was left of his presidency?”

The judges pointed to the government’s own submissions indicating that Mr. Lungu had allegedly been stripped of official benefits and privileges after remaining active in politics following his presidency.

The court observed that according to the State’s own argument, the former president had effectively been “stripped of everything” and was “not performing any function” at the time of his death.

Judges further questioned what legal status remained that could justify government authority over burial decisions.

“At the time, he was not considered to be entitled to those benefits,” one judge observed, challenging the government’s reliance on former presidential status to justify state involvement.

In response, the Zambian Government maintained that Mr. Lungu’s national significance and former presidential status were not erased by the withdrawal of benefits.

State lawyers argued that the benefits would have been restored had he formally exited active politics before his death.

However, the bench also raised concerns over the government’s argument that benefits could effectively be restored after death.

The judges questioned the consistency of a legal position that treated the benefits as withdrawn during Mr. Lungu’s lifetime but still applicable posthumously.

The hearing also turned to questions surrounding customary law and historical precedent regarding the burial of former presidents.

The court challenged the government’s reliance on previous presidential burials, particularly that of Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda, as proof of an established national custom.

“You cannot simply say ‘this is how it has always been done’ and expect that to pass as law. In a constitutional democracy, evidence and legal justification must lead, not history by itself,” one of the judges stated.

The bench further pressed government lawyers to provide clear evidence of the customs and legal practices they were relying on.

“It’s not enough to say they were buried in accordance with the customs. We need to know what those customs were,” the court said.

The judges also asked whether the government was relying solely on the Kaunda burial as evidence of customary practice.

“So you rely solely on, effectively solely on the Kaunda matter for evidence of the customs and practices. Is that correct?” the bench asked.

The matter continues before the South African Supreme Court of Appeal.

Presidential Delivery Unit Head, Kusobile Kamwambi says strong monitoring and evaluation systems are essential in ensuring that government’s developmental programmes produce meaningful impact for citizens.

Ms Kamwambi has noted that government is implementing various programmes across sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure, among others, adding that the unit is therefore strengthening monitoring and evaluation across presidential priorities.

She was speaking during the Zambia Monitoring and Evaluation Association (ZaMEA) annual general meeting, in Lusaka.

Ms Kamwambi has since called for professionalism and strengthened collaboration between government and monitoring and evaluation practitioners as the country enhances delivery, accountability and measurable progress.

Meanwhile, Ms Kamwambi also implored monitoring and evaluation practitioners in the country to uphold professionalism and adapt to digital transformation, noting that national decision-making is dependent on the data they collect.

“People want to know if the projects are being completed? Are public resources translating into improved services? Are programmes reaching intended beneficiaries and institutions delivering on commitments? This is why monitoring and evaluation have become more important than ever before “, she emphasised.

Speaking at the same meeting, ZaMEA Outgoing Chairperson, Victor Kabwe commended the government for its achievements in various areas such as economic recovery, infrastructure development and expanded public investments, among others.

Mr Kabwe stated that the country therefore has a responsibility to sustain and strengthen these gains.

He noted that this will require timely, accurate and inclusive evidence to guide decision-making and ensure development benefits reach all citizens, further stressing the importance of monitoring and evaluation.

Mr Kabwe however bemoaned challenges faced by the sector, such as lack of financial sustainability and the volunteer nature of most structures, affecting implementation of some planned activities.

“In response, ZaMEA diversified its resource mobilisation efforts through consultancies, training and the sale of ZaMEA branded materials. While these efforts improved our financial position, the resources remained insufficient to fully meet the increasing demands and expectations placed on the Association,” he explained.