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Millers hail 2027 budget as blueprint for economic growth

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Millers Association of Zambia President Andrew Chintala has described the 2027 National Budget as a comprehensive plan that addresses key pillars of the Grow Zambia Agenda , particularly agricultural production, industrial expansion and job creation . Mr Chintala says the budget has set ambitious production targets for maize, wheat and soya beans , which, if achieved, could create employment opportunities at both primary production and industrial levels. In an interview, he said the targets include increasing maize production to 10 million metric tones, wheat to one million metric tones and soya bean production to three million metric tones. Mr Chintala says achieving these targets will require increased processing capacity and investment in value addition to ensure that higher agricultural output translates into industrial growth and job creation. He has also welcomed the proposed transformation of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) into a loan-based facility, saying...
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Mulwanda hails k2.4 billion airport infrastructure allocation in 2027 budget

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Luapula Province Minister Leslie Mulwanda has commended Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane for allocating K2.4 billion towards airport infrastructure development in the 2027 National Budget. The allocation, which has more than doubled compared to the 2026 Budget, is expected to facilitate the completion of rehabilitation works at Mansa and Mfuwe airports , continue construction of Nakonde Airport and commence construction of Choma Airport , alongside upgrades at Chipata, Mongu and Solwezi airports. Mr Mulwanda says the budget is pro-poor and promotes local manufacturing through increased taxes on selected imported products to encourage the consumption and production of locally manufactured goods. He says the increased allocation towards infrastructure, particularly provincial airports, will improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities. Mr Mulwanda has also welcomed the provision for the construction of universities in provinces, saying ...
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8,000 French companies to create opportunities for Zambian firms

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Zambian businesses are expected to access a network of 8,000 French companies organized under 90 business councils following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) and MEDEF International . The agreement seeks to strengthen private sector cooperation, promote investment and create opportunities for trade, technology transfer and joint ventures between Zambia and France. UFEZ Executive President Dr Humphrey Monde said the partnership would provide Zambian businesses with access to expertise, technology and investment capital, while enabling local enterprises to learn from international best practices and compete on the global market. Dr Monde said the agreement was particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which he described as engines of economic growth. He said UFEZ would prioritize linkages between Zambian and French SMEs to ensure the benefits of the partnership reached more b...
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South African delegate highlights dignity and nutrition in school feeding programmes

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South African delegate Kefiloe Mokoena has commended Zambia’s commitment to school feeding, saying the programme is helping improve access to nutritious meals while supporting children’s participation in education. Mr Mokoena, a representative of the Tiger Brands Foundation, says Zambia’s School Feeding Programme, which provides meals to approximately 5.6 million learners, demonstrates the importance Government attaches to child nutrition. Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Child Nutrition Forum in Lusaka, Mr Mokoena says school feeding programmes should go beyond providing meals and also uphold the dignity and rights of every child. He says all learners, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds, deserve equal treatment and nutritious food served in a dignified environment. Mr Mokoena points to South Africa’s National School Nutrition Programme, which provides breakfast and lunch to nearly 10 million learners daily, as an example of how governments and partners c...
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CSOs call for increased funding to nutrition, agriculture and wash

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As Finance and National Planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane prepares to present the 2027 National Budget to Parliament on Friday, November 6, 2026, civil society organisations have called for increased funding towards nutrition, climate-resilient agriculture and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The organisations say investment in the three sectors is critical to improving public health, strengthening food security and advancing Zambia’s development agenda. They have urged Government to go beyond budget announcements and ensure that allocations translate into actual funding and effective implementation of programmes that directly benefit communities. Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance Country Coordinator Daniel Kalala says Zambia needs to increase investment in nutrition, noting that the current allocation falls far below the recommended global ambition of between 30 and 40 United States dollars per child under the age of five. Mr Kalala says the country...
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Agroecology gains ground as farmers seeks climate-resilient farming

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Farmers in different parts of Zambia are increasingly adopting agroecological farming practices, citing reduced production costs, improved soil fertility and the use of traditional seeds that are better adapted to local climatic conditions. The approach, which combines traditional farming knowledge with sustainable agricultural practices, is helping farmers reduce reliance on expensive chemical fertilisers and commercial seed varieties while improving their ability to cope with changing weather patterns. Organic farmer Gilbert Naifi of Mumbwa District in Central Province says agroecology has significantly reduced his farming expenses through the use of locally available materials to make organic manure . Mr Naifi, who has received training from FIAN International Zambia , says farmers are being taught how to prepare and apply organic manure as an alternative to conventional fertilisers. He explains that preparing organic manure costs him less than K500, compared to more than ...
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FIAN Zambia develops App to help users report human rights violations

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FIAN International Zambia has developed a Right to Food mobile application aimed at helping people understand their economic, social and cultural rights and report violations. FIAN International Zambia Country Coordinator Vladimir Chilinya says the application, which is available to Android and iPhone users, provides information on human rights and the government institutions and regulatory agencies responsible for addressing violations. Mr Chilinya says the platform also enables users to report human rights violations , which the organisation can refer to relevant authorities for action. He says the application is part of FIAN Zambia’s efforts to promote awareness of the right to food and strengthen accountability in the protection of human rights. Speaking on Zambia’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, Mr Chilinya has called on Government to use its membership to ensure that economic, social and cultural rights are enshrined in the Bill of Rights . He s...
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