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Kasambo Urges ZESCO to Ease Power Purchase Agreements for Local Investors

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Mpongwe West Member of Parliament Emmanuel Kasambo has urged ZESCO to simplify access to power purchase agreements (PPAs), particularly for Zambian-owned businesses, to accelerate investment in electricity generation and support the country’s target of producing 10,000 megawatts under the Grow Zambia agenda. Speaking during his maiden speech in Parliament, Mr Kasambo has warned that bureaucratic delays in approving power purchase agreements could discourage investors and undermine efforts to increase electricity generation. He said reliable power was critical to achieving national production targets in agriculture, manufacturing, livestock and tourism, noting that irrigation, beef and sugar processing, and hotel operations all depended on adequate electricity supplies. Mr Kasambo said ZESCO should make it easier for qualified local companies to secure PPAs, particularly those that had acquired land, obtained title deeds and conducted feasibility studies for electricity generation...
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Mulwanda pledges to boost fisheries, mining and infrastructure in Mweru

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UPND Mweru Member of Parliament Lesley Mulwanda has pledged to prioritise fisheries, agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure development while pushing for investment in the constituency’s untapped mineral potential. Delivering his maiden speech in the National Assembly, Mr Mulwanda identified overfishing, poor road networks and limited access to healthcare, electricity and clean water as key challenges requiring urgent attention. He pledged to promote sustainable fishing methods, fish farming and fish restocking on Lake Mweru to address pressure on fish stocks caused by overfishing and the use of undersized nets. Mr Mulwanda also committed to helping farmers access inputs and markets, promote value addition to cassava and diversify into crops such as maize, soya beans and wheat, as well as cattle rearing. And Mr. Mulwanda has also committed to improving school infrastructure, keeping girls in school and expanding skills training opportunities, including lobbying for a skills...
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Mulwanda sees Luapula becoming Zambia’s next Copperbelt

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Mweru Member of Parliament Lesley Mulwanda says Luapula Province has the potential to become Zambia’s next Copperbelt if ongoing geological surveys identify viable mineral deposits and attract investment into the region. Mr Mulwanda, a geologist by profession, says Mweru and neighbouring Nchelenge remain largely unexplored, particularly in terms of detailed geological mapping, despite indications of mineral potential. He was reacting to President Hakainde Hichilema’s address during the opening of the 14th National Assembly, in which the Head of State said the government was nearing completion of the national geological mapping programme aimed at supporting mineral exploration and attracting investment. Mr Mulwanda says the high-resolution geophysical surveys conducted in his constituency could help identify geological structures that may contain mineral deposits, providing investors with the information needed to assess mining opportunities. “Luapula, especially Nchelenge and M...
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Mulwanda commends FRA for improved maize payments

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Mweru Member of Parliament Lesley Mulwanda has commended the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for improving the maize buying and payment process this year, saying farmers are receiving their money faster compared to previous seasons. Mr. Mulwanda says the 2026 marketing season has so far progressed smoothly, with farmers receiving payments through mobile money within days of delivering their maize. “This year they’ve been very organised. Our people have delivered the maize to the depots, and within two, three days they are paid. The mode of payment has also improved,” Mr. Mulwanda said. He said the shift from cash payments had also reduced the risks associated with farmers carrying large sums of money, particularly in rural areas where motorcycles are commonly used for transportation. Mr. Mulwanda said the previous system, which relied on cash and later bank payments , presented challenges for farmers, including long queues and delays at the only available bank in his constituen...
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REA wants universal electricity access added to Grow Zambia targets

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The Rural Electrification Authority has called for universal electricity access to be incorporated into the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, arguing that rural electrification is critical to achieving inclusive economic growth. REA Chief Executive Officer Alex Mbumba says government’s target of achieving 100 percent electricity access by 2030 should be explicitly included among the Grow Zambia targets. Eng. Mbumba says electricity is a catalyst for development, particularly in rural communities where access to power can unlock opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and small-scale businesses. Eng. Mbumba says the benefits of the Grow Zambia Agenda must reach households at the lowest level, and this can only be achieved if communities are connected to electricity. He says electrifying rural households will allow communities to participate directly in economic activities and benefit from growth in key sectors. Eng. Mbumba says REA is therefore implementing both gri...
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TSC seeks National Indaba to mobilize teachers for Grow Zambia

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The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has proposed a national indaba for teachers to rally educators behind Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda and position them as key drivers of the country’s economic transformation. TSC Chairperson Daphne Chimuka says teachers are central to national development because they are responsible for developing the human capital required to achieve Zambia’s long-term economic targets. Ms. Chimuka says the proposed indaba comes at a time when the country is focusing on increased production, job creation, investment, productivity and skills development across key sectors. She was speaking during the commemoration of World Teachers’ Day 2026, held under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Futures.” Ms. Chimuka says teachers have a critical responsibility to instil a culture of hard work and integrity among learners, which she describes as essential to achieving Zambia’s development a...
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Image Civil Engineering shines at NCC awards, scoops two honours

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Image Civil Engineering Limited has scooped two awards at the recently held National Construction Council (NCC) Build Zambia Expo and Conference 2026 , including recognition for its contribution to the construction of Constituency Development Fund projects across the country . The recognition adds to the company’s growing list of accolades, with Image Civil Engineering also recently receiving an award at the Ndola and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry 7th Annual Awards Gala Night . Image Civil Engineering Managing Director Jonathan Mwendabai has described the NCC recognition as a significant achievement and an affirmation of the company’s commitment to quality infrastructure. “ The award is a significant achievement for Image Civil Engineering Limited and a strong affirmation of our commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that meets the required standards, ” Eng. Mwendabai said. He said the recognition would motivate the company to uphold professionalism, exce...
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