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President Hakainde Hichilema has urged Parliamentarians to conduct themselves properly, emphasizing that national values and principles should inspire leaders to build a better future for generations to come.  President Hichilema has stressed the importance of quality and value in their work, rather than just quantity. The President has highlighted various social ills that the government is addressing, including, Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Delivering a National Address on the progress made in the application of National Values and Principles, the Head of State has noted that nearly 4 million citizens have been sensitized about the dangers, and counseling and rehabilitation services have been provided to victims.  Additionally, 4,728 individuals involved in illicit drug production and trafficking were arrested in 2024. On Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy, President said the government has successfully withdrawn girls from early marriages and readmitted them to school afte...

President Hakainde Hichilema has hailed the country's progress in the fight against corruption, citing acquittals, convictions, and the recovery of tainted assets. President Hichilema said the government is committed to implementing Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR] mechanisms to expedite the resolution of corruption-related cases. The President has emphasized that the government is recovering tainted assets and restoring them to their rightful owners, the Zambian people stressing that this approach aligns with international best practices in combating corruption. The President said by integrating ADR methods such as mediation and negotiation, the government aims to enhance judicial efficiency, reduce case backlogs, and ensure swift justice while upholding principles of accountability and transparency. The Head of State said the fight against corruption continues in a non-selective manner. He has reiterated that his administration will fight past, present and future corruption a...

President Hakainde Hichilema has sounded the alarm over the increasing number of citizens borrowing loans from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission with no intention of paying back. President Hichilema has warned, that this trend is stifling the growth of these facilities, which are designed to operate as revolving funds. Despite this challenge, President Hichilema is optimistic about the impact of the Enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has been increased to K36.1 million per constituency per year. I n his address to the National Assembly on the progress made in the application of national values and principles , t he Head of State believes this initiative has given citizens a new lease on life and is transforming local communities. President Hichilema updated the house that the government is actively constructing various infrastructure projects, including Schools and Health Facilities thereby improving access to educatio...

Nalolo Member of Parliament Imanga Wamunyima has called upon young people to be humble and open to mentor-ship, demonstrating their ability to lead. Mr. Wamunyima, who is also the youngest Member of Parliament in Zambia, has emphasized the importance of youthful leadership in shaping the country's future. A nd Mr. Wamunyima has commended Antonio Mwanza, former Deputy Secretary General of the Socialist Party, for forming the Democratic Progressive Party and urged him to clearly outline his vision for the country's development. The Nalolo Member of Parliament has expressed concerns about elderly leaders clinging to power, hindering the growth of young leaders. "Power must be a program that begins and ends," he stressed, encouraging young people to be strong and prepared to take on leadership roles. With over 70% of the population comprising young people, Mr. Wamunyima believes it is essential for them to be ready for leadership positions. Ends

Ruling United Party for National Development Namwala Member of Parliament Moono Mapani has expressed disappointment over the growing trend of sympathizing with individuals being investigated or jailed for corrupt activities. Mr. Mapani has emphasized that it is discouraging to see stakeholders publicly demanding forgiveness for lawbreakers, questioning the fate of others serving similar sentences. T he Namwala legislature has argued that if those in jail for corruption are to be forgiven, it logically follows that all incarcerated inmates should be released. He has stressed the importance of respecting judicial rulings, particularly when sufficient evidence has been presented during trials. The Namwala Member of Parliament has advised citizens to avoid being narrow-minded and instead allow the law to take its course, stressing that the law should not be applied selectively, and no individual is above the law. Mr. Mapani has reminded citizens that the mismanagement of public resources h...

Optica, a leading eye-wear dealer, has just opened its first two retail stores in Lusaka, with locations at Arcades Shopping Mall and Lewanika Mall. This expansion is driven by customer demand for their affordable frames and lenses, custom-designed to fit African face shapes Optica's Chief Executive Officer, Raghav Moudgill says this expansion marks a significant milestone for the company, which boasts 93 stores across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Speaking during the grand opening of the two stores, Mr. Moudgill has emphasized the company's commitment to providing exceptional vision care services, with qualified optometrists and state-of-the-art equipment. He said Optica is offering a wide range of products, including, affordable Frames starting at K240, with complete spectacles available from K490, custom-Designed Lenses, fitted accurately using patternless edging technology and anti-Glare and Blue-Block Lenses, designed to minimize glare and enhance visual comfort. “At Optica, ...

Western Province Minister Kapelwa Mbangweta has credited the country's recent rains to the National Prayer held in December last year. According to Mr. Mbangweta, the rains started immediately after the prayers, which were organized by the government to pray for good rains and a good harvest. Mr. Mbangweta has expressed optimism that the rains will continue, stressing the importance of a bumper harvest for the country. However, he has also noted that enemies of the UPND had attempted to undermine the prayers, but ultimately, God had blessed the country. In addition to attributing the rains to divine intervention, Mr. Mbangweta has reiterated the government's efforts to improve irrigation infrastructure saying these efforts include constructing dams to facilitate water harvesting during rainy seasons, which can then be used for irrigation during dry periods. Mr. Mbangweta, who is also the Nkeyema Member, has encouraged farmers to adopt irrigation methods to boost food production...

UPND  Namwala Member of Parliament Moono Mapani has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for his exemplary leadership in ensuring inclusivity in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), regardless of political affiliation. Mr.  Mapani has noted that M embers of P arliament s across the country have been empowered to prioritize the welfare of their constituents. “ The CDF has enabled the construction of roads, schools, health services, and dams, as well as providing skills training for vulnerable individuals ”, he said . This initiative, according to Mr. Mapani, is a first in the country's history, demonstrating the President's commitment to respecting and supporting those who never had the opportunity to attend school. The Namwala Law Maker said, t he benefits of the C - D - F are being felt across the country, not just in constituencies won by the ruling UPND. And Mr. Mapani has praised President Hichilema's efforts to unite the country through his attendance at traditio...

Health Minister, Elijah Muchima, has reiterated that the government cannot disclose the health status of former President Edgar Lungu and Edith Zewelani Nawakwi, President of the Forum for Democracy and Development, due to medical practitioners' ethics. This stance prioritizes patient confidentiality and upholds the sacrosanct Doctor-Patient relationship. The Minister's statement came in response to a point of order raised by Chasefu Independent Member of Parliament Misheck Nyambose, who questioned the lack of updates on the former President's health. Mr. Muchima has emphasized that every Zambian, including former leaders, is entitled to access quality medical services and privacy as enshrined in the Zambian Constitution. He said while the government has been providing medical support to the former President, both locally and abroad, details of his health status remain confidential. Mr. Muchima said the last appointment made by the government was for the former President to...

The Women Leaders for Climate Action (WLCA) has unveiled a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan aimed at promoting women's leadership in driving solutions to climate change. The plan, launched by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, outlines an ambitious funding target of US$1 million per year to support community and environmental resilience projects led by women. The strategic plan focuses on four key themes: enhanced community resilience, resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), empowerment of women leaders, and enhanced ecosystem resilience. The plan also prioritizes the allocation of US$500,000 per year for training and capacity-building programs for female leaders in sustainability practices and leadership.   Vice President Nalumango has underscored the importance of placing women at the center of climate action, citing their vulnerability to climate hazards and their critical role in food production and agricultural workforce. Mrs. Nalumango has noted that climate...

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has expressed concerns over the recent monetary policy direction announced by the Bank of Zambia. The policy, which aims to control inflation, has raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 14.5%, up from 14.0%. However, CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mukelebai has argued that this move may have unintended consequences, particularly for households and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). According to Ms. Mukelebai, the increased MPR will lead to higher loan costs, reducing household disposable incomes and exacerbating the already rising cost of basic needs. Furthermore, Ms. Mukelebai says the policy may stifle SME growth, job creation, and their contribution to the economy. The CSPR Executive Director is questioning the effectiveness of the M-P-R as a tool to curb inflation, which has been on the rise despite repeated increases in the MPR over the past three years. Ms. Mukelebai has callied for a more comprehensive approach to address the un...

Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has accused Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya of being bitter and sarcastic, particularly towards President Hakainde Hichilema and the government.   Mr. Mweetwa who is also Information and Media Minister has claimed that Mr. Kafwaya's behavior in Parliament is aggressive and ridiculing, often prompting colleagues to ask him to tone down. The Minister has justified the walkout by UPND Members of Parliament and Ministers, stating that Kafwaya's sarcasm and politicization of issues led to the decision. He has further clarified that the executive did not abandon its duties, as there was no obligation to respond to Mr. Kafwaya's motion. A nd Mr. Mweetwa has noted that Mr. Kafwaya rarely spends time in Parliament and usually raises points of order or questions to ridicule the government. He believes that Mr. Kafwaya's motion was merely a political tactic, and that Members of Parliament gave him a taste of his own medici...

Bizeck Phiri University of Zambia Historian Bizeck Phiri has viewed the walkout by ruling United Party for National Development Members of Parliament, including cabinet ministers,  as disrespectful to the President and indicative of the government's lack of confidence in addressing the challenges facing Zambians. The walkout occurred after Patriotic Front Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya moved a motion to address the rising cost of living. Prof. Phiri said it is unprecedented for ruling party members to walk out of Parliament, especially when citizens are seeking answers to pressing issues. He has questioned how these leaders plan to address the country's economic challenges if they're avoiding discussions. As Prof. Phiri noted, "whether things are bad or good, the government must respond." Alex Ng'oma A nd Political Analyst Alex Ng'oma has echoed Prof. Phiri's sentiments, labeling the walkout as "tantamount to sabotage." Dr. Ng...