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Showing posts from June, 2025

Zambian Women urged to Invest in themselves, lift others, and break barriers.

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In a powerful celebration of purpose, partnership, and progress, the Graca Machel Trust (GMT)  and the Zambia Federation of Associations of Women in Business (ZFAWIB)  brought together trailblazing women from across Zambia to mark a milestone: the graduation of 83 entrepreneurs under the Women Creating Wealth programme . From calls to embrace partnerships and scale for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)  to an urgent reminder to “walk carefully when dealing with human souls” , the event was packed with wisdom, numbers, and inspiration. ZFAWIB Chairperson Maureen Sumbwe   has noted  the need for women to invest in themselves, formalize their businesses, and build networks that last beyond training programs. With over $11.8 million in capital raised by Zambian women  and more than 4,000 jobs created , this was  no t just a celebration it was a call to action. Ms. Sumbwe has underscored the transformative power of partnerships, association, a...

Acquire to Share Foundation to build community School for vulnerable kids in Chongwe

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Acquire to Share Foundation has announced plans to construct a community school in Chongwe  District , Lusaka Province, aimed at benefiting hundreds of vulnerable children. Initial estimates indicate that the Foundation will require at least K1 million to commence the project   covering the laying of the foundation slab, construction of initial classrooms, and teacher housing. To raise the required funds, the Foundation, through its Executive Director Mrs. Victoria Yambani, held a fundraising car wash in Lusaka’s Kamwala South  at Splash Car Wash and Barbershop . Mrs. Yambani has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups, particularly children and women, through sustainable empowerment projects. “Our main objective is to contribute to the well-being of children and women,” she said. “While we do assist vulnerable men in critical cases, this particular project is focused on supporting children who have been left behind due to lack of access to...

Calls to ban sexual boosters are extreme –Vongo

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President of the Traditional Practitioners Association of Zambia (TPAZ), Rodwell Vongo , has described calls to ban sexual boosters known as aphrodisiacs as extreme and ill-advised. Dr.  Vongo has likened the calls for an outright ban to punishing an entire industry of goods and services due to misuse by a few individuals. He drew comparisons with the misuse of licensed firearms and alcohol, noting that the issue lies not with the products themselves but with how they are used. “If someone abuses a licensed firearm, we do not ban all guns. In the same way, if some individuals misuse aphrodisiacs, we should not call for an outright ban,” Mr. Vongo stated. He has underscored the need for sensitization over prohibition , warning that banning such products without providing alternatives would lead to underground use, posing even greater public health risks. Mr. Vongo has also stressed that many people suffering from low libido due to medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood p...

HEA hails Private Colleges as game changers

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The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has reaffirmed the vital role that private universities and colleges play in advancing equitable access to tertiary education in Zambia. HEA Director of Quality Assurance, Dr. Martin Mushumba , said  with public universities operating at full capacity, private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have become indispensable. He  has disclosed that private institutions absorb over 15,000 students annually , thereby easing pressure on state institutions and significantly expanding the country’s enrolment capacity. “Today, private HEIs enrol over 42 percent  of Zambia’s tertiary students, creating pathways for learners previously excluded due to geographical and socio-economic barriers,” Dr. Mushumba said. He has noted that private institutions have brought education closer to underserved communities, particularly in Southern, Western, Eastern, and Luapula provinces , where public universities were previously non-existent. In these regions,...

Njombo champions President Hichilema’s Vision through CDF mobilization

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Ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) aspiring Mayor for Lusaka, Rev. Dr. William Njombo , has called on party members to deepen grassroots mobilization efforts and take full advantage of empowerment opportunities through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Speaking during the launch of three new UPND branches in Lusaka Central’s Lunwa Ward , Dr. Njombo has commended the local leadership for their commitment and growth. “I was delighted to join the Lusaka Central Constituency and Lunwa Ward teams. These new branches are a testament to our party’s expanding reach, and I encouraged members to recruit widely and serve with diligence,” he said. He has reaffirmed both his personal support and that of the broader UPND leadership, stressing that the party’s strength lies in its community structures. Dr. Njombo has also urged members to utilize CDF programs , including skills bursaries, loans, and grants, to uplift themselves and their communities. “In line with President Ha...

HEA urges prospective students to verify Institutions before enrolling

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The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has called on prospective students to verify the legitimacy of higher learning institutions and the accreditation status of their study programmes before enrolling. HEA Corporate Communications Officer Birbal Boniface Musoba says it is vital for students to check whether an institution is registered and whether the programme is accredited, to avoid wasting time and money. “The most important thing is to verify the institution with us before you enroll,” Mr. Musoba advised. “It’s not just about losing money , once you lose time, you can’t get it back.” Speaking when he featured on ZAMCOM Radio  in Lusaka, Mr. Musoba has further advised the public to visit HEA’s website at hea.org.zm  or use its social media platforms (Facebook, X [formerly Twitter], Instagram, LinkedIn @HEAZambia) to verify institutions and programmes. The authority can also be reached via email at info@hea.org.zm . “For private institutions, the law mandates that they displ...

Syngenta champions sustainable Farming through Pesticide container Recycling

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Syngenta East and Southern Africa Managing Director, Given Mudenda, has reaffirmed the company's commitment to environmental stewardship through a groundbreaking pesticide container recycling initiative. Mr. Mudenda who also serves as Chairperson of CropLife Zambia and sits on various regional boards of CropLife Africa   said Syngenta began the project years before Zambia introduced legislation on pesticide container management. “We didn’t wait for the law. We started this out of a sense of responsibility and sustainability,” he said. “T he initiative began with collecting empty pesticide containers from seed companies and has since grown into a national program. In partnership with CropLife and other major agrochemical firms like Bayer and BASF, Syngenta has helped establish drop-off centers where farmers can return used containers ,” Mr. Mudenda said.   He said t hese are cleaned and recycled into useful products including plastic pools for tomato growers, reducing the need ...

CPRA condemns viral PF video as Tribal hate speech

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The Centre for Peace Research and Advocacy (CPRA) has strongly condemned a viral video circulating on social media showing cadres at the Patriotic Front (PF) Secretariat chanting “No Tonga Song,” calling it a dangerous display of tribal hate speech. CPRA Executive Director Cliffton Chifuwe, has warned that such rhetoric threatens Zambia’s national unity, social cohesion, and long-standing peace. Mr. Chifuwe has  also expressed deep concern over remarks made by Socialist Party President Dr. Fred M’membe, a key figure in the PF/Tonse Alliance. While visiting the PF Secretariat, where a parallel funeral gathering has been set up to mourn the late President Lungu, Dr. M’membe allegedly stated: “ These are bad people, let us not vote for them in 2026.” He said such comments   especially during a period of national mourning   are highly irresponsible and risk inflaming tribal divisions. “This is not a moment for political opportunism. It is a moment for unity and emotional rest...

Zambia goes high-Tech in the war against Pests

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In a major leap for sustainable agriculture, Syngenta Crop Protection  has officially launched Laudento® , a groundbreaking pesticide powered by PLINAZOLIN® technology , marking Zambia as one of the first countries globally to deploy this advanced solution. Designed to combat mites and insects at both adult and immature stages, Laudento® works through contact and ingestion   shutting down pest feeding instantly and causing death within 3 to 7 days. The product offers long-lasting residual protection , reducing crop damage while increasing productivity. Syngenta East and Southern Africa, Managing Director Given Mudenda , has called the launch a breakthrough in resistance management.   “Laudento® features a novel Mode of Action (IRAC Group 30), offering farmers a powerful tool in the fight against rising pest resistance   especially in crops like potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, and soybean,” he said. “With superior UV stability and rain-fastness, it allows for fewer appli...

NHIMA, Ecobank introduce digital solution for easier Health contributions

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The National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) and Ecobank Zambia have officially launched the SmartPay  platform, a digital payment solution aimed at simplifying and securing healthcare contributions across the country. The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions, reflecting a shared commitment to improving access to health services for all Zambians. Speaking during the launch, NHIMA Director General Michael Njapau   has described the platform as more than just a technological milestone , it is a strategic step toward enhancing service delivery and financial accessibility in healthcare. “This partnership with Ecobank provides a reliable, convenient, and secure gateway  for making contributions to the National Health Insurance Fund,” said Mr. Njapau. “It is particularly targeted at informal sector members , making it easier for them to stay compliant and access healthcare services.” Mr. Njapau  has  ad...