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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it has continued implementing initiatives aimed at embedding climate and environmental considerations into Zambia’s capital markets as part of its role as Secretariat to the Green Finance Mainstreaming Working Group (GFMWG). The Working Group serves as the national coordinating platform for integrating green and sustainable finance across the country’s financial sector, including capital markets, pensions and insurance, and banking . Following the validation of the Zambia Green Finance Taxonomy (ZGFT) on April 17, 2025, the document underwent final technical and design review during the Pre-Adoption and Consensus-Building Workshop held from October 7 to 10, 2025. The review was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning . SEC Director of Enforcement and Legal Services, Diana Sichone, said it was agreed that the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MoGEE), together with the GFMWG, would serve as...

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reported a modest rise in the corporate bond market , with total outstanding bonds increasing by 1.2% to K4.95 billion in the second quarter of 2025, up from K4.89 billion in the previous quarter. According to Commission Director of Enforcement and Legal Services, Diana Sichone , the growth was supported by new issuances amounting to K51.75 million, which offset redemptions of K1.7 million and minor exchange rate fluctuations during the period. Ms. Sichone says the secondary market for government bonds also saw increased trading activity, recording 1,960 trades a 16% rise from the previous quarter. However, Ms. Sichone says the nominal value of bonds traded declined by 7% to K20.03 billion, while the market value dropped by 10% to K20.41 billion while Liquidity levels remained stable, with a turnover ratio of 11%, consistent with the first quarter of 2025. Ms. Sichone has further disclosed that the number of investors in the equity mark...

Eden University is the only university in Zambia offering the Bachelor of Science in Fire Engineering and Rescue Management , and the only institution in Africa with this program. The U niversity, in partnership with Africa Fire Mission , has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing fire safety education and community resilience. Speaking at the opening of a firefighter training programme jointly organized by Africa Fire Mission, Eden University, and other partners, Vice Chancellor Dr. Alvert N’gandu   has underscored the critical role of emergency services and first responders in safeguarding communities, property, and lives. Dr. N’gandu said the partnership with Africa Fire Mission reflects the university’s dedication to community service, capacity building, and practical education  that makes a real difference in society. “Since 2019, our collaboration with Africa Fire Mission has been a cornerstone in advancing fire safety knowledge and empowering firefighters across Zambi...

As the world marks Intersex Awareness Day , Intersex Awareness Zambia has urged government, healthcare providers, and the public to uphold the human rights and dignity of intersex persons. Founder Mphatso Sakala  said more must be done to ensure legal recognition and protection of intersex people , including their rights to identity, name, and gender registration. She has called for respect of bodily autonomy and self-determination , improved access to inclusive healthcare and social services , and stronger public education to combat stigma and discrimination . Ms. Sakala has noted that Intersex Awareness Day serves as a reminder to end shame, secrecy, and medically unnecessary interventions on intersex children . The commemoration, she said, provides a platform for reflection, visibility, and political action toward equality and dignity for all. She has explained that intersex individuals are born with physical or biological traits   such as reproductive anatomy , hormones...

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening digital health governance frameworks to ensure interoperability and sustainability of systems deployed across the health sector. Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, said the government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema remains focused on creating a supportive policy and regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding data privacy, cybersecurity, and patient confidentiality. Speaking during the launch of Smart Applications International Zambia, Dr. Lishimpi said digital transformation must benefit all citizens, whether in urban centres or remote rural areas, to ensure equitable access to quality, technology-driven healthcare services. He has commended Smart Applications International for its formal entry into the Zambian market, noting that the company has already been contributing to the country’s healthcare technology space. Dr. Lishimp...

Zambia’s firefighting sector is quietly undergoing a transformatio n  one driven by local commitment, international collaboration, and a shared vision for community safety. At the center of this progress is Africa Fire Mission (AFM) , a United States   based non-profit organization that has been working in Zambia since 2015. Through its volunteer-driven model, the organization has supported the growth of fire brigades, the construction of new fire stations, and stronger collaboration with local authorities to secure vital firefighting equipment and resources. Mike Kull Africa Fire Mission Programs Director During a national training session hosted at Eden University  in Lusaka, the Mission’s Programs Director, Mike Kull , highlighted how partnerships like these are shaping the country’s firefighting future. The training brought together firefighters from across Zambia, with sessions focused on improving operational skills, leadership, and emergency response efficiency. AF...

Smart Applications International, a leading healthcare technology company delivering human-centric innovations to improve access to care, has unveiled two groundbreaking digital platforms designed to eliminate silos between patients, providers, and payers. The launch marks the company’s most ambitious move yet in its eight-year strategic drive to tackle Africa’s healthcare challenges through technology. The company’s technology solutions currently serve millions of customers in 11 African countries and the islands , and are used by over 9,000 medical service providers  across Zambia , Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, Cameroon, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Mauritius . At the Smart Healthcare Innovation Conference  held at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka  Zambia , the future of Zambian healthcare took a digital turn as Smart Applications International Ltd brought together hospital executives, insurance leaders, and govern...

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed in its 2025 State of World Population report that economic hardship is among the major barrier preventing women from having more than one child. Key findings indicate that financial instability, unaffordable housing , and the high costs of childcare and education are among the barriers to larger families.  Others include health issues such as including chronic illness , limited access to healthcare, and infertility are further preventing reproductive choices. The report dubbed “the Power to Choose, Freely and Responsibly, if, When, and How Many Children to Have”, cites fears about bringing children into a world plagued by conflict, climate threats , and global instability as some respondents' concerns. Despite these challenges, the report notes that unintended pregnancies remain common. Speaking during the launch of the 2025 State of World Population, UNFPA Country Representative, Seth Broekman , said, "while some peop...

Zambia is among six Sub-Saharan African countries set to benefit from a $110 million agricultural development financing package  from the European Investment Bank ’s development arm, EIB Global . The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the World Food Forum  in Rome by EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti . The financing aims to support the modernisation of processing plants  for key commodities such as cashew and soy , as well as investment in storage and transport infrastructure  across Mozambique , Malawi , Benin , Zambia, Tanzania , and Uganda . Ms. Vigliotti said the funds will be channeled  through a loan to Export Trading Group (ETG) , one of Africa’s leading agribusiness supply chain companies . She explained that the project will also strengthen ETG’s Farmer Extension Services (FES) programme , which promotes sustainable agriculture through training and technical assistance. “These include technology and knowled...