Favourite K. Chisi

Zambia and Indonesia have moved to strengthen bilateral relations, with both countries identifying mining, agriculture, manufacturing and renewable energy as key sectors for enhanced cooperation ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The commitment was reaffirmed during the first-ever Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries, held as part of efforts to elevate political relations into stronger economic and development partnerships. Speaking during the consultations, Indonesian Ambassador to Zambia Arief Hidayat said Zambia and Indonesia share a rich history rooted in their struggles for independence and their common commitment to sovereignty, justice and equality. Mr. Hidayat described the inaugural consultations as a milestone in bilateral relations, saying they reflected the determination of both governments to deepen cooperation and unlock new opportunities for growth. He noted that trade between the two countries reached approximately US$11 million ...

As climate experts from across Africa gather in Zambia to assess the continent's preparedness for a possible El Niño event, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has called for stronger early warning systems capable of turning climate information into life-saving action. Speaking at the 21st African Continental Climate Outlook Forum (ACCOF-21), held alongside the Continental Working Group and User Interface Programme Workshop, WMO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Agnes Kijazi, said Africa must move beyond simply producing weather forecasts and ensure that climate information reaches communities in time to guide critical decisions. "WMO is committed to strengthening end-to-end early warning systems that connect data, forecasts, communication, information and action, ensuring that climate information leads to timely and life-saving decisions on the ground," Dr. Kijazi said. Her remarks come as climate projections point to a high probability of El Niño condition...

Zambia is hosting climate experts, policymakers and meteorological specialists from across Africa for a high-level forum aimed at strengthening the continent's preparedness for the anticipated El Niño 2026/2027 weather phenomenon. The Twenty-First African Continental Climate Outlook Forum (ACCOF-21) and Continental Dialogue on Climate-Sector Nexus, taking place in Lusaka, have brought together representatives from Regional Economic Communities, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, Regional Climate Centres, disaster management agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners. The meeting, organised by the African Union Commission (AUC), the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, and the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD), is being held under the theme "Preparing Africa for El Niño 2026/2027: Strengthening Readiness to Anticipate and Manage Climate Shocks." Opening the f...

Africa must urgently strengthen its climate monitoring systems, expand access to early warning services and embrace artificial intelligence if it is to withstand the growing impacts of climate change, African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) Director General Dr. Ousmane Ndiaye has said. Speaking during the 21st African Continental Climate Outlook Forum (ACCOF-21) in Lusaka, Dr. Ndiaye warned that rising temperatures and increasing climate variability are becoming a reality that African countries can no longer ignore. "We are pushing for more early warnings on heatwaves because we think climate change is here. It's going to be hotter and hotter, no doubt about it," Dr. Ndiaye said. He stressed that Africa's economies remain highly vulnerable to climate shocks because key sectors such as agriculture, water resources and public health are heavily dependent on weather and climate conditions. "As you know full well, in Africa, the ...