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The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) is urging the government to rethink its decision to suspend a 15% export tax on precious stones and metals.   Isabel Mukelebai, the organization's Executive Director, believes this move will undermine revenue collection from the mining sector.   Ms. Mukelebai has agreed that advancing the mining sector is crucial for economic growth, and the initial decision to introduce a 15% export duty on emeralds was a step in the right direction.   However, Ms. Mukelebai is concerned that suspending this tax just a month into the 2025 national budget implementation will have negative consequences.   The mining sector is a significant contributor to Zambia's economy, and Ms. Mukelebai has argued that this decision will Undermine domestic resource mobilization efforts and that the change may create uncertainty and complexity for taxpayers, potentially leading to non-compliance. The CSPR Executive Director has observed that without the...

Solwezi East Constituency Member of Parliament, Alex Katakwe, has expressed his satisfaction with President Hakainde Hichilema's dedication to addressing the needs of Zambia's young people. Dr. Katakwe has noted that the government's increased focus on youth welfare is evident across all ministries, with a significant boost in funding for youth empowerment programs through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The MP has underscored the importance of the Youth Policy, which aims to accelerate youth participation and empowerment in Zambia. With approximately 67% of the Zambian population being youthful, Dr. Katakwe has stressed that this demographic is a critical target group for development initiatives. Dr. Katakwe has cautioned that the youth are vulnerable to negative influences, but with empowerment, knowledge, and information, they can become a valuable asset to the nation. He has encouraged young people to take advantage of the increased CDF funding to access skills...

Namwala Member of Parliament, Moono. Mapani, is confident that the former ruling Patriotic Front will struggle to regain power due to the impressive development projects implemented by the current regime through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Mr. Mapani has highlighted several projects in Namwala, including the construction of a maternity annex, incinerator, placenta, and ash pits in Namwala Central Ward, which is 80% complete and valued at 1.4 million Kwacha. Other notable projects include the construction of Mabiya Health Post and Mulaka Primary School's 1x3 classroom block, both of which are nearing completion. These projects, undertaken from 2021 to date, demonstrate the government's commitment to developing rural areas. Mr. Mapani said the CDF has empowered communities to drive their own development through Ward Development Committees. The MP has also commended the government for the CDF, which has transformed rural areas. He has urged leaders to utilize the fund...

UPND Katombora Member of Parliament, Clement Andeleki, has made a passionate appeal to cooperating partners to come on board and help address the pressing needs of his constituents. The water sector, he emphasized, poses the biggest challenge to the people of Katombora. The district's livestock has been severely affected by diseases resulting from the devastating drought experienced during the 2022-2023 rainy season. To mitigate this, Dr. Andeleki has stressed the urgent need for dams in the area. He has extended an invitation to International organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and companies dealing in water to consider investing in Katombora Constituency. Their support, he noted, would be instrumental in helping the community restock and rebuild their livelihoods through social corporate responsibility initiatives. Dr. Andeleki took the opportunity to commend World Vision Zambia for their invaluable assistance in complementing the government's efforts in add...

Patriotic Front Nkoloma Ward Councilor Davies Cheembo has appealed to the Southern Africa Institute for Collaborative Research and Innovation Organization  (SAICRIO) to consider conducting future studies in the area, including those involving men. Mr. Cheembo  has  emphasized the importance of addressing the poor health-seeking behavior among men in Zambia, which is often hindered by cultural beliefs, stigma, cost, and lack of awareness. He has praised SAICRIO's previous initiatives in the area, including a free eye screening service in Msisi compound, which benefited over 400 people.   Mr. Cheembo has expressed gratitude for the organization's efforts and requested that they conduct such outreach programs regularly. He has highlighted the pressing healthcare concerns in Nkoloma ward, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, limited access to healthcare, and environmental health hazards.   A nd Mr. Cheembo has thanked the government for providing clinics in the ...

Katuba Aspiring Parliamentary Candidate Chooma  Mwachikoka  has urged opposition parties to step up their game in providing checks and balances to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) government. Mr.  Mwachikoka  has praised the UPND for presenting alternative budgets while in opposition, a practice he feels the current opposition has neglected. Instead, Mr.  Mwachikoka has  criticized opposition leaders for resorting to "politics of insults," failing to provide constructive checks and balances. He has said that  a strong opposition is crucial for a well-performing government, citing the importance of a counterbalance to prevent arbitrary power and ensure political liberty. In a swipe at opposition leaders, Mr.  Mwachikoka said, "The opposition's role as a check and balance on the government has been severely below par." He has expressed disappointment that the opposition's poor performance has let down the Zambian peo...

Nalolo Member of Parliament   Imanga Wamunyima has announced his intention to run for re-election in the 2026 general elections.   Imanga Wamunyima, Jr. is a lawyer by profession. At just 29 years old, he became the youngest elected M ember of the Zambian Parliament, representing the Nalolo Constituency. And Mr. Wamunyima has expressed confidence in his ability to represent the people of Nalolo, citing his achievements despite the challenges faced by the country, including food insecurity and drought. "The final judge is the people on the ballot," Mr. Wamunyima said, emphasizing the importance of his constituents' support. He has highlighted the significant development projects undertaken in Nalolo Constituency, including classroom blocks, health posts, and desks, made possible through the Constituency Development Fund. Mr. Wamunyima has assured the people of Nalolo that they have a dedicated representative and requested their support for a second term. While he declined ...