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The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has urged the government to take a keen interest in updating the nation on the whereabouts and well-being  of former President Edgar Lungu. ZCTU General Secretary Joy Beene said while illness is a private matter, individuals who hold significant public status such as a former Head of State warrant official communication to avoid unnecessary speculation. Mr. Beene said  the government is the appropriate channel to provide verified information concerning Mr. Lungu's situation. “The government, through its spokesperson, should inform the nation. The people are not asking for specific medical details, but simply assurance of his safety and whereabouts,” Mr. Beene said. “We want to avoid unnecessary speculation, especially with the advent of social media.” He has noted that in the past, before the rise of social media, misinformation would spread slowly, but today, unverified information can cause widespread confusion and panic within hour...

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has launched a groundbreaking study assessing Zambia’s financial sector exposure to nature-related risks. The study, supported by the British High Commission Climate and Environment team, aims to understand how sectors such as banking, insurance, pensions, and capital markets are vulnerable to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Speaking during the launch, UNDP Zambia Economic Advisor Ojijo Odhiambo, representing Resident Representative James Wakiaga, described the report as a milestone for Zambia and the region. "This study positions Zambia among the first countries in Africa to systematically assess how the financial sector depends on and is exposed to risks linked to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation," Mr. Odhiambo said. He has emphasized the crucial role of natural systems in economic stability, noting that forests, wetlands, and ...

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and large businesses across Zambia have been encouraged to formalize and onboard onto the recently launched Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub , a revolutionary digital platform designed to empower African trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Trade Hub serves as a dynamic information and exchange portal, connecting businesses across the 1.4 billion-people single market created by the AfCFTA. It enables registered traders to link with partners across the continent, facilitating easier export and import engagements through a unique matchmaking system. Speaking on the sidelines of the Land-Linked Zambia Conference , which Ecobank sponsored, Head of Trade Finance Fabiano Zulu  said the Hub unlocks a world of opportunities for SMEs, particularly those in landlocked nations like Zambia, where regional market access is crucial. “Our Single Market Trade Hub enables SMEs in Lusaka and beyond to market their good...

The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development has announced plans to construct an Industrial Yard in Chinsali , Muchinga Province, marking a major step in the government’s strategy to stimulate industrial development, job creation, and rural economic empowerment. The initiative, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) , is part of a broader nationwide program aimed at enhancing light manufacturing and strengthening local value chains, especially in sectors such as cassava production . According to Muchinga Province Principal Public Relations Officer Ruth Mumba , the project is well underway with land already identified and surveys currently being conducted by technical teams on the ground. “Central, Muchinga, and Southern Provinces have been the only ones left out of this transformative program,” Ms. Mumba said. “We are pleased to report that plans for the Chinsali Industrial Yard are progressing well.” The new facility is expected to break ground in June 2026  a...

Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda  has praised President Hakainde Hichilema  for showing compassion by pardoning former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) , citing the move as a powerful gesture of humanity that transcends political rivalry. Mr. Chanda said that although Mr. Mwamba had not been in good health during his incarceration, the President’s decision to release him was a mark of leadership grounded in empathy. “There comes a point in life when we look at each other as human beings and not as political opponents,” Mr. Chanda said. “This is one lesson we should learn from what has happened today   that there is a place for politics, and there is a place for humanity.” Mr. Mwamba had been serving a five-year sentence after being convicted on 13 counts involving conflict of interest , money laundering , and possession of proceeds of crime . His release followed a medical board review , which confirmed a significant deterioration in his health. ...

As Zambia navigates its path toward economic recovery, the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is urging the government to broaden fiscal space in the upcoming 2026 National Budget with a strong emphasis on job creation, social protection, and improved public services. Speaking during the ZCTU-Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Pre-Budget Workshop held in Lusaka, ZCTU General Secretary Joy Beene has emphasized the need for practical fiscal measures that respond to the daily realities of Zambian workers. “Despite the gains from debt restructuring, workers have not seen any meaningful tax relief. The 2024 budget offered no tax concessions even as workers continue to carry a heavy tax burden,” Mr. Beene said. He has stressed the importance of re-examining Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE)  structures, urging government to strike a fair balance that prioritizes the needs of ordinary citizens. The workshop, attended by various labour leaders, economists, and civil society representatives, aimed to assess...

In a bold and inspiring move, the Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organization (ZUNMO) has handed over ten vehicles and motorbikes to its provincial and district offices a gesture that underscores the union’s deep commitment to its members nationwide. The handover, held in Lusaka, marks a milestone in ZUNMO’s mission to strengthen its outreach, representation, and service delivery to nurses and midwives, even in the most remote parts of the country. Union President Fray Michelo has described the development as a “strong testament” to ZUNMO’s vision of a well-supported and empowered health workforce. “Nurses and midwives serve in every corner of Zambia, including the most remote and underserved areas. They must never feel left out when it comes to member education, representation, or incentives,” Mr. Michelo said. Recognizing transportation as a key pillar in organizational effectiveness, Mr. Michelo said ZUNMO’s leadership resolved at the last National Council meeting to equip dist...