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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...

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...

ZESCO has projected that Zambia will have an additional 500 to 800 megawatts of solar energy capacity by the end of 2025. ZESCO Acting Managing Director, Ernest Banda , says the country's renewable energy prospects are promising, particularly as rainfall forecasts indicate a significant increase from October through April 2026, an outlook expected to benefit hydro and renewable energy generation. Speaking during a tour of the Itezhi-Tezhi Power Station by Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, Mr. Banda stated that the anticipated energy capacity expansion is expected to drastically reduce the current load-shedding schedule , which has reached up to seven hours daily. He has explained that the additional capacity will enable ZESCO to better meet electricity demand by incorporating more reliable sources that do not depend solely on sunlight or river water levels. Mr. Banda sa id currently, several energy projects are underway to ensure a consistent power supply, reinforcing the commitm...

Government has launched the US$3.8 million National Energy Advancement and Transformation (NEAT) project aimed at subsidising electricity access in rural communities. The project is part of the US$10 million support provided by the World Bank to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). Through this initiative, over 560,000 people in rural areas are expected to be connected to electricity at a subsidised fee of about K300. The NEAT programme, a multiphase initiative supported by the World Bank, is designed to enhance the financial sustainability, reliability, and resilience of Zambia’s electricity sector by 2033. It aims to help ZESCO return to financial stability, attract private sector investment, and promote inclusive national development while strengthening climate resilience through diversification of the energy mix. The first phase, running from 2024 to 2026, includes a US$100 million grant to improve ZESCO’s financial performance, operational reliability, and support electri...

Ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) 2026 Lusaka Mayoral Aspirant, Rev. Dr. William Njombo, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive and community-driven leadership following a productive engagement with Libala Ward officials. Dr. Njombo spent the afternoon discussing critical development issues and reviewing progress in establishing Polling Station Management Committees. The meeting, also attended by members of the Kabwata Constituency Committee, reflected the UPND’s commitment to grassroots engagement and collaborative leadership. “This interaction strengthens my vision for a Lusaka where every community has a voice and access to opportunities for growth,” said Dr. Njombo. “I remain dedicated to working tirelessly for the people of Lusaka to ensure our city becomes more inclusive, responsive, and prosperous.” He has further urged local party structures to remain united and proactive as the 2026 general elections approach, emphasizing the need for community empowermen...

Democratic Union Party (DUP) President Ackim Njovu has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to personally intervene in the ongoing scandal involving the theft and illegal sale of government-supplied drugs, citing the failure of ministers to effectively manage the crisis. Mr. Njovu has expressed deep disappointment with the government’s slow and inadequate response, noting that recent public remarks by the U.S. Ambassador highlight Zambia’s lack of timely and decisive action on the matter. He has criticized  the focus of recent arrests, which he said have primarily targeted low-level pharmacy workers, while those believed to be the true masterminds   possibly senior government officials   have remained untouched. “The press briefing held by three ministers was unimpressive and deflective. Instead of addressing the issue head-on, they chose to blame the previous regime. That is not leadership   Zambians expect accountability,” Mr. Njovu said. He  has  quest...

UPND  Sikongo Member of Parliament, Simushi Mayungo, has called on the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to review and increase the current crop purchase price in light of the challenges and resilience demonstrated by farmers across the region. Mr. Mayungo said  despite devastating droughts and significant losses in the previous farming season, farmers did not lose hope. “Our farmers remained committed to planting even with the risk of another drought looming,” he said. “Government must take into account the losses suffered last season and the unwavering resilience of our people when setting this year’s crop prices.” Mr. Mayungo has proposed an increase in the price of rice and other key crops above the previous K380 per 50kg bag, suggesting a K20 increment as a necessary incentive. “We must reward the perseverance of our farmers if we want to secure food production and national food security,” he added. He has also noted that while rains have been more...