PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has expressed confidence in his administration for largely bringing back the mining sector to what it was in the 1980s, when it was mostly successful and stronger. Speaking at the Presidential Annual Greetings of the diplomatic corps in Lusaka yesterday, President Hichilema stated that the mines were drastically down when the UPND government took office but they are now restored back to life and highly contributing to the growth of the economy. “All the old mines are back including those that had shut down for 46 years. Kalengwa mine was shut for 46 years. Thank you for the British investors that are going back to the Kalengwa mine. Chinese ambassador thank you for Luanshya Mine, for 23 years. In fact [at] Kalengwa, all the presidents before me left it closed, [since] President Kaunda, and so it was a delight to be in Kalengwa.” “Luanshya Mine and its investment and dewatering are fantastic to us. Restoring First Quantum, Lumwana mine, Mopani mine, Abhu Dhabi team. I also want to thank those who have helped us following the trips we made into EU, US, China, one of the projects we are proud of is Ming’omba. Out of the trips, conversations [went] very rapidly. Now we have probably the richest mine in our country,” said President Hichilema. He added that the country has so far proceeded with exploration in geo physical mapping around the country and the indications given early are promising. Meanwhile, the Head of State announced that the country’s agriculture sector would have been reasonably restored if there was no drought. President Hichilema said the country will now pay particular attention to gravitate agriculture into one that will produce the minimum quantity of food that the country needs for both human and animal consumption. “We hope the rains don’t stop before end of March so we restore our agriculture sector but there’s still a lot to rebuild what we lost during the worst drought in living memory. The drought hammered us in 2024. We will have reasonably restored our agriculture sector. It brought about food and enegy insecurity and the economy down.” “One of my fears was us having a decline in economy. Going to 2025, the president is going to pay particular attention to gravitate agriculture to produce the minimum quantity of food that we need for our human and animal consumption. And we are still endowed with water. If we had focused on irrigation agriculture some ten years ago, one, two years of drought, we would still have enough food. So we want to be in that position in two years from now very ambitious,” said the President. He reiterated that the target for maize still stands at 10 million tonnes in order to make Zambia a bread basket for the region. “We want to produce 10 tonnes per hectare. We want joint investments in agriculture. This is an opportunity not a challenge. This year we will put much effort. Africa is a continent of young people and we want to create jobs for them, we need to expand the economy,” explained President Hichilema. By Catherine Pule Kalemba, January 24, 2025
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THE Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) has unveiled its new board, marking the beginning of a renewed push for stronger radiation safety, improved oversight and tighter accountability in the sector. https://www.facebook.com/share/1SA2weKDx9 The unveiling ceremony was officiated by Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, who called for transparency, unity and collective decision-making. Mutati challenged the board to handle internal disagreements constructively while upholding risk management at all levels. He reminded the new board that the mandate before them is heavy, emphasising that the board must operate in alignment with national priorities and remain firmly accountable to the citizens. “You don’t exist in isolation, you exist to assist us deliver on our priorities as government and to ensure a safe environment for the people.” ” You also assist to ensure that resources given to you whether from government or statutory instruments are properly accounted for because that money is for the citizens,” he stated. Mutati also urged the new board to grow its revenue base without compromising financial discipline. He warned that government will not hesitate to act if the board fails to uphold accountability and performance standards. “If management doesn’t perform to your expectation, as a board you have the responsibility to take appropriate action because if you don’t, we will take appropriate action on you,” Mutati cautioned. He stressed that transparency, accountability, collective responsibility and sound risk management must guide every decision the board makes. “Take responsibility by ensuring that management remains aligned and works in the best interest of the people of Zambia,” added Mutati. Meanwhile, the new board chairperson Msafiri Sinkala pledged to steer the authority with firmness, keep a close eye on performance and make sure the institution meets its target in a manner that reassures the public and restores confidence in the sector. By Sharon Zulu Kalemba December 3, 2025 MINES Minister Paul Kabuswe has expressed shock that developmental stories on social media attract as few as 20 likes and 13 comments, compared to scandals […] THE Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has revealed how two employees of a government institution allegedly stole over K20 million meant for public use by diverting […] SOUTHERN Province Administration has refuted claims circulating on various social media platforms that oil has been discovered in Choma. Wisdom Himanteka, Principal Public Relations Officer, […]
GOVERNMENT has reduced the cost of getting electricity connections in rural and peri-urban areas from K4,846 to only K300. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CQhHDqC6z/?mibextid=wwXIfr Energy Minister Makozo Chikote announced the change today at the launch of the ASCENT Zambia Programme in Lusaka. He said the big reduction is part of a US$250 million project supported by the World Bank to help more Zambians access electricity and clean cooking. The programme aims to connect over 1.6 million people in the next five years. According to the Ministry of Energy, Chikote said applications for the cheaper connections will start on 22 December 2025 and the goal is to connect 100,000 households in the first year. Chikote noted that only 51 percent of Zambians have electricity and in rural areas the number is even lower at 33 percent. He said the new programme will help close this gap and improve people’s lives. He encouraged people to apply and directed ZESCO and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to inform communities across the country. “Our desire is that a farmer in Eastern Province can refrigerate his produce, a schoolgirl in Northern Province can study under proper lighting, and an expectant mother in Western Province can access safe and reliable health services,” he said. REA acting chief executive officer (CEO) Eng. Alex Mbumba said the agency will work closely with ZESCO to ensure the project is implemented smoothly, especially in areas that have been underserved. ZESCO managing director Eng. Justin Loongo said the programme is a game changer that will help families access clean and reliable electricity. The World Bank and COMESA also promised to continue supporting the programme with funding and technical help. By Catherine Pule Kalemba, December 3, 2025 PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called on African nations to urgently accelerate their digital transformation efforts, warning that failure to embrace digitalisation could leave the continent […] PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says he has reached out to his Congolese counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi to propose that Zambia and Congo establish a structured trading arrangement […] About 30,000 to 50,000 people will have minimal worries concerning load shedding in Kafungalubala Village as President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to commission the nation’s […]
ZAMBIA has switched on a new gear in its global trade journey after officially joining the ATA Carnet Convention, a system set to make cross-border business smoother, faster and cheaper. This move ushers Zambia into an elite network of nations using the ATA Carnet, a global customs document often dubbed the ‘passport for goods.’ The historic milestone was sealed yesterday when Zambia’s ambassador to Belgium, H.E Mary Chirwa deposited the instrument of accession at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) headquarters in Brussels. According to a statement by First Press Secretary at the Embassy of Zambia in Brussels, Belgium, Aswell Mwalimu, with this tool, Zambian entrepreneurs, exhibitors and manufacturers can now send professional equipment, samples and products abroad for trade fairs and events without paying customs duties or taxes. Mwalimu said Zambia has gained fast-lane access to world markets. Witnessing the handover were WCO Secretary General Ian Sanders, and senior officials Michelle Millan and Gael Grooby, who commended Zambia for its commitment to modernising trade systems and boosting regional competitiveness. This achievement, realised under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, underscores government’s push to transform Zambia into a regional trade powerhouse through efficiency, technology and global partnerships. “This achievement is more than a technical milestone. It’s a powerful statement that Zambia is ready to compete and collaborate on the global stage,” sais Mwalimu. He added that development will not only simplify exports but also project Zambia’s growing confidence in the international trade arena. Also present at the ceremony were First Secretary (Trade and Investment) Melissa Summerton Sylla and other diplomats from the Zambian Mission in Brussels. By Sharon Zulu Kalemba November 9, 2025 THE partnership between Zambia and Japan is evolving beyond traditional aid into a long-term, collaborative development model based on mutual respect, technical cooperation, and sustainable […] UK based, Zambian female economist who once made billionaires uncomfortable has just taken a seat at one of the world’s biggest corporate tables. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15x9nvPaTk/?mibextid=oFDknk Dr […] PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is today expected in Solwezi to commission the US$1.2 billion S3 expansion project at First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi Mine, a development set […]