CONSUMERS are cautiously welcoming a significant drop in mealie meal prices across the country, with the Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) urging milling companies to maintain the reductions for long-term affordability.
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The price cuts, ranging from K60 to K130 per bag, have been confirmed by the Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ).
MAZ president Andrew Chintala attributed the price reduction to the influx of newly harvested maize into the market.
He explained that the blending of this new maize with existing stock has bolstered production, leading to the “considerable reduction” in prices, with some major brands seeing cuts of over K120.
Despite the positive development, ZACA executive secretary Juba Sakala expressed “cautious optimism” in an interview with Kalemba.
While welcoming the price cuts, Sakala stressed the critical importance of sustained implementation.
“Our focus is not just on short-term price reductions but on establishing a system that guarantees stable prices over time,” Sakala stated.
“We understand that price fluctuations are inevitable but it is crucial that we aim for a long-term solution that provides relief to consumers without placing undue pressure on the milling industry.”
Sakala further articulated ZACA’s aspiration for even lower prices to ensure widespread access.
“We hope to see mealie meal prices drop to as low as K100, K50, or even lower, so that every Zambian can afford it, irrespective of their financial situation,” he said.
“Affordable food is a basic human right and as a nation, we must strive to ensure that all our citizens have access to nutritious and affordable staples, such as mealie meal.”
This development comes as a relief to many households grappling with the cost of living.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba May 22, 2025
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A group of Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officer’s spouses have gone from kitchen duties to counting Kwachas after pulling off a brilliant farming hustle of turning acres of dusty land into a thriving potato farm.
Armed not with military weapons but with garden hoes, the Air Power Ladies Club at ZAF Lusaka Base has just launched its first-ever Irish potato harvest, with an expected profit of over K150,000 from an investment of about K38,000.
The mini farm, which started with just over an acre of land inside ZAF Lusaka Base, has turned into a promising source of income for the Airmen’s ribs who are led by club patron Nicolynn Nyoni, wife of Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni.
Speaking to Kalemba after the launch, Nyoni said the potato project is not just about farming, it is about self-reliance.
“People think all Air Force spouses are just housewives, but in this club we have women with PhDs, degrees and even those still trying to find their feet. What we all agree on is that we cannot keep depending on our husbands’ salaries,” she told Kalemba.
She explained that the club picked potatoes because it is a high-value crop, easy to manage and backed by technical support from the Air Force’s own agricultural experts.
However, going forward, they plan to add other crops and increase their profit margins even more.
“So we will be seeing expansion, not only here at ZAF Lusaka, but in all the formations,” added Nyoni.
By George Musonda
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THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security has launched a new digital plan that will make it easier for people to access government services online.
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Speaking during the launch in Lusaka yesterday, Labour and Social Security Minister Brenda Tambatamba said the ministry had added 29 important labour services to the Government Service Bus (GSB), a digital platform where people can access government services from anywhere at any time.
“This initiative has successfully integrated our services into the Government Service Bus platform, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for all,” said Tambatamba.
“We are committed to ensuring that each service meets the needs of the community and contributes to the welfare of our citizens.”
Some of the services now available on the GSB include registering as an employer, joining a union, applying for training programmes and claiming social security benefits.
The Minister also explained that this digital strategy which will run from 2024 to 2026, is part of government’s plan to use technology to improve how services are delivered.
She said it will help reduce paperwork, speed up processes, cut costs and reduce corruption.
With the GSB, people will be able to make payments online for services like penalties and ground rates, updates on the status of their applications, get reminders about due payments and services even if they live in rural or remote areas.
The system will also protect users’ information and make it easier for the government to collect money more efficiently and transparently.
To help people understand how to use these online services, the Minister stated that the Ministry plans to start a nationwide awareness campaign.
And Smart Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama praised the Ministry for embracing digitisation.
“This is the way to go. The more we use digital systems, the less room there is for corruption and delays,” said Chinyama.
Other officials who attended the event included Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga and acting accountant general, Milika Musonda.
By Catherine Pule
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