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We used to meet in toilets, Hichilema reveals secret mining investment meetings

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PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that during his time in the opposition, he and officials from First Quantum Minerals (FQM) resorted to holding discreet meetings in airport toilets to discuss Zambia’s mining future.
Speaking during the commissioning of the US$1.25 billion S3 Expansion Project at Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi yesterday, President Hichilema took a moment to share a personal anecdote of how challenging it was to talk about economic recovery plans before assuming office, especially when those plans involved foreign investors.
The Head of State disclosed that during his time in the opposition, he and First Quantum Minerals executives, including now-CEO Tristan Pascal and former FQM Africa head, were forced to meet discreetly to avoid attracting negative attention from the previous regime.
“There were times we used to hide at Johannesburg Airport. We would meet in the toilet to avoid being misunderstood,” President Hichilema said.
The President clarified that these meetings were not clandestine for the sake of secrecy, but were strategic efforts to maintain investor confidence in Zambia at a time when the country’s economic future appeared uncertain.
President Hichilema said the talks centred around stabilising Zambia’s mining sector and securing long-term investment, including the expansion of Kansanshi Mine, which has now come to fruition.
“These discussions were about how to sustain mining operations, how to grow jobs, and how to inject more capital into our economy. We were planning ahead while others were playing politics,” he said.
He further praised First Quantum Minerals for its commitment and confidence in Zambia, noting that the Kansanshi S3 expansion represents a critical turning point for the country’s mining industry.
The S3 Expansion Project is expected to extend the life of Kansanshi Mine by at least 20 years, creating over 1,500 direct jobs and contribute significantly to national revenue through taxes.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 20, 2025
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Radiation Protection Authority unveils new board, sets fresh direction

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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.
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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, […]

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Rural communities to get electricity connections at K300 only

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GOVERNMENT has reduced the cost of getting electricity connections in rural and peri-urban areas from K4,846 to only K300.
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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
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Zambia’s trade engine roars to life

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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
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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 […]

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