SPICE FM 91.1 Kabwe

05/02/2026

ZAMBIA, GHANA SEEK DEEPER ECONOMIC COOPERATION WITH FOCUS ON MINING AND REFORMS

President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia is keen to deepen economic cooperation with Ghana, with mining identified as a key area for collaboration.

Speaking during bilateral talks with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at State House in Lusaka, President Hichilema said discussions between the two leaders are centred on economic reforms, macroeconomic stability and fiscal consolidation.

President Hichilema noted that both Zambia and Ghana have undergone economic restructuring and are implementing wide-ranging reforms aimed at restoring stability and driving sustainable growth.

He said Zambia is particularly interested in learning from Ghana’s experience in the mining sector, including both large-scale and small-scale operations, citing Ghana’s strong performance in gold production as an area of valuable expertise.

The Head of State emphasized that sharing experiences and best practices between the two countries could help accelerate mutual growth and economic transformation.

Meanwhile, President Mahama called for closer economic and bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Zambia, saying the two countries are following similar development paths.

President Mahama said Ghana and Zambia enjoy long-standing relations and should further strengthen cooperation for mutual economic benefit. He observed that both nations have faced economic challenges in recent years, including debt restructuring negotiations with official creditors.

He noted that ongoing economic reforms in both countries particularly in fiscal consolidation and stabilization efforts present opportunities for shared learning and collaboration.

President Mahama added that while continental cooperation remains important, stronger bilateral relations can play a significant role in driving economic growth and development.

The visiting Ghanaian leader further proposed enhancing economic partnership and cooperation between the two countries by sharing experiences and best practices, especially in sectors such as mining and agriculture, where both countries face similar challenges.

He also highlighted the historic ties between Ghana and Zambia, forged through the friendship of their founding fathers, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, which he said provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation.

And President Hichilema underscored the importance of leveraging the strong bonds between the two nations, including people-to-people ties, cross-country marriages and business partnerships, to promote trade, investment and inclusive economic growth.

The two leaders expressed confidence that strengthened Zambia–Ghana relations would contribute positively to economic transformation and shared prosperity for their citizens.

SPICE FM 91.1 Kabwe NEWS

05/02/2026

MWEETWA REAFFIRMS GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO FREE, FAIR ELECTIONS AND RULE OF LAW AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS

Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, the rule of law and transparent governance as the country prepares for the 2026 General Elections.

Speaking at a press briefing where he addressed matters of national importance, Hon. Mweetwa dismissed claims suggesting that Zambia cannot conduct free and fair elections, describing such assertions as unsubstantiated and misleading.

He cited recent by-elections, including the Chawama parliamentary by-election, as clear evidence of Government’s commitment to credible, transparent and peaceful electoral processes.

The Chief Government Spokesperson emphasized that elections in Zambia are determined by performance and service delivery, noting that Government remains focused on improving the welfare of citizens and strengthening national institutions.

Meanwhile, Hon. Mweetwa assured the nation that there will be no political persecution disguised as anti-corruption efforts under the New Dawn Administration.

He reaffirmed that the administration’s governance approach is firmly anchored on the rule of law, stressing that all investigations and prosecutions are conducted independently and in strict accordance with the law, without political interference.

The Minister further stated that the fight against corruption is comprehensive and applies equally to past, present and future cases, emphasizing that no individual is above the law.

Hon. Mweetwa also called on political leaders and public figures to promote responsible and constructive discourse. He urged the media and other stakeholders to encourage accountability, unity and issue-based engagement in order to advance national development.

Expressing confidence in Zambia’s trajectory, the Minister cited ongoing economic recovery efforts, successful debt restructuring and governance reforms as key milestones towards building a stable, predictable and prosperous future for the country.

SPICE FM 91.1 Kabwe NEWS

05/02/2026

MULUNGUSHI TEXTILES NEARS REOPENING AS COMMERCE MINISTER TOURS REFURBISHED PLANT AHEAD OF COMMISSIONING

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Hon. Chipoka Mulenga has toured the refurbished Zambia–China Mulungushi Textiles factory in Kabwe, Central Province, as part of a full pre-commissioning test ahead of its official launch by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Hon. Mulenga described the development as a major milestone in Zambia’s industrial revival agenda, noting that the visit took place during an ongoing test-run phase that signals the factory’s return to full production after years of dormancy.

The Minister was accompanied by Kabwe Central Member of Parliament Hon. Chrizoster Phiri, Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Milner Mwanakampwe, Kabwe District Commissioner Lenox Shimwambwa Jr. and Gary Domingo UPND Acting District Chairperson.

During the tour, Hon. Mulenga commended the Zambia National Service for securing the facility and safeguarding the newly installed equipment. He noted that the factory, which has been dormant since 2007, is now close to full operational readiness following the installation of state-of-the-art textile machinery.

He further disclosed that over the past two years, about 2,500 cotton farmers have been supported through various interventions to grow cotton for supply to Mulungushi Textiles. Hon. Mulenga said the revival of the factory represents an investment of approximately US$140 million and is now 95 percent complete, with the first batch of fabrics expected to roll out within the next two weeks.

Once fully operational, the facility is projected to create about 500 direct jobs, in addition to numerous indirect employment opportunities for suppliers and allied industries.

The delegation inspected ultra-modern machines currently undergoing test runs—equipment that had remained unused for more than two decades. The machinery, which for years symbolised unfulfilled campaign promises, was finally delivered in 2024, with more than 400 containers shipped into the country under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Milner Mwanakampwe said the fully operational plant is expected to generate over 500 direct jobs and many more indirect employment opportunities. He praised President Hichilema’s leadership and urged stakeholders to set aside politics and focus on national development, noting that the project will provide a significant economic boost to Kabwe and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, Kabwe Central MP Chrizoster Phiri said the reopening of Mulungushi Textiles goes beyond the restoration of industrial activity, stressing that it will deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to residents by turning long-standing commitments into real, life-changing opportunities.

And Kabwe District Commissioner Lenox Shimwambwa Jr said the project underscores Government’s commitment to strengthening Zambia’s industrial base, promoting local manufacturing, and building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy driven by job creation and value addition.

BY: Sunford Mulenga SPICE FM 91.1 Kabwe NEWS

05/02/2026

WEATHER UPDATE: 🌩️🌧️⛈️

*ZAMBIA LUNCHTIME WEATHER REPORT: THURSDAY (05/02/2026)*
*FORECAST FOR THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING: THURSDAY (05/02/2026)*

*Copperbelt, Luapula, Muchinga, Northern, Northwestern and Western Provinces including the northern parts of Eastern province:*
Mainly cloudy and warm with rain and thunderstorms. Maximum temperature will range from 25°C to 31°C. The evening will be mainly cloudy, slightly windy and mild with rain and occasional thunder.

*Central, Lusaka and Southern Provinces including the southern parts of Eastern provinces:*
Partly cloudy, slightly windy and warm to hot with isolated showers and occasional thunder. Maximum temperature will range from 24°C to 33°C. The evening will be partly cloudy, slightly windy with a chance of isolated rain and occasional thunder.

*HIGHEST TEMPERATURE RECORDED YESTERDAY: WEDNESDAY (04/02/2026)*
Livingstone, Mongu and Sesheke 32°C, Kaoma and Katete 31°C, Mt Makulu, Mkushi Agro, Msekera, Kabompo, Kafironda, Kawambwa and Mpulungu 30°C.

*_Produced by the Zambia Meteorological Department,_*
*_Ministry of Green Economy and Environment._*

05/02/2026

05/02/2026

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05/02/2026

VEEP CHAMPIONS ZAMBIA’S WATER SECURITY AGENDA AT WORLD GOVERNMENT SUMMIT

Her Honour the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, has reaffirmed Zambia’s leadership in advancing global water security during a strategic address at the World Government Summit held in Dubai.

The high-level summit, themed “Shaping Future Governments,” brings together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on emerging governance models, innovation in public administration, sustainability, and economic growth.

In highlights released by her Press Aide, Njenje Chizu, the Vice President underscored Zambia’s proactive approach to water security, positioning it as a critical driver of economic transformation, sustainable development, and regional stability.

Mrs. Nalumango emphasized that water security remains central to Zambia’s national development agenda and a vital pillar for fostering global cooperation. She noted that the Government’s focus on integrated water resources management reflects its determination to address developmental challenges while safeguarding long-term sustainability.

The Vice President further called for the establishment of a binding global water governance framework and reforms to the international financial architecture to unlock blended financing for water investments. She highlighted the urgency of these reforms ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, describing them as essential to accelerating global progress on water security.

Her address also showcased Zambia’s tangible commitment to action. The country has already mobilized US$1.82 billion towards the Zambia Water Investment Programme and is seeking an additional US$3.98 billion in global investment to strengthen water security initiatives and stimulate socio-economic growth. These investments are expected to significantly improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services across the country.

In a major milestone, the Vice President announced that Zambia will co-chair the Interactive Dialogue on Water for Cooperation at the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, a role that underscores the country’s growing influence in both regional and global water governance.

“This leadership role reflects Zambia’s ambition to be part of global solutions to water security challenges,” the statement noted.

The Vice President’s participation at the World Government Summit has further positioned Zambia as a key voice in shaping future global approaches to water security, sustainability, and inclusive development.

SPICE FM 91.1 Kabwe NEWS

05/02/2026

CENTRAL PROVINCE MARKS WORLD CANCER DAY WITH CALL FOR UNITED ACTION ON CANCER CARE

Central Province on February 4, 2026 joined the rest of the country in commemorating Provincial World Cancer Day, with a strong call for unity, equity, and expanded access to cancer care services across Zambia.

The event was held at Mwanjuni Grounds in Chibombo District under the global theme “United by Unique: Providing Access to Cancer Care, A Healthier Zambia.” It brought together government officials, health professionals, cooperating partners, community leaders, and members of the public.

The Provincial Minister for Central Province, Hon. Mwabashike Nkululkusa, MP, was represented by Chibombo District Commissioner Mr. Lloyd Kayeka, who served as Guest of Honour.

In his address, Mr. Kayeka explained that the 2026 theme highlights the need to recognize individual cancer experiences while uniting around a shared mission to fight the disease. He noted that every survivor’s journey, family struggle, and community need is unique, but collective action remains the key to progress.

He emphasized that unity would help to break the stigma surrounding cancer, encourage early screening and prevention, support survivors and caregivers with compassion, and strengthen advocacy for improved policies and increased investment in cancer care.

The Guest of Honour paid tribute to cancer survivors for their courage and resilience, families for their unwavering support, and health workers for their dedication to saving lives under challenging circumstances.

Delivering a call to action, Mr. Kayeka said the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, has prioritized cancer prevention and control as part of its broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, anchored on a primary health care approach.

He revealed that the Ministry of Health is investing in the establishment of comprehensive cancer centres across the country. These centres will serve as hubs of excellence, offering modern diagnostic facilities, specialized treatment, and supportive care services.

The government, he added, is committed to building a robust health system that enables individuals to seek cancer care without the burden of long travel distances or prohibitive costs. This commitment is being realized through the decentralization of primary health care services to ensure equitable access to quality and affordable care across the full continuum — promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative services.

Mr. Kayeka appealed to local authority leaders, section chairpersons, and Ward Development Committee chairpersons to work closely with health facilities and neighbourhood health committees to raise awareness on cancer prevention, promote access to screening and early diagnosis, and encourage timely health-seeking behaviour for anyone showing early signs and symptoms of cancer.

He stressed that early action would significantly improve survival rates and save more lives.

In his concluding remarks, the Guest of Honour expressed gratitude to cooperating partners for their support in making the commemoration a success. He specifically acknowledged Zambia Integrated Health, AIDS Health Foundation, Access to Health, and Prison’s Future Foundation.

“Let us provide access to cancer care for all, so that together we can build a healthier Central Province and a healthier Zambia,” he said.

SPICE FM 91.1 Kabwe NEWS