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31/03/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA ORDERS IMMEDIATE ACTION ON UNIVERSITY SANITATION CRISIS

President Hakainde Hichilema convened an urgent meeting this afternoon with senior government ministers and University of Zambia leadership to address deteriorating sanitation conditions at the country's public higher education institutions.

The President directed the Ministries of Education, Health, Infrastructure, and Water Development and Sanitation to conduct an immediate review of sanitation facilities at UNZA and across all public universities and colleges, with instructions to present actionable solutions without delay. He further ordered the ministries to work alongside the Zambia National Service to accelerate on-the-ground interventions.

President Hichilema also used the meeting to press the Ministry of Education and UNZA management to resolve long-running grievances affecting lecturers and academic staff, issues that have lingered without resolution for years.

Speaking at the meeting, the President was unequivocal about the government's obligations to its students. Every young Zambian in higher education, he said, deserves to study and live in conditions that are safe, dignified, and conducive to academic success. Sanitation, he stressed, is not a peripheral concern, it is fundamental to health, wellbeing, and basic human dignity.

The President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to responsive governance, stating that government takes the concerns raised by students seriously and will pursue solutions through dialogue and decisive action.

31/03/2026

Breaking News ⚠️
Twelve suspects charged with the murder of Hellen Kamutumbe in Kalumbila District.

31/03/2026

GOVERNMENT HAS DELIVERED 210 DESKS TO NCHELENGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

President Hakainde Hichilema has directed Provincial Ministers to channel a portion of Constituency Development Fund allocations towards school furniture, after reports from Nchelenge District exposed persistent delays in desk procurement.

Speaking at the Presidential Delivery Unit's National Delivery Day in Lusaka, President Hichilema said it was unacceptable that learners were still sitting on the floor in 2026, singling out Nchelenge as a district where the situation had gone unaddressed for too long.

The intervention follows the delivery of 210 desks to Nchelenge Primary School through the Zambia Education Project Implementation Unit. The consignment forms part of a wider government effort to address the chronic shortage of school furniture across the district.

President Hichilema made clear that CDF resources must be used to purchase school desks, directing Provincial Ministers to ensure a portion of constituency allocations is set aside for that purpose.

The Nchelenge delivery offers immediate relief to hundreds of pupils who have been learning without adequate seating.

31/03/2026

ZAMBIA'S MOBILE SECTOR REVENUE SURGES 13.9% TO K13.2 BILLION

Zambia's mobile telecommunications sector recorded significant financial growth in 2025, with revenues rising to K13.2 billion, representing a 13.9 percent increase from K11.5 billion in 2024.

The performance was driven by rising demand for mobile data services, increased adoption of value-added services such as subscription-based entertainment, and expanding usage of mobile money platforms.

Operators also benefited from a surge in bulk SMS traffic, which grew by 24.3 percent to 22.4 billion messages, as businesses and government agencies increasingly relied on SMS for mass communication.

The sector experienced strong subscription growth, with active mobile users reaching 26.2 million in 2025, up from 23.2 million the previous year. Mobile pe*******on rose to 127.4 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.

Average revenue per user increased by 12.4 percent to K501.58 by the end of 2025, reflecting growing usage of bundled services and a shift toward higher-value digital offerings.

Investment in infrastructure increased, with the total number of telecommunications sites growing by 8.8 percent to 15,802. Notably, 5G sites recorded a sharp expansion of 86.4 percent.

The ICT sector contributed 2.5 percentage points to Zambia's overall 3.6 percent GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025.

31/03/2026

ZAMBIA AND SWEDEN SIGN DIPLOMATIC PACT AS HICHILEMA'S FOREIGN POLICY VISION BEARS FRUIT

Zambia has taken another significant step in its diplomatic renaissance, signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations with Sweden that establishes a formal framework for regular high-level engagement between the two nations.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe signed the agreement on behalf of the Zambian Government in Stockholm, with Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard signing for her country. The visit, made at Stenergard's personal invitation, also saw the inaugural session of the Political Consultations held at Sweden's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The agreement is a direct product of President Hakainde Hichilema's consistent positioning of Zambia as a credible, open and internationally engaged partner since taking office in 2021. Where previous administrations struggled to command serious diplomatic attention in European capitals, the Hichilema government has systematically rebuilt Zambia's standing, and this pact with one of Europe's most principled and influential development partners reflects how far that work has come.

Sweden brings with it a formidable portfolio as one of the world's most generous donors per capita. Stockholm has long prioritised democratic governance, gender equality, clean energy and sustainable economic development in its international partnerships. A structured consultation mechanism means Zambia now has a guaranteed seat at the table when those priorities are being shaped and funded.

For ordinary people across Zambia, the practical consequences could be considerable. Swedish partnerships have historically translated into investment in health infrastructure, education, renewable energy and civic institutions. A results-oriented framework, as the MOU describes itself, suggests both governments intend to move beyond symbolism into concrete deliverables.

Hichilema's foreign policy is increasingly producing the kind of relationships that do not merely look good on paper. This one could genuinely change lives.

31/03/2026

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING

31/03/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA SETS OUT VISION FOR REGIONAL ECONOMIES AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTION

President Hakainde Hichilema used this year's Presidential Delivery Unit Delivery Day in Lusaka to set out an ambitious post-election economic agenda, pledging to double the size of the Zambian economy if returned to office in August.

Central to the vision is a restructuring of how provinces operate. Hichilema said each province would function as a regional economy with its own balance sheet, making direct contributions to national growth rather than acting as passive recipients of central government spending. Provinces with strong natural resource endowments would be expected to lead. Luapula and Western, both rich in water resources, are earmarked to drive fish production for domestic consumption and export.

The President acknowledged that the PDU, established to accelerate delivery of essential services had initially met resistance but said it had since proved its worth. He called on civil servants to honour government commitments, framing public service as fundamentally about improving citizens' lives.

PDU Head Kusobile Kamwambi outlined the unit's operational progress, highlighting a new internal activity tracker designed to monitor priority programmes, support timely reporting and strengthen performance management through improved data systems.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, represented by his deputy Siazongo Siakalenge, pointed to Eastern Province as a model of what coordinated implementation can achieve, citing gains in infrastructure and agricultural productivity. ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Phesto Musonda added that government policy in the mining sector had contributed to rising production figures.

31/03/2026

MORNING PRAYER VERSE

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

- Acts 20:35

30/03/2026

ZARI SEED BANKS REACH 15,000 FARMERS ACROSS THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN PROVINCES

More than 15,000 farmers across five districts in Southern and Western Provinces are benefiting from a network of rural household crop grain seed banks, established to strengthen food security in some of Zambia's most climate-vulnerable communities.

The seed banks, set up within existing Farmer Field Schools, form the centrepiece of a programme led by the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) that is introducing climate-smart and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices to smallholder farmers across the region.

William Funsani, ZARI's Senior Agricultural Research Officer, said the initiative is equipping farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

The programme is currently active in Gwembe, Sinazongwe, Choma, Kazungula, and Sesheke districts, where participating households are receiving targeted support through the promotion of climate-resilient crop varieties. By giving farmers access to locally stored, drought-tolerant seed stocks, the seed banks reduce dependence on external supply chains and help communities recover more quickly from poor harvests.

Officials say the Farmer Field School model has proved effective in translating research into practical, on-the-ground support, allowing communities to share knowledge and build collective resilience. ZARI says it plans to expand the programme to additional districts as funding allows.

30/03/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA DONATES K200,000 TO NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH IN MONGU

President Hakainde Hichilema has assured the Church that Zambia will remain peaceful before, during, and after the elections.

The President said government will continue to play its part in safeguarding peace, which he described as essential for sustaining the country's ongoing development.

Speaking at the New Apostolic Church, Kapona Congregation in Mongu District where he attended the Palm Sunday Service, President Hichilema thanked the Church for its contributions to communities in areas such as education and health.

He donated K200,000 to the congregation and pledged to provide roofing materials for the Church's school building project, as well as two other church building projects.

New Apostolic Church Western Province Lead Apostle Elvis Liywalii commended President Hichilema for his commitment to national development.

In his sermon, Apostle Liywalii emphasised that Christians are expected to promote peace to create a conducive environment for all.
March 30, 2026

30/03/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA ORDERS CRACKDOWN ON FUEL HOARDING

President Hakainde Hichilema has directed government agencies to take swift action against fuel shortages being reported across Zambia, amid growing suspicions that some entities are deliberately hoarding supplies.

The President expressed serious concern that the shortages have continued despite assurances given by Oil Marketing Companies at a recent State House meeting that fuel stocks were sufficient to meet domestic demand. While acknowledging that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created global supply pressures, President Hichilema was clear that Zambia holds adequate reserves and that the current situation is not a consequence of genuine scarcity.

"Fuel is the lifeblood of our economy, and any attempt to manipulate its supply amounts to economic sabotage and a breach of the law," the President said.

In response, the Energy Regulation Board has been tasked with launching investigations in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Those found to be undermining the fuel supply chain face serious consequences, including the revocation of their operating licences.

The directive signals the government's determination to protect ordinary Zambians and businesses from the economic disruption caused by artificial shortages. Fuel prices and availability have a direct bearing on the cost of goods, transport, and daily life — making any deliberate manipulation of supply not only unlawful but deeply damaging to the country's development momentum.

30/03/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA PLEDGES CREDIBLE AND PEACEFUL ELECTIONS AS CAMPAIGN SEASON INTENSITIFIES

President Hakainde Hichilema has moved to reassure Zambians and the international community that the country's general elections, scheduled for 12 August 2026, will be conducted peacefully, credibly and transparently, as political activity gathers pace across the nation.

Speaking at the New Apostolic Church Kapona Congregation in Mongu District during a Palm Sunday service, the President acknowledged public anxiety surrounding the upcoming vote but sought to dispel concerns. "I know there is anxiety, but I want to assure that in 2026, there will be credible, peaceful and transparent elections," he said.

The Head of State pointed to recent by-elections as evidence of his government's commitment to orderly democratic processes. Referencing contests in both Kasama and Chawama, the latter historically associated with political violence, President Hichilema noted that both had passed without incident. "There were elections there and there was no violence. This is our commitment to peace, security and stability," he said.

The message has been reinforced across government leadership. Vice-President Mutale Nalumango has echoed calls for restraint, urging political players to avoid acrimony as competition intensifies ahead of nominations. The repeated appeals point to a coordinated effort from the ruling United Party for National Development to shape the tone of engagement during a period that traditionally attracts heightened tension.

Addressing the Diplomatic Corps, President Hichilema also underscored Zambia's broader regional responsibilities, warning that instability in one country carries consequences for all. "Insecurity in one country is insecurity in all," he said, urging the continent to work together in the pursuit of shared prosperity.

Delivered from a church pulpit and reinforced in diplomatic halls, the President's message connects democratic duty with deeper moral conviction, framing the peaceful conduct of elections not merely as a political obligation, but as a reflection of the values and character of the Zambian people.

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