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PRETORIA HIGH COURT TRANSFERS REMAINS OF FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU TO ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT Attorney General Mulilo Kabe...
23/04/2026

PRETORIA HIGH COURT TRANSFERS REMAINS OF FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU TO ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has confirmed that the High Court in Pretoria has formally transferred the mortal remains of the Sixth President, Edgar Lungu, to the Zambian Government.

Mr Kabesha said the transfer took place yesterday, 22 April 2026, following the former President's family's inability to proceed with their case before the South African Supreme Court of Appeal.

He confirmed that the mortal remains have since been relocated from Two Mountains Burial Services Limited to a facility managed by the South African Government, pending the next steps in the repatriation process.

The development follows the Pretoria High Court's ruling of 8 August 2025, in which the court directed that the body be released to the Zambian Government to facilitate preparations for repatriation and burial in Zambia.

Mr Kabesha said that, in line with the court's directive, the Government will now engage with the former President's family to finalise burial arrangements in a dignified and orderly manner.

He emphasised that the Zambian Government remains committed to ensuring that the late former Head of State is accorded the respect and honour befitting his office, and that the process will be handled with sensitivity to the family and to the nation.

The Attorney General said the nation will be informed of the agreed-upon details in due course, and urged Zambians to remain calm and united as the final arrangements are concluded.

GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO BOOSTING WOMEN'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting wom...
22/04/2026

GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO BOOSTING WOMEN'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women's participation in politics and leadership.

President Hakainde Hichilema said Zambia has undertaken a series of reforms aimed at dismantling barriers that have historically limited women's political participation.

His remarks were delivered in a speech read on his behalf by Justice Minister Princess Kasune during a high-level conference on women's political participation at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

President Hichilema noted that although women make up 51 percent of the population, they hold less than 20 percent of political leadership positions.

He said government is working to create a safer environment for women in public and political life through strengthened legislative measures.

Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Chairperson Beauty Katebe expressed concern over the low number of women in political and decision-making positions.

Ms Katebe warned that Zambia risks failing to achieve its full democratic potential if women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis urged women to actively participate in politics, noting it is worrying that women, despite being the majority, often do not support each other in political processes.

"Women must support fellow women if we are to see meaningful change in political representation," Ms Zaloumis said.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Beatrice Muthali added that the 2026 general elections will serve as a litmus test for Zambia's commitment to gender equality.

The conference brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and international organisations to discuss strategies for increasing women's political participation and leadership.

22/04/2026

⚠️ BREAKING NEWS
President Hichilema retains VP Mutale Nalumango as UPND Vice President after General Assembly.

BHP TARGETS ZAMBIA FOR LARGE-SCALE COPPER EXPLORATION AS IT RETURNS TO AFRICABHP is preparing to launch large-scale copp...
22/04/2026

BHP TARGETS ZAMBIA FOR LARGE-SCALE COPPER EXPLORATION AS IT RETURNS TO AFRICA

BHP is preparing to launch large-scale copper exploration in Zambia, the country's mines ministry has confirmed, in a move that signals the world's biggest miner is re-engaging with a continent it has largely avoided for the past decade.

The disclosure, made after meetings in Lusaka with Campbell McCuaig, BHP's head of global generative exploration, points to renewed international competition for Zambia's underexplored deposits as copper demand surges on the back of electrification and grid investment. Zambia, Africa's second-largest producer after the Democratic Republic of Congo, is targeting a more than threefold increase in output by 2031.

McCuaig told officials that many of the world's remaining large copper deposits are either deeply buried or hidden beneath geological cover, and that BHP is now deploying advanced geological methods and large-scale data analysis to identify the mineral systems that form major orebodies. He welcomed Zambia's efforts to expand access to geoscience data, including government-backed airborne surveys and the digitisation of geological records, arguing the reforms would help attract international investment.

BHP has largely stayed out of Africa since spinning off South32 in 2015, with a brief investment in Tanzania's Kabanga Nickel project representing its only significant foray before it exited last year. Its failed 2024 bid for Anglo American collapsed partly over its reluctance to absorb Anglo's South African operations.

The company has since struck a different tone, launching a series of exploration workshops across Zambia, South Africa, Namibia and Angola running through early May, suggesting southern Africa is now firmly back on its strategic map.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA LAUNCHES US$350 MILLION SOLAR AND BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT IN CHONGWEPresident Hakainde Hichilema has...
22/04/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA LAUNCHES US$350 MILLION SOLAR AND BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT IN CHONGWE

President Hakainde Hichilema has launched construction of a 250-megawatt solar power plant and a 150 MW/600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Chongwe District.

The solar project, to be situated at Kyindu Ranch along Leopards Hill Road, will be constructed by Globeleq in partnership with ZESCO Limited.

President Hichilema said the US$350 million project is a testament to Zambia's strong relationship with cooperating partners and will be vital to enhancing power generation and stabilising electricity supply across the country.

Speaking at the launch, he noted that the project will not only power homes but also contribute to efforts to combat climate change. He further emphasised the need for collaboration with independent power producers and energy traders to ensure a constant power supply to critical sectors such as mining.

"It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that Zambia develops, so let us create a conducive environment for investors, especially in the energy sector," he said.

The President added that inadequate power supply slows down economic activities, including value addition, stressing that the new plant will contribute to Zambia's target of 10,000 megawatts of generation capacity.

He also emphasised the importance of diversifying beyond hydro, which currently accounts for over 80 percent of the country's electricity.

"We never knew before that this sun could give us 250 megawatts, and now we know," he said.

President Hichilema added that wind is another element of the energy mix, noting Eastern Province's strong potential, and praised ZESCO for rebuilding commercial partnerships that are helping to bring projects of this scale to fruition.

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING
22/04/2026

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING

SURVEY REVEALS OVERWHELMING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN ZAMBIA A new national survey commissioned by Wil...
21/04/2026

SURVEY REVEALS OVERWHELMING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN ZAMBIA

A new national survey commissioned by Wild Africa and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has found overwhelming public support for wildlife conservation in Zambia, with 79% of respondents describing the country's wildlife as national heritage worth protecting and 92% recognising its importance to the economy.

The findings, drawn from 800 face-to-face interviews across urban and rural districts in Lusaka and Eastern Province, point to wildlife being understood as a strategic national asset rather than an abstract environmental concern. Respondents cited tourism, employment and national revenue as the primary reasons they value wildlife protection, alongside a strong sense of obligation to future generations.

Support for coexistence was particularly striking. 90% of respondents said they would welcome information on living peacefully with wildlife, a figure that rose to 97% in rural areas. Far from withdrawing in the face of conflict, affected communities are actively seeking guidance.

The data also points to a remarkable resilience in community support. Even though 85% of rural respondents reported personal experience of human-wildlife conflict, 80% said they would still report poaching or wildlife smuggling, suggesting that living alongside wildlife strengthens a sense of conservation responsibility.

On practical responses, 83% of respondents, rising to 94% in rural areas, identified polywire fencing as their preferred solution to human-elephant conflict, signalling a clear community preference for long-term preventive measures over short-term deterrents.

The study also identified a potentially significant pipeline for community-based conservation employment. 90% of respondents expressed interest in pursuing a career in conservation, rising to 95% in rural areas.

“These findings show that Zambians don’t just value wildlife, they are ready to play an active role in protecting them,” said Peter Knights, OBE, CEO of Wild Africa. “Even in areas most affected by conflict, communities are calling for practical solutions, not turning away from conservation.”

IFAW President and CEO Azzedine Downes acknowledged that human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in conservation, but said "the message of this research is clear. Those who live alongside wildlife want solutions that prioritise long-term coexistence. They want, and deserve, to be part of the answer, which is exactly the foundation upon which IFAW looks to build."

The findings arrive against a backdrop of rising human-wildlife conflict globally, driven by expanding settlements and shrinking habitats. They suggest that Zambia's affected communities are not adversaries of conservation but potential stewards seeking practical support.

The study was conducted by Consumer Feedback Consultancy between 29 January and 14 February 2026.

ZDA SIGNS CLEANS ENERGY DEAL WITH UAE FIRM, 100 JOBS EXPECTED The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has signed a Memorandu...
21/04/2026

ZDA SIGNS CLEANS ENERGY DEAL WITH UAE FIRM, 100 JOBS EXPECTED

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding in renewable clean energy with ZAKH Renewable Energy and Engineering of the United Arab Emirates.

Over 100 jobs are expected to be created once the company sets up solar farms in Zambia.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa assured ZAKH Renewable Energy and Engineering that investment is safe and secure in Zambia.

Mr Halwampa explained that President Hakainde Hichilema has created a conducive environment for both local and international investors by enacting investor-friendly policies.

He noted that Zambia has stable and predictable policies, making it a preferred destination for investment, which helps investors feel more secure as they set up operations in the country.

Mr Halwampa urged ZAKH Renewable Energy and Engineering to expedite the process of setting up solar farms in Zambia.

"Please come and invest as quickly as possible. We will support you throughout the entire process of setting up investments in Zambia," he said.

ZAKH Renewable Energy and Engineering Board Advisor Marina Strateva said the company is interested in setting up solar farms in the energy sector.

Ms Strateva stressed that the company is keen to contribute to the growth of Zambia's renewable clean energy sector.

She explained that the MOU signed with ZDA is a huge milestone in formalising the setting up of investments in clean energy in Zambia and is key to securing the company's investment.

Zambia's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Nkombo Muuka said the embassy was excited to facilitate the engagement between ZDA and ZAKH Renewable Energy and Engineering.

Professor Muuka disclosed that ZAKH Renewable Energy and Engineering is a reputable company with the potential to contribute significantly to Zambia's clean energy generation.

GOVERNMENT ROLLS OUT POLIO VACCINATION DRIVE FOR 3.7 MILLION CHILDRENA nationwide polio immunisation drive aimed at reac...
21/04/2026

GOVERNMENT ROLLS OUT POLIO VACCINATION DRIVE FOR 3.7 MILLION CHILDREN

A nationwide polio immunisation drive aimed at reaching 3.7 million children below the age of five has kicked off, with authorities confirming it is the first of three rounds scheduled to be carried out.

Speaking at the launch, Health Minister Dr Alex Katakwe disclosed that the exercise will run from 20 to 23 April and cover six provinces, namely Lusaka, Central, Eastern, Muchinga, Southern and Western. Additional rounds will follow in the coming months to secure complete coverage of the eligible age group.

The Minister was addressing stakeholders at an event that also marked the official opening of the National Polio Laboratory in Lusaka. He indicated that the rollout had been triggered by laboratory findings earlier in the year, after a variant type 2 poliovirus was picked up in wastewater samples drawn from the Machinchi sewer ponds in Lusaka District during February 2026. The newly opened facility, he noted, is expected to bolster the country's ability to track and respond to future detections.

On his part, UNICEF Country Representative Raja Abdullah said the agency had delivered 4.4 million doses of the vaccine to 116 districts and 3,500 health facilities, ensuring adequate stocks are in place to carry the campaign through.

World Health Organization Representative Clement Lasuba, in his remarks, renewed the WHO's pledge to continue backing efforts to strengthen health security across the country.

GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES ZAMBIA HAS NO ARREARS WITH THE IMFThe Zambian government has moved to clarify that the country hold...
21/04/2026

GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES ZAMBIA HAS NO ARREARS WITH THE IMF

The Zambian government has moved to clarify that the country holds no arrears with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following public debate over remarks made by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

In a statement issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Principal Public Relations Officer Eva Hatontola said Mr Haimbe's comments referred specifically to overdue payments, not the total stock of debt owed to the Fund. The Ministry confirmed that Zambia has met all scheduled repayment obligations and has not defaulted since the start of its debt restructuring process.

Mr Haimbe said Zambia's engagement with the IMF has transitioned from programme lending to post-programme surveillance, a standard arrangement following the successful conclusion of an IMF-supported programme. There is no active IMF lending programme currently in place.

The country continues to carry concessional obligations linked to past IMF support, which the Ministry described as long-term, low-interest, and development-oriented. These obligations, it said, are fully current and form part of Zambia's normal multilateral financing framework.

Zambia exited its 38-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement in January 2026. The programme, originally approved in August 2022 at SDR 978.2 million and later augmented to around US$1.7 billion, was designed to restore fiscal and debt sustainability following the country's November 2020 Eurobond default. Debt treatment has proceeded under the G20 Common Framework.

The Ministry said completion of the ECF has unlocked further concessional financing from multilateral partners, including the World Bank. In its most recent Article IV assessment in 2025, IMF staff classified Zambia's public debt as sustainable but remaining at high risk of overall and external debt distress, with reforms on governance and revenue mobilisation flagged as priorities.

GOVERNMENT TO RECRUIT 2,000 TEACHERS IN 2025 INTAKEThe Government will today publish advertisements in print and digital...
21/04/2026

GOVERNMENT TO RECRUIT 2,000 TEACHERS IN 2025 INTAKE

The Government will today publish advertisements in print and digital media inviting applications for the recruitment of 2,000 teachers for the 2025 intake.

Education Minister Douglas Syakalima confirmed that the Teaching Service Commission will manage the application process, which closes on Monday, 28 April 2026. Speaking to the media, Mr Syakalima said recruitment would be finalised by the end of May, with successful candidates placed on the payroll by August 2026.

He added that the 2026 exercise for a further 3,500 teachers will begin as soon as the 2025 process concludes. Government is also planning a significantly larger drive in 2027, targeting the recruitment of between 30,000 and 40,000 new teachers to meet long-term demand.

Mr Syakalima explained that sustained recruitment is essential following the introduction of free education, which has driven a sharp rise in enrolment across the country. Expanding the teaching workforce, he said, is central to meeting rising demand and maintaining classroom standards.

Teaching Service Commission Chairperson Daphne Chimuka said the advertisement will also serve to build a new national database of teacher applicants, strengthening workforce planning for future intakes across the sector.

Ms Chimuka acknowledged that more experienced graduates may hold an advantage, but stressed that the process remains open and competitive, with all qualified candidates considered on merit.

She urged applicants to update their credentials on the Teaching Council of Zambia portal ahead of submission to avoid being disadvantaged. Applications will be accepted both online and in hard copy through ZAMPOST offices nationwide ahead of the 28 April deadline.

UPND REFORM RESULTS EVIDENT AFTER 4 YEARSPresident Hakainde Hichilema says the results of various reforms undertaken in ...
20/04/2026

UPND REFORM RESULTS EVIDENT AFTER 4 YEARS

President Hakainde Hichilema says the results of various reforms undertaken in the past four and a half years are now becoming evident.

The Head of State said his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, including the reopening of Mulungushi Textiles, reflects the UPND administration's dedication to bringing development countrywide.

In a statement issued by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, President Hichilema said he would continue engaging citizens in the coming months to foster a shared vision for continued inclusive development.

President Hichilema stressed that politics must be rooted in service to the people and urged those in public office to prioritise the needs of citizens above personal interests.

"The Zambian people will have a real choice during the 13th August 2026 general election to either continue moving the country forward, complete the work underway, and secure Zambia's progress, or to reverse the gains made so far," he stated.

The President expressed gratitude to Zambians for their patience and resilience, emphasising that the results of reforms and initiatives are now visible.

Under the New Dawn administration, free education has enabled more than 2.5 million children to return to school and brought 41,917 newly recruited teachers into classrooms.

The Constituency Development Fund has grown twenty-five-fold from K1.6 million per constituency in 2021 to K40 million in 2026, directing resources to local communities.

This has resulted in over 2,800 classroom blocks, 164 health facilities, 860 kilometres of feeder roads, and 1,792 boreholes across the nation.

The health sector has also been transformed, with more than 18,000 health workers recruited since 2021, 279 new health facilities completed, and essential medicines restored in facilities where shelves had long been empty.

President Hichilema urged all well-meaning citizens interested in contributing to national development to join his administration and work together to unlock Zambia's development potential for all.

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