“ZAMRA Strengthens Surveillance to Tackle Illegal Medicines”

 By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through a strengthened post-marketing surveillance system.

Speaking to Daily News in Lusaka, Mr Ludovic Katomtoka Mwape, Senior Public Relations Officer at Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), stated that the system employs routine inspections, market sampling, and intelligence-led investigations to detect and remove illegal and substandard medicines from circulation.

Mwape emphasized that while challenges persist in informal markets, ZAMRA’s surveillance teams have successfully seized numerous illegal products, safeguarding consumers from potential harm.

ZAMRA acknowledged that rural and underserved communities remain more vulnerable to unregistered medicines due to limited access to licensed pharmacies, weaker regulatory oversight, and lower public awareness. To address this, the authority has intensified outreach and inspection efforts, alongside community education programs designed to raise awareness about the dangers of unregistered medicines.

Concerns about potential shortages of essential drugs during crackdowns were addressed by Mwape, who explained that ZAMRA conducts thorough market assessments before enforcement actions. The authority works closely with legitimate manufacturers and distributors to ensure uninterrupted supply of registered medicines, and facilitates expedited registration and importation of critical drugs when necessary.

Zambia also maintains strong ties with neighboring countries through platforms such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and bilateral agreements. These partnerships enable intelligence sharing, joint operations, and harmonization of regulatory standards to curb cross-border trafficking of unregistered medicines.

Mr. Mwape concluded that ZAMRA’s collaborative and strategic approach is vital in tackling the transnational nature of illegal medicine trade while ensuring citizens have access to safe, effective, and legitimate medicines.

(c) All Rights Reserved.

 “Rate Cut Signals Confidence in Zambia’s Economy” BOZ

 By Daily News Reporter

For homeowners, investors, and businesses alike, the Bank of Zambia’s latest move is more than just a technical adjustment — it’s a signal of confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.

The Bank of Zambia held its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in Lusaka, the central bank reduced the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 75 basis points, bringing it down to 13.5 percent from 14.25 percent. 

Speaking during the MPC update Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya explained that the decision reflects a commitment to maintaining an appropriate monetary stance while supporting growth.

Inflation has been steadily easing, falling from 12.3 percent in September 2025 to 11.2 percent in December, and further to 9.4 percent in January 2026. Dr. Kalyalya attributed this decline to a bumper maize harvest and the appreciation of the Kwacha against major currencies.

With these gains, the central bank now expects inflation to reach its 6–8 percent target band faster than previously forecast, with the lower bound likely by the second quarter of 2027. Average inflation is projected at 6.9 percent in 2026, down from the earlier forecast of 7.6 percent, and 6.3 percent in 2027.

Dr. Kalyalya further pointed to favourable weather conditions, higher copper prices, and continued macroeconomic stability as key factors underpinning the positive outlook.

“We remain guided by inflation outcomes, forecasts, and identified risks, including those associated with financial stability,” he said.

For households, the rate cut could translate into lower borrowing costs, easing pressure on mortgages and loans. For businesses, it signals a more accommodative environment aimed at stimulating investment and expansion. And for the broader economy, it reflects growing confidence that Zambia is on a path toward sustainable stability.

The MPC’s decision underscores a delicate balancing act: supporting growth while keeping inflation in check. For now, the central bank’s message is clear — Zambia’s economy is turning a corner, and policy is adjusting to match that optimism.

Meanwhile the EAZ has recommended the central bank for its disciplined approach in anchoring inflation expectations through transparent communication and data-driven policy actions, which it said have strengthened confidence in financial markets.

 “Merck Foundation and Zambia’s First Lady Mark Milestone in Medical Training”

By Daily News Reporter

In a country where access to specialized medical care has long been a challenge, a new wave of hope is emerging. The Merck Foundation, in partnership with Zambia’s First Lady, H.E. Mutinta Hichilema, has awarded 126 scholarships to Zambian doctors, equipping them with advanced training in 39 critical and underserved specialties.

The initiative is part of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, which the First Lady champions as Ambassador. Beyond addressing infertility stigma, the program is reshaping Zambia’s healthcare landscape by building capacity in areas such as diabetes, endocrinology, oncology, fertility, embryology, cardiology, psychiatry, dermatology, and emergency medicine.

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, described the partnership as “a milestone of success and impact,” noting that the scholarships are not just numbers but represent lives that will be saved and communities that will be strengthened.

So far Zambia is Tackling Zambia’s Health Gaps in Fertility & Reproductive Health through these 46 doctors who are being trained in fertility, embryology, and sexual & reproductive medicine, helping couples access care that was once out of reach. 51 doctors are specializing in diabetes, cardiology, endocrinology, and obesity management. Upon completion, they will establish clinics to prevent and manage hypertension and diabetes in their communities. 10 scholarships in oncology are laying the foundation for improved cancer treatment capacity in Zambia. 19 doctors are pursuing training in gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, psychiatry, dermatology, pain management, and infectious diseases.

For many Zambians, the lack of specialists has meant traveling abroad or facing delayed treatment. This program changes that trajectory. By embedding expertise within local hospitals and health centers, the initiative ensures that care is accessible, affordable, and community-based.

The First Lady emphasized that the scholarships are not only about professional development but about transforming lives. “Every doctor trained is a step toward a healthier Zambia,” she said.

As these doctors return to their communities, they will carry more than certificates — they will carry the tools to fight diseases, reduce preventable deaths, and restore hope. The partnership between Merck Foundation and Zambia’s First Lady is proving that with vision, collaboration, and investment in people, healthcare systems can be rebuilt from within.

(c) All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 “Respect and Dignity Key to Tackling Gender-Based Violence”

 By Daily News Reporter

 

When Judith (not her real name) walked into the Victim Support Unit in Lusaka, she carried more than the weight of her trauma. She carried fear — fear of being judged, dismissed, or retraumatized by the very system meant to protect her.

Judith’s case of sexual violence was complex, involving both physical harm and emotional distress. For years, survivors like her often faced secondary trauma during investigations, where insensitive questioning or lack of support compounded their suffering.

But this time was different. The officers she met had recently undergone survivor-centered training. They listened with compassion, ensured her privacy, and explained each step of the process. Forensic evidence was carefully preserved, and she was guided through counselling and legal support.

The difference was palpable. Judith described feeling “seen and respected” — a stark contrast to the silence and stigma survivors often endure.

This case illustrates the transformative power of survivor-centered policing. By treating survivors with dignity and compassion, investigators not only strengthen trust in the justice system but also improve the chances of successful prosecution.

With ongoing training supported by international partners, Zambia Police are working to embed professionalism and empathy into their handling of SGBV cases. For survivors like Judith, this shift represents more than justice — it represents healing, resilience, and hope.

Meanwhile at Le Elementos Hotel in Lusaka, a group of police officers sat in anticipation as a new kind of training began — one designed not just to sharpen investigative skills, but to transform the way survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) are treated in the justice system.

And Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, represented by Commissioner Joseph Shanampota, opened the course with a clear message: survivors must be met with respect, dignity, and compassion. His words resonated deeply, acknowledging that while policing is about evidence and enforcement, it is also about humanity.

Mr. Musamba reminded officers that SGBV remains a serious threat to the safety and rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups. He urged investigators to uphold integrity and professionalism, ensuring efficiency at every stage of the justice process. “Survivors must never feel abandoned by the system meant to protect them,” he emphasized.

The training, tailored to international standards, is designed to equip officers with survivor-centred interviewing techniques, forensic evidence preservation skills, and the ability to maintain high professional standards in both domestic and peacekeeping contexts.

British Peace Support Team Africa’s Senior Police Advisor, General Zakia Husseein, also highlighted the complexity of SGBV cases, noting that they demand approaches beyond conventional policing. She acknowledged the challenges facing Zambia’s Victim Support Unit (VSU), but expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly enhance its capacity.

Speaking at the same meeting Victim Support Unit Assistant Director, Ms. Gloria Mubita, added that the impact of the training would extend far beyond the workshop. “This is about embedding professionalism and compassion into the DNA of the Zambia Police Service,” she said.

For survivors, the justice process can often feel daunting and retraumatizing. By placing dignity and respect at the center of investigations, the Zambia Police Service is signaling a shift toward a more empathetic and effective approach.

(c) All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 “EAZ Urges Vigilance to Sustain Inflation Gains”

By Daily News Reporter

 

The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) has hailed the Government’s success in bringing inflation down to single digits in January 2026, describing the achievement as a “national milestone in price stability.”

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the EAZ Board of Directors said the development marks a decisive policy victory after years of elevated inflationary pressures. The Association credited the outcome to strong political will, disciplined fiscal management by the Treasury, and consistent monetary policy by the Bank of Zambia.

The Board commended the central bank for its disciplined approach in anchoring inflation expectations through transparent communication and data-driven policy actions, which it said have strengthened confidence in financial markets. It also praised the Ministry of Finance and National Planning for maintaining fiscal restraint and prioritizing macroeconomic stability.

Acknowledging the role of private sector actors, civil society, cooperating partners, and the general public, the EAZ noted that collective efforts were crucial in supporting the path to stability.

While celebrating the milestone, the Association cautioned that sustaining single-digit inflation will require vigilance against supply-side shocks, fiscal slippages, and external vulnerabilities. It emphasized that long-term stability will depend on structural reforms, investment in productive capacity, and enhanced competitiveness across sectors.

EAZ has further urged the Government to prioritize sustained economic growth, strengthen productivity and value addition in key industries, and maintain a policy environment conducive to keeping inflation within the 6–8 percent range by 2030.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to offering independent economic insights and policy advocacy, stressing that predictable and moderate inflation will enhance household welfare, attract investment, promote job creation, and build lasting resilience in Zambia’s economy.

 

VEEP OPENS 2026 ZAMBIA–CHINA SPRING FESTIVAL TEMPLE FAIR

Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Her Honour Mutale V.K. Nalumango, has officially opened the 2026 Zambia–China Spring Festival Temple Fair, reaffirming the strong and enduring friendship between Zambia and the People’s Republic of China.

The vibrant ceremony, held at Levy Junction Mall in Lusaka, attracted government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the business community and the general public.

 The event was aimed at strengthening people-to-people exchanges while promoting trade, investment and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

In her keynote address, she highlighted China’s continued support to Zambia’s economic transformation through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

 She reiterated Government’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in value addition and beneficiation of natural resources, in line with the national industrialisation and job creation agenda.

The Vice President further encouraged Chinese investors to take advantage of Zambia’s favourable investment climate, emphasizing that enhanced investment flows would foster mutual benefit, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity.

And Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, said the Spring Festival Temple Fair demonstrates the transformative power of culture in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting cultural tourism.

Honourable Sikumba noted that cultural festivals of this nature convert heritage into a shared experience that stimulates tourism growth, promotes social cohesion and creates sustainable economic opportunities.

He emphasized that cultural tourism is more than commerce, describing it as a powerful instrument for preserving national identity, inspiring pride and driving long-term development. He therefore called for sustained collaboration between Zambia and China through cultural exchange and community engagement.

Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia Mr. Wang Sheng, said the Spring Festival Temple Fair reflects the deep-rooted friendship and growing cooperation between Zambia and China.

The Spring Festival Temple Fair is a symbol of the strong bond between our two countries. It promotes mutual understanding, cultural appreciation and people-to-people friendship, which form the foundation of China-Zambia relations.

The festival, held under the framework of the 2026 Year of People-to-People Exchanges between China and Africa, was organised in partnership with the Chinese Embassy in Zambia. It featured colourful cultural performances, exhibitions and interactive displays showcasing the rich traditions, cuisine and artistic heritage of both Zambia and China.

BRRA Reports Major Gains in Streamlining Business Licensing

By Daily News Reporter 

 The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) has announced its significant progress in advancing regulatory reforms aimed at creating a more conducive business environment in Zambia.

Speaking to journalists in Lusaka Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) Board Chairperson Mr. Dominic Kapalu highlighted key achievements recorded in 2025, including monitoring activities conducted across five provinces to assess regulatory practices and address challenges affecting the private sector.

The Agency undertook nine monitoring exercises involving chambers of commerce and industry, private businesses, sector associations and local authorities. The engagements resulted in the resolution of disputes between local authorities and businesses, particularly concerning goods in transit and the introduction or adjustment of charges without stakeholder consultation.

Mr Kapalu stated that findings from the monitoring activities have informed targeted reforms and policy adjustments designed to simplify procedures, reduce compliance costs and promote enterprise growth.

He also said that as part of the implementation of the Border Management and Trade Facilitation Act No. 8 of 2025, BRRA participated in the coordinated border management process, which led to the withdrawal of local authorities from operating at border points.

The collection of fees at entry and exit points has since been delegated to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). The move is intended to enhance efficiency, accountability and uniformity in revenue collection, while reducing delays and facilitating smoother trade flows.

BRRA also conducted a comprehensive review of the Regulatory Services Centres (RSCs), commonly known as one-stop shops, with support from the European Union under the Technical Assistance Project on an Inclusive Regulatory Environment Conducive to Business and Investment in Zambia.

The review assessed the effectiveness of RSCs, identified operational challenges and evaluated inter-agency coordination. Among the key recommendations was the adoption of a hybrid service delivery model integrating physical and digital platforms to improve accessibility and efficiency.

The Agency reported growth in the use of its electronic registry (e-registry), which provides up-to-date regulatory information to businesses and investors. In 2025, the platform recorded 190,869 visits, representing a 45 percent increase compared to 2024.

Mr Kapalu noted that the increase reflects growing confidence in digital regulatory platforms and underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance transparency and service delivery.

BRRA acknowledged the role of strategic partnerships in advancing its mandate, particularly through collaboration with the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF), which facilitates engagement between government and the private sector.

The Agency also received technical and financial support from cooperating partners, including the World Bank through the Zambia Agribusiness Trade Project (ZATP II), the African Development Bank through the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project and the European Union.

Mr Kapalu further recommended several regulatory agencies for implementing reforms aimed at simplifying compliance.

The Ministry of Energy was recognised for the Energy Single Licensing System (ESLS), through which the Energy Regulation Board issued 474 licences and 100 construction permits in 2025, translating into approximately K67.2 billion in pledged investments.

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) for introducing the Single-Disc Road Certificate, integrating road tax, vehicle fitness and insurance into one disc.

And the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) was also recognised for reducing environmental assessment fees and shortening review timelines following the enactment of Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2026.

He added  that BRRA has reaffirmed its commitment to finalising and implementing ongoing reforms aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, enhancing service delivery and strengthening investor confidence to support economic growth and job creation.

Nature, Carbon, and Climate Converge in Africa’s Investment Landscape”

By Daily News Reporter 

The global investment landscape is changing—and Africa is at its center. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation are no longer just environmental challenges. They are now shaping how investors assess risk, returns, and long-term economic resilience.

From water security to food systems and infrastructure, healthy ecosystems underpin the world economy. Yet the financial gap for protecting nature is enormous. 

And according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the global biodiversity finance gap could reach USD 942 billion per year by 2030, while current investment flows total just USD 200 billion annually, with private capital accounting for only USD 35 billion.

Despite this shortfall, private finance for nature is surging. In recent years, investment has grown more than tenfold—from USD 9.4 billion to over USD 100 billion—and analysts estimate it could soar to USD 1.45 trillion by 2030 if the current momentum continues. Carbon markets, nature-based solutions, and resilience infrastructure are increasingly treated as linked investment themes, creating a new frontier of asset classes.

For Africa, the stakes are particularly high. Natural capital—forests, wetlands, fisheries, and biodiversity—accounts for 30% to 50% of national wealth in many African countries, far exceeding traditional infrastructure or industrial assets. In South Africa alone, healthy ecosystems contribute over R275 billion (USD 14 billion) annually, roughly 7% of GDP.

Recent climate events provide a stark reminder of these risks. Flooding in parts of Kruger National Park and ongoing water stress in the Western Cape have underscored how ecosystem and climate shocks translate into economic losses, infrastructure damage, and fiscal pressure. These are no longer peripheral “sustainability issues”—they are core financial and investment risks.

(c) All Rights Reserved.

 ZAAB Calls on Citizens to Embrace Indigenous Foods and Traditions”

By Daily News Reporter 

My Food, My Identity: A National Call to Reclaim Zambia’s Food Heritage..................

In many Zambian homes, the aroma of ifisashi, chikanda, lumanda, or freshly pounded nshima once told stories of family, land, and belonging. These meals were more than food — they were identity, culture, and survival. Yet today, as fast foods and imported diets gain ground, those stories are slowly fading.

It is against this backdrop that the Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity (ZAAB), under the Food is African movement, has launched a powerful 7-day Focus Campaign titled “My Food, My Identity.” The campaign is a national call to reconnect Zambians with their indigenous foods, cultural knowledge, and sustainable farming systems that have nourished generations.

And ZAAB National Coordinator Mrs. Mutinta Nketani-Maseko emphasized that food is deeply personal — and profoundly political.

“Protecting our food heritage is not only about culture,” she said. “It is about safeguarding our health, our environment, and the future of our food systems.”

Across Zambia, especially among young people, the distance between farm and plate has grown wider. Many consumers no longer know where their food comes from, how it is grown, or the traditional wisdom behind it. Indigenous crops such as millet, sorghum, cassava, cowpeas, pumpkins, and wild fruits — once staples — are increasingly sidelined despite their high nutritional value and resilience to climate shocks.

The My Food, My Identity campaign seeks to reverse this trend.

Over the next seven days, ZAAB and its partners will spotlight how food shapes identity, connects families and communities, supports small-scale farmers, and strengthens climate-resilient food systems. Through storytelling, community engagement, and public dialogue, the campaign encourages Zambians to celebrate traditional dishes from all corners of the country and to choose locally produced foods.

For smallholder farmers, indigenous food systems are also a matter of survival. Agroecological practices rooted in local knowledge help farmers adapt to erratic rainfall, protect biodiversity, and reduce dependence on costly external inputs. By embracing indigenous foods, communities are also investing in sustainable livelihoods.

Nutrition experts agree that many traditional foods offer superior health benefits, helping to address rising levels of diet-related diseases. At the same time, preserving food heritage helps protect seed diversity — a critical resource in the face of climate change.

The campaign is intentionally inclusive. ZAAB is calling on elders, youth, farmers, chefs, storytellers, and consumers alike to share their food stories — from family recipes and farming traditions to memories tied to specific meals.

At its heart, My Food, My Identity is about pride — pride in who Zambians are, where their food comes from, and the knowledge passed down through generations.

As Zambia looks toward a future shaped by climate uncertainty and changing diets, the message from ZAAB is clear: the answers may already be on our plates.

Zambia Urged to Shift From Cholera Response to Prevention

By Daily News Reporter 

In a country with the technical know-how, experienced health professionals, and decades of lessons learned, cholera should no longer be a recurring headline. Yet in 2026, Zambia continues to battle a disease that experts agree is entirely preventable.

It was this uncomfortable reality that took centre stage at the Public Health and WASH Evidence Forum, convened by WaterAid Zambia in Lusaka. The high-level gathering brought together senior government leaders, cooperating partners, researchers, civil society organisations, and the media—not to respond to an outbreak, but to ask a harder question: why does cholera keep coming back?

At the heart of the discussion was a clear message from WaterAid Zambia: emergency response alone is not enough.

“It is shameful that Zambia is still grappling with cholera in 2026,” said WaterAid Zambia Country Director Yankho Mataya, speaking candidly to the audience. 

"We have the knowledge and the capacity to eliminate this disease. What we lack is sustained investment in prevention.” Mataya said.

The most recent outbreak in 2023–2024 claimed more lives, many of them in densely populated and underserved communities. For WaterAid, these deaths tell a deeper story—one of persistent gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

" Cholera is not just about bacteria,” Mataya explained. “It is about where people live, whether they have safe water to drink, dignified sanitation, and the means to practice basic hygiene. When those systems fail, cholera thrives.”

The Evidence Forum also marked the launch of two critical research reports, designed to strengthen the use of data and evidence in shaping Zambia’s cholera elimination efforts. The findings reinforced a familiar but often overlooked truth: while millions of kwacha are mobilised during outbreaks, far less is invested in long-term WASH infrastructure that could prevent outbreaks altogether.

Participants reflected on how repeated cycles of panic, emergency funding, and short-term fixes have become normalised—despite their limited impact. Civil society organisations and researchers highlighted that communities most affected by cholera are often the same ones left behind in urban planning, service delivery, and public investment.

For government officials in attendance, the forum was both a moment of reckoning and opportunity. Zambia has committed to eliminating cholera, but achieving that goal will require stronger political leadership, coordinated action across sectors, and increased domestic financing for WASH.

WaterAid Zambia emphasised that prevention must move from the margins to the centre of national development planning. Clean water systems, safe sanitation, and hygiene promotion, the organisation argued, are not optional add-ons but foundational public health investments.

As the forum concluded, one message resonated clearly: cholera deaths are not inevitable. They are the result of choices—about where resources are directed, whose communities are prioritised, and whether prevention is valued as much as response.

For WaterAid Zambia, the path forward is clear. Until the country commits fully to long-term WASH solutions, cholera will continue to expose the cost of inaction.

ZAMBEEF Drives Zambia's Economic Growth with job creation and Investment 

By Daily News Reporter 

ZAMBEEF'S Impressive Performance has driven Zambia economy. The company has so far boosted its development through its $100 Million investments in 2022 with $60Miilion being actualized which demonstrates its commitment to the country.

Wiih 8,000 direct jobs and 300,000 indirect jobs created, ZAMBEEF Limited is making a significant impact. Its focus on efficiency, cost optimization, and people development has enabled a 10% price reduction in shoes and other products, benefiting customers.

Speaking at a Manufacturing Companies media engagement in Lusaka ZAMBEEF Executive Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Mr Ezekiel Sekele stated that government's efforts to manage macroeconomic fundamentals, coupled with the private sector's growth strategies, are paying off. 

He also said that Zambia's stable exchange rate and controlled inflation create a conducive environment for continued growth.

ZAMBEEF's story showcases the power of collaboration between the private sector and government in driving economic growth and improving lives.

 As Zambia's growth story unfolds, ZAMB remains a key player to partner with.