Zambia’s Regulators Join Forces to Protect Flyers and Strengthen Aviation Fairness

By Daily News Reporter

At the Civil Aviation Authority headquarters in Lusaka, a new partnership was sealed that promises to reshape Zambia’s aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen oversight of airline pricing, promote fair competition, and safeguard consumer rights.

Speaking at the Signing MOU ceremony in Lusaka CCPC Executive Director, Mrs. Eunice Phiri Hamavhungwa, described the MoU as a shared pledge to ensure “the wings of commerce in our skies operate under the highest standards of integrity.” She emphasized that aviation is more than transport—it is a lifeline for trade, tourism, and connectivity. With liberalisation opening Zambia’s skies to new players, she noted, stronger safeguards are essential to protect consumers and ensure fair market practices.

The agreement aligns Zambia with international and regional frameworks such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, the Yamoussoukro Decision, and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). These initiatives encourage liberalised air services but also demand robust competition and consumer protection.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in information sharing, market monitoring, joint investigations, complaint handling, and capacity building. Mrs. Hamavhungwa explained that this will help tackle issues such as abuse of dominance, price fixing, and unfair trading practices. Importantly, both institutions will remain independently mandated, ensuring regulatory balance while strengthening collaboration.

And Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General Captain Derrick F. Luembe called the partnership a significant step in improving regulatory coordination. He stressed that aviation is a key driver of economic growth, tourism, and regional integration. Grounded in the Competition and Consumer Protection Act, the MoU empowers the CCPC to prevent anti-competitive behaviour while supporting the CAA’s oversight role.

Captain Luembe highlighted that the collaboration will enhance transparency in airfares, improve complaint handling, and strengthen regulatory consistency. A Joint Working Committee will be established to facilitate technical cooperation, including joint market studies, investigations, and information sharing.

Both leaders warned against anti-competitive practices such as price fixing and abuse of dominance, which distort markets and harm consumers. They clarified that the MoU does not introduce price controls or regulate airfares—pricing will remain determined by market forces such as demand, operating costs, and airline business models. Rising fuel costs, driven by global geopolitical factors, were acknowledged as a major challenge for the industry.

Mrs. Hamavhungwa reiterated that the agreement is not about controlling prices but about ensuring fair competition and transparency. Captain Luembe reaffirmed the CAA’s commitment to working with the CCPC and other stakeholders to promote a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused aviation sector.

With this MoU, Zambia’s regulators have signaled a clear message: the skies must remain open, fair, and accountable—where consumers are protected, competition thrives, and aviation continues to drive national and regional progress.

 Mercury use in gold mining in Mpika, a ticking time bomb

By Lloyd Mwape, Caesar Sindele, Sarah Kayombo, Alliness Zulu, Purity Mafunga & Lucy Nambela

What once flowed as life-giving water in Kanyelele and surrounding areas now carries a hidden danger. As mercury use in gold extraction intensifies, communities downstream face a silent but escalating threat, one that risks widespread poisoning and turns daily survival into uncertainty.

Investigations reveal that unskilled and illegal miners operating in Kanyelele are openly using mercury to extract alluvial gold.

During panning, miners mix water, mercury and ore in small basins, allowing the mercury to bind with gold particles for easier separation.

“When the mercury binds with the gold, it helps us separate it from the soil,” one miner explained.

Due to limited water at mining sites, miners admitted they frequently relocate operations to nearby streams, including the Munenshi stream, one of the main water sources for local communities.

“We don’t have enough water at the site, so we go to the river,” another miner said.

The process does not end there. After extraction, miners burn the mercury-gold amalgam in open air, releasing toxic mercury vapour into the environment.

“The heat evaporates the mercury and leaves the gold behind,” a miner added.

But the environmental and health consequences are severe.

Ward Development Committee Vice Chairperson Davies Chama says the situation has spiraled out of control, with miners polluting water sources with little regard for regulations or community safety.

Residents are already feeling the impact. Amos Chisenga, a local villager, says access to clean water has become a daily struggle.

“The river water is discoloured. We now have to walk long distances to find safe water,” he said, calling on authorities to intervene urgently.

Health expert Teddy Mulenga warns that mercury exposure poses long-term and often irreversible health risks.

“Mercury is extremely dangerous. It can be absorbed through the skin and attacks the central nervous system,” he explained. “In the short term, people may experience tremors or numbness. Over time, it leads to memory loss and chronic neurological conditions.”

He added that mercury exposure can also damage vital organs.

“The liver is affected first, and as it begins to fail, the kidneys are also compromised,” he said.

Mulenga further explained that when mercury enters water bodies, it is converted by bacteria into methylmercury, a highly toxic compound that accumulates in fish. Communities consuming contaminated fish are unknowingly exposed, with pregnant women and children facing the highest risk.

Environmental expert James Matches has described the situation as a “ticking time bomb,” citing the unregulated use of mercury and cyanide in the gold rush.

“The contamination of water bodies is already evident. What we are seeing is a double impact- both the soil and water systems are being polluted,” he said.

Matches noted that most of the mining activities are being conducted without oversight, certification, or adherence to environmental safeguards.

Under the Zambia Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, it is an offence to discharge or apply any poisonous, toxic, or polluting substance into the environment in a manner that causes harm to human health, water resources, or biodiversity. The law further requires that any activity likely to have an environmental impact, such as mining- must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and be approved by the Zambia Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA).

The Act also sets strict guidelines on the handling, storage, transportation, and use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide. Failure to comply can result in penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or both.

“In this case, it is clear that these operations are not compliant,” Matches said. “There is no evidence of ZEMA certification or adherence to safe chemical handling procedures.”

He said that the lack of accountability in waste disposal is worsening the crisis.

“These mining processes require large volumes of water, yet no one is monitoring where contaminated water or tailings are discharged. This is dangerous for both ecosystems and human settlements downstream,” he said.

The environmental cost is equally alarming. Contamination threatens aquatic life, vegetation, and the broader ecosystem, raising concerns about long-term biodiversity loss in the area.

Matches also questioned the apparent lack of political and traditional leadership intervention, accusing some local authorities of prioritizing short-term economic gains over environmental protection.

“We risk sacrificing the future for immediate financial benefit. This is something we will regret if urgent action is not taken,” he warned.

While acknowledging that many residents have turned to gold mining as a means of survival, Matches stressed that economic opportunities must not come at the expense of public health.

“We cannot have a wealthy but sick population. Development must be sustainable and protect human life,” he said.

Experts are now calling for urgent intervention, including stricter enforcement of environmental laws, community sensitization and the introduction of safer, mercury-free mining technologies.

FAWEZA Enrolls 750 learners in GCE Centres to Expand University Access 

By Daily News Reporter 

For thousands of young Zambians, missing out on direct university entry has often meant the end of an academic journey. For others, especially girls and those living with disabilities, the barriers are even higher—ranging from poverty and isolation to lack of structured academic support.

From this view the Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) unveiled a transformative programme that is giving 750 young people a second chance at education through structured GCE remedial learning centres hosted in universities across the country.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka, FAWEZA Executive Director Costern Kanchele  stated that the initiative is a deliberate intervention to bridge long-standing gaps in access to tertiary education.

“Education must not be a privilege for a few—it must be an opportunity for all,” he said. 

“This programme is about reaching those who were left behind and giving them a meaningful pathway into higher education.” Mr Kanchele said.

For years, Zambia’s General Certificate of Education (GCE) pathway has served as an alternative route for learners seeking to improve their O-level results. However, the absence of structured learning environments, access to teachers, and academic support has often led to poor outcomes.

Many learners studied in isolation, relying on outdated materials and limited guidance—conditions that made success difficult, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr. Kanchele said that instead of leaving learners to navigate the system alone, the programme embeds them within five major universities, where they receive structured lessons, mentorship, and access to laboratories—resources typically reserved for full-time students.

The 750 learners will access through these institutions include the University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, Mulungushi University, Eden University, and Apex Medical University.

Mr. Kanchele added that in these environments, learners are not just preparing for exams—they are being immersed in the culture of higher education.

Out of the 750 participants, 609 are female—representing over 80 percent—reflecting FAWEZA’s long-standing commitment to advancing girls’ education. The programme also includes 40 learners with disabilities and 27 refugees, groups that are often excluded from mainstream education systems.

This deliberate targeting is rooted in FAWEZA’s broader mission to promote equitable access to quality education, particularly for marginalized populations.

“Leaving no one behind is not just a slogan—it is a responsibility,” Dr.Kanchele Said.

Further Mr. Kanchele said that these learners who successfully complete their GCE and meet the required grades will transition into tertiary education, with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields—areas where participation, especially among young women, has historically been low.

By linking remedial education directly to university pathways, the initiative creates a seamless bridge between secondary and higher education—turning what was once a dead end into a viable route forward.

It aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. It also resonates with the UNESCO Education 2030 Framework and the African Union Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16–25), both of which emphasize inclusive systems and flexible learning pathways.

The initiative was launched during Global Action Week for Education 2026, under the theme “Education Financing – Holding the Flame High for a Resilient Future,” reinforcing the idea that investment in education must translate into tangible opportunities.

The organisation says it is committed to working with government, universities, and cooperating partners to sustain and scale up the model, potentially reaching thousands more young people across Zambia.

The 750 learners currently enrolled are seen not just as beneficiaries, but as proof of concept—evidence that with the right support systems, barriers to education can be overcome.

Behind each number is a story: a young woman who refused to give up, a student who studied without guidance, a refugee rebuilding a future through learning.

Together, they represent something larger—a shift in how Zambia approaches education for its most vulnerable citizens.

In a country striving to build a resilient and inclusive future, FAWEZA’s initiative is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful investment is not just in education itself—but in the second chances that make it accessible to all.

New Journalism Initiative Aims to Expose Water Pollution and Strengthen Accountability in Zambia

By Daily News Reporter 

In many mining communities across Zambia especially Copperbelt Province, water is no longer just a natural resource—it is a source of anxiety. Streams once used for drinking, farming, and daily life are increasingly threatened by pollution, leaving residents caught between economic progress and environmental survival like the incident which happened where water was polluted with chemicals.

It is against this backdrop that a new initiative has been launched to empower journalists to investigate and expose environmental injustices, while fostering collaboration between communities, government, and industry.

At the centre of this effort is the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI), which has unveiled a programme focused on strengthening environmental accountability through investigative journalism and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Speaking during the launch of Investigative Environmental Journalism and Water Governance in Kitwe Copperbelt Province Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) Executive Director Mundia Paul Hakoola described the initiative as both timely and necessary, pointing to growing concerns over water pollution and weak enforcement of environmental regulations in mining-affected regions such as the Copperbelt and North-Western Province.

(CLRI Executive Director Mundia Paul Hakoola)

“These are not just environmental issues,” Hakoola said. “They affect people’s health, their livelihoods, and their dignity.”

Across these regions, communities have long raised concerns about contaminated water sources, often with limited access to reliable information or platforms to amplify their voices. While regulatory frameworks exist, gaps in enforcement and transparency have continued to undermine public confidence.

The new programme seeks to bridge that gap by equipping 25 journalists and media students with investigative reporting skills tailored to environmental issues. Participants will be supported to produce up to 10 in-depth investigative stories that bring hidden realities to light.

It is designed as a broader accountability mechanism—one that connects evidence with action. Through planned multi-stakeholder forums, the project will bring together regulators, civil society organisations, mining companies, and affected communities to engage directly on findings from investigative reports.

“Investigative journalism helps uncover the truth and validate what communities are experiencing,” he said. “But real change happens when that evidence is brought into spaces where dialogue and solutions can emerge.”  Mr. Hakoola said 

The programme is being implemented in partnership with Water Witness International, with support from the Fair Water Action Fund—organisations that share a commitment to advancing water security and environmental justice.

Government institutions, particularly the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, have also been recognised as critical partners in the initiative. Their role in strengthening compliance and promoting responsible mining practices is expected to complement the work of journalists and civil society.

For aspiring environmental reporters attending the launch, the programme represents an opportunity to do more than just tell stories—it offers a chance to make a tangible impact.

Mr Hakoola urged journalists to approach their work with professionalism, courage, and ethical responsibility, especially when dealing with complex and sensitive issues involving powerful stakeholders.

“This is about telling stories that matter,” Mr. Hakoola said. “Stories that can inform policy, empower communities, and drive meaningful change.”

The initiative is expected to reach over 300,000 people through media coverage, public engagement, and community dialogue—a scale that underscores both the urgency of the problem and the ambition of the solution.

As Zambia continues to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, the role of investigative journalism is becoming increasingly vital. By shining a light on hidden challenges and creating space for dialogue, initiatives like this could help shape a future where development does not come at the cost of clean water and community well-being.

 DVR AN OPTION FOR WOMEN 

By Daily News Reporter 

For years, the fight against HIV for many women and girls in Zambia has not only been about access to health services, but about power—power to choose, to negotiate, and to protect themselves.

At the University Teaching Hospital, that dynamic began to shift with the launch of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR), a discreet, long-acting HIV prevention method designed specifically for women.

The monthly ring, introduced by the Ministry of Health, represents more than just another medical innovation. For many, it signals a turning point in how HIV prevention is approached—placing control directly into the hands of women.

Ministry of Health Minister Dr. Alex Katakwe said "This is not just about a product—it is about people,”  during the launch. “It is about the young woman who dreams of a future free of HIV, and about empowering communities with knowledge, choice, and dignity.”

Zambia’s HIV response has made measurable gains over the past decade. New infections have dropped significantly, and more people than ever are accessing life-saving treatment.

Young people aged 15 to 24 account for a large share of new infections, with adolescent girls and young women facing a risk more than three times higher than their male counterparts. For many, prevention is shaped not just by awareness, but by social realities—limited negotiating power in relationships, economic vulnerability, and stigma.

Unlike condoms or daily pills, the ring is woman-controlled and can be used discreetly. Once inserted, it provides protection for up to a month—without the need for daily action or partner negotiation.

The Dapivirine Vaginal Ring is part of a broader shift toward diversified HIV prevention—one that recognizes that no single method works for everyone.

For Zambia, this is not the first step in that direction. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and long-acting injectable options have already been introduced. But the DVR fills a critical gap: it is specifically designed with women’s realities in mind.

“Prevention is not a one-size-fits-all service,” Dr. Katakwe emphasized. “Every individual deserves access to options that align with their needs and life circumstances.”

The ring’s introduction also reflects years of research and community engagement. Women across Africa participated in clinical trials that helped bring the product to approval—often driven by the hope of finding a method they could control themselves.

The initial rollout will begin at three facilities in Lusaka, with plans to expand gradually. But experts say availability alone will not guarantee success.

In many communities, misconceptions about new health products can spread quickly. Without clear information and community engagement, even the most promising tools can go underused.

That is why the Ministry of Health says it will focus not only on supply, but also on education—working with healthcare providers, civil society, and community leaders to ensure women understand and feel confident using the ring.

It represents a shift toward recognizing HIV prevention as not just a biomedical issue, but a social and gender issue—one that requires solutions rooted in real-life experiences.

For a young woman who cannot insist on condom use, the ring offers privacy.

For one balancing school, work, or family pressures, it offers convenience.

For many, it offers something that has often been missing: autonomy.

Zambia’s ambition to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 remains within reach—but only if prevention efforts continue to evolve.

The introduction of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring is one such evolution: a blend of science, policy, and lived experience.

“The Dapivirine Vaginal Ring is more than a scientific advancement,” Dr. Katakwe said. “It is a testament to what we can achieve when innovation meets political will and community action.”

As the rollout begins, the measure of success will not lie in policy documents or launch events, but in the lives of women and girls across the country—those who will now have one more way to protect their future. 

And speaking at the same launch Ascend Future Foundations Executive Director Dr. Chilufya Kasanda add that this option gives women autonomy over their health while addressing social and structural barriers.

( Chilufya Kasanda Ascend Future Foundations)

 And Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia ( PPAZ) Representative Lester Phiri also added that DVR is a valuable addition to the country Innovation in HIV prevention.

 HRC Resolves 82 of 100 Cases, Highlights Systemic Labour and Justice Failures

By Daily News Reporter 

In a gowing pattern of labour exploitation, prolonged detentions, and systemic inefficiencies in Zambia’s justice system has come into sharp focus, following a comprehensive review of human rights cases by the Human Rights Commission (HRC).

Presenting the findings in Lusaka, HRC Chairperson Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo painted a picture that goes beyond statistics—one that reflects the everyday struggles of vulnerable workers, detainees, and communities across the country.

Dr. Sambo said that the Commission reviewed 100 cases during its two-day meeting held from April 14 to 15, resolving 82 of them through mediation, redress, and institutional intervention.

" However, 18 cases remain under active investigation, underscoring the persistence of unresolved rights violations. But it is the nature of these cases—not just their number—that is raising alarm," said Dr. Sambo.

Among the most troubling findings is the widespread underpayment of workers, particularly domestic workers, security guards, and general labourers. Despite clear legal provisions, many employers are failing to comply with the statutory minimum wage.

Zambia’s Employment Code sets the minimum wage for domestic workers at K1,300 per month. Yet, the Commission revealed that some workers are earning as little as K800—barely enough to sustain basic living standards.

For many, this is not just an economic issue but a violation of dignity.

“These workers form a critical part of Zambia’s labour force, yet remain among the most vulnerable and least protected,” Dr. Sambo said,

She further emphasising that minimum wage compliance is not optional but a legal obligation.

Dr. Sambo also warned that such practices undermine the right to fair and just working conditions and pledged to intensify engagement with labour authorities to strengthen enforcement.

"Equally concerning are continued violations within the criminal justice system, particularly the over-detention of suspects," she added.

The Commission cited numerous cases where individuals were held in custody beyond the legally permitted 24-hour period without appearing before a court—often for minor offences such as petty theft or use of insulting language.

In some instances, suspects remained detained for weeks or even months due to delays in obtaining essential forensic reports. The lack of adequately equipped laboratories has forced reliance on centralised facilities in Lusaka, leaving suspects in remote areas such as Choma and Mongu in prolonged legal limbo.

In one striking example, suspects accused of serious offences were detained for up to 90 days while awaiting pathologists’ reports.

“These practices constitute serious violations of fundamental human rights,” she  noted, warning that such delays not only erode public trust but also expose the State to costly legal consequences.

The review also highlighted structural challenges within the justice system, including limited judicial infrastructure. In provinces like Muchinga, suspects are often transported long distances to access court services, only to remain in remand due to procedural delays.

This reality makes it difficult for many accused persons—particularly those from low-income backgrounds—to meet bail conditions, effectively prolonging their detention.

The ripple effects are significant. At the latest sitting alone, the Commission referred 56 cases to the Legal Aid Board for potential compensation claims against the State, signalling a growing financial risk linked to human rights violations.

Beyond labour and criminal justice issues, the Commission also raised concerns about land-related disputes involving traditional leaders. Cases were recorded in which individuals were evicted from customary land previously allocated to them—raising questions about property rights and potential discrimination.

While such cases were fewer in number, the Commission stressed their potential to disrupt livelihoods and social stability, calling for stronger engagement with traditional authorities to promote accountability and human rights compliance.

For the Human Rights Commission, the findings are not just a technical assessment—they are a reflection of lived experiences.

“The cases reviewed are not merely statistics. They reflect the lived realities of our fellow human beings,” Dr. Sambo said.

Behind each case lies a story: a domestic worker struggling to survive on below-minimum wages, a detainee waiting weeks for a court appearance, or a family displaced from land they once called home.

In response, the Commission has outlined a multi-pronged approach. This includes strengthening collaboration with the Labour Commissioner to enforce wage laws, enhancing public awareness on rights and responsibilities, and engaging law enforcement agencies to address unlawful detentions.

It also plans to work closely with the Legal Aid Board to support vulnerable victims and push for reforms that reduce the State’s exposure to compensation claims.

At the heart of these efforts is a broader goal: to build a culture where human rights are not only recognised in law.

As Zambia continues to pursue economic growth and institutional reform, the Commission’s findings serve as a timely reminder that development must go hand in hand with the protection of human dignity.

For now, the message from the Human Rights Commission is clear—laws exist, but enforcement must follow. And until it does, the most vulnerable will continue to bear the cost.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report violations through the Commission’s toll-free line 8181 and provincial offices, reinforcing the idea that safeguarding human rights is a shared national responsibility.

 Silwimba Welcomes UPND Convention Results, Appeals for Electoral Peace”

(President of the Bishop’s Council of Zambia, Bishop Martin Suwilanji Silwimba)

By Daily News Reporter 

As Zambia edges closer to the August general elections, calls for peace and political maturity are growing louder, with religious leaders once again stepping into the national conversation.

In Lusaka, President of the Bishop’s Council of Zambia, Bishop Martin Suwilanji Silwimba, has welcomed the outcome of the United Party for National Development (UPND) general convention, which saw President Hakainde Hichilema re-elected unopposed as party leader.

Speaking to the Daily News, Bishop Silwimba described the convention outcome as a sign of continuity within the ruling party and urged members to remain united as the country prepares for a highly anticipated election season.

“Leadership comes from God, so there is need for unity in the country,” he said. “The church is here to promote peace and unity.”

His remarks come at a politically sensitive moment, with parties intensifying internal mobilization and positioning ahead of the August polls.

Bishop Silwimba further appealed to both ruling and opposition political players to ensure that the electoral period remains peaceful, warning against any form of violence or division.

“Before the general election, the church expects the opposition and the ruling party to remain in peace,” he said. “We don’t want to see confusion and violence during, before and after general elections.”

The UPND recently concluded its general convention, where delegates reaffirmed confidence in President Hichilema’s leadership ahead of the national vote. The event was widely seen as a show of internal cohesion within the ruling party.

The Bishop’s Council of Zambia, which regularly issues statements on governance and national issues, has in recent years positioned itself as a moral voice calling for dialogue, restraint, and national unity during politically charged periods.

As campaign season gathers momentum, religious voices like Bishop Silwimba’s are expected to remain central in shaping public discourse—particularly around peace, tolerance, and democratic conduct.

For many observers, his message reflects a familiar but urgent reminder: that beyond political competition lies the deeper challenge of preserving national stability before, during, and after elections.

Zambia’s Construction Boom Meets Reality as 24-Hour Economy Push Gains Ground”

(Left: professor Paul L.K. Makasa Executive Director NCC and Right side Arch.  Mr. Chance Kaonga, Director Registration and Regulation)

By Daily News Reporter 

On the outskirts of Lusaka, the sounds of construction echo through the morning air—steel striking steel, engines humming, and workers moving with quiet urgency. It is a familiar scene in a sector that is rapidly expanding. But if government ambitions take hold, this activity may soon continue long after dark.

Zambia’s construction industry is entering a transformative phase, driven by rising contractor registrations, increased infrastructure demand, and the push toward a 24-hour economy. Yet beneath the momentum lies a complex mix of opportunity, imbalance, and growing regulatory pressure.

According to the National Council for Construction (NCC), more than 10,000 contractors were registered in the first quarter of 2026—a 23 percent increase from the same period last year. The surge signals a shift toward formalisation, bringing more players into the regulated system.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka NCC Executive Director Paul L. K. Makasa,  that the trend is encouraging—but not sufficient.

“Formalisation is important, but it does not automatically translate into quality or compliance,” he said.

Most of the newly registered contractors fall into lower categories, particularly Grade 6, which is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises. 

 He also noted that These firms play a critical role in delivering community-level projects such as schools, clinics, and local infrastructure.

"however, their growth is constrained by limited access to financing, equipment, and technical expertise—factors that often affect project delivery," Mr. makasa said.

Industry observations show that while some sites meet required standards, others struggle with delays, poor supervision, and funding challenges. In certain cases, regulators have been forced to shut down non-compliant projects, underscoring the gap between registration and actual performance.

Mr Makasa added that despite the high number of local contractors, a significant imbalance persists in the allocation of construction work. Zambian-owned firms make up over 96 percent of registered contractors but account for only about 12 percent of the total value of projects. Large-scale developments remain largely in the hands of foreign companies.

The disparity highlights longstanding challenges around capacity, access to capital, and procurement systems that tend to favour more established international firms.

At the same time, the sector continues to be a major source of employment, with over 94 percent of jobs going to Zambian workers. Yet participation remains uneven, particularly for women, who are still underrepresented on construction sites.

Efforts are underway to address this imbalance. The NCC has introduced outreach programmes aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in construction-related fields, including engineering and skilled trades.

Meanwhile, Arch. Chance Kaonga, Director Registration and Regulation also added that the government’s push for a 24-hour economy is expected to reshape the sector even further.

Mr Kaonga said that implemented effectively, round-the-clock operations could accelerate project delivery, reduce costs, and boost economic activity. But industry experts warn that construction presents unique risks that cannot be ignored.

Unlike manufacturing, construction sites require high levels of supervision and safety control. Night work introduces additional challenges, including reduced visibility, worker fatigue, and security concerns.

There are also broader logistical questions, including the reliability of power supply and the readiness of supporting infrastructure to sustain continuous operations.

For regulators, the priority remains clear: ensuring that increased productivity does not come at the expense of safety and quality.

He added that as Zambia pushes forward with its development agenda, the construction sector stands at a critical juncture—balancing rapid growth with the need for stronger oversight, greater inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.

The foundations being laid today, industry observers say, will determine not only how fast the country builds—but how well it builds for the future.

 Embrace Your God-Given Role, Rev.  Pushi Tells Women and Youth

By Daily News Reporter 

In a modern aspirations often meet at a delicate crossroads, Reverend Dr. Agness Kaposa Pushi is urging Zambians—especially women and young people—not to choose between the two, but to embrace both with purpose.

Her message is not delivered from a place of abstraction, but from deep conviction: that within every woman and every young person lies a God-given role waiting to be fulfilled.

Standing at the intersection of faith, culture, and leadership, Reverend Dr. Pushi speaks with clarity about the enduring influence of women in society. She describes them as “keepers and tutors”—a phrase that evokes images of mothers, grandmothers, and mentors shaping lives far beyond the walls of their homes.

In many Zambian communities, the role of a woman extends beyond caregiving. She is the first teacher, the custodian of values, and often the quiet architect of character. It is this responsibility that Reverend Dr. Pushi believes must not be lost in a rapidly changing world.

“A mother is a child’s first teacher of tradition and respect,” she emphasizes, calling on older women to intentionally pass down moral values, faith, and life skills to the younger generation.

Yet her message does not end in the home—it expands outward.

At a time when conversations around gender equality and youth participation are gaining momentum, Reverend Dr. Pushi is clear: women and young people must not remain on the sidelines. Whether in governance, civil society, business, or public service, their presence is not optional—it is necessary.

“Your voices are needed,” she says, in what feels less like encouragement and more like a call to action.

For women in ministry, her words carry a special weight. She reminds them that their calling is valid and vital, urging them to step forward and serve faithfully, even in spaces that have traditionally been male-dominated.

But perhaps the most striking part of her message is directed at Zambia’s youth.

She refers to them as “potential Zambians”—a phrase that captures both promise and responsibility. In her view, young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are already shaping the Zambia of today through their choices, values, and ambitions.

Her advice is simple but profound: pursue education, uphold integrity, and recognize the power within.

In a nation rich with cultural heritage, Reverend Dr. Pushi also raises a gentle but firm warning—modernity must not come at the expense of identity. She calls on women to preserve and pass on Zambia’s customs and traditions, ensuring that future generations remain rooted even as they reach for new horizons.

Ultimately, her message is one of unity.

Unity between generations.

Unity between faith and action.

Unity between tradition and progress.

As she closes her remarks with a blessing over the nation, one thing becomes clear: Reverend Dr. Agness Kaposa Pushi is not just speaking to women and youth—she is shaping a vision of Zambia where leadership is inclusive, values are preserved, and every individual understands their role in building the future.

 China Community in Lusaka Pays Tribute to Kaweche Kaunda 

By Daily News Reporter 

Chinese community in Lusaka joined Zambians in mourning the death of Kaweche Kaunda, describing his passing as a significant loss to the long-standing friendship between Zambia and China.

Kaweche Kaunda, son of Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda, died suddenly in Ndola last week.

Speaking to Daily News after a memorial church service held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Zambia–Chinese Association Executive President Wu Ming said that Kaweche’s death had brought deep sorrow to both Zambia and China.

Mr Wu also said the late Kaweche played an important role in preserving and strengthening the historical ties between the two countries, which date back to the early years of Zambia’s independence.

“His passing is a great loss not only to the Kaunda family but also to the people of Zambia and the enduring friendship we share with China. He will be greatly missed,” Mr. Ming said.

Zambia and China have maintained strong diplomatic and economic relations since 1964, built on mutual cooperation, trade, and infrastructure development. Among the most enduring symbols of this partnership is the TAZARA Railway, constructed in the 1970s with Chinese support during President Kaunda’s administration.

The railway remains a powerful symbol of solidarity between the two nations, particularly during Southern Africa’s liberation struggles.

In recent years, China has continued to play a key role as one of Zambia’s major development partners, investing in sectors such as mining, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

The memorial service attracted a diverse gathering of mourners, including government officials, diplomats, church leaders, and members of the public, underscoring the wide-reaching influence of the Kaunda family.

Kaweche Kaunda’s death has been widely felt across the country, with tributes continuing to pour in from various sectors of society.

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 No Bail for Sexual Offenders: Zambia Takes Tough Stand on GBV

By Daily News Reporter 

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has welcomed the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2026, which makes all sexual offences non-bailable in Zambia.

In a statement issued to Daily News Today, NGOCC described the development as a landmark legal reform aimed at strengthening the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

NGOCC Executive Director, Ms. Anne Mbewe-Anamela, said the amendment sends a strong message that offences such as rape, defilement, and incest are serious crimes that require firm legal action.

She noted that removing bail for such offences will help prevent suspects from interfering with investigations, tampering with evidence, or intimidating witnesses, thereby improving the chances of successful prosecution.

“The law enhances the integrity of the justice system and reinforces public confidence,” she said.

She further stated that the reform reflects sustained advocacy efforts by civil society organisations, which have long called for stricter legal measures to address the growing cases of GBV in the country.

The organisation observed that women and girls remain the most affected by sexual violence, describing the situation as a crisis that requires urgent and decisive action.

It expressed hope that the new law will contribute to a shift in societal attitudes by discouraging impunity and addressing the normalization of sexual violence.

NGOCC has since urged government to complement the reform with the establishment of fast-track courts dedicated to GBV cases to ensure timely delivery of justice for survivors.

The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2026, is expected to play a critical role in strengthening Zambia’s legal framework in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence