Zambia Targets 80 Million Kilograms in New Tobacco Season

By Daily News Reporter

The hum of voices and the rustle of tobacco bales filled the TAZ Sales Floor in Lusaka today as Zambia officially opened the 2025/2026 tobacco marketing season, a moment that government and industry leaders described as pivotal for farmers, buyers, and the national economy.

Speaking during the launch Ministry of Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri congratulated growers for their resilience, noting that their months of hard work “often undertaken under very difficult conditions” had produced a crop that sustains families and contributes to foreign exchange earnings and employment. 

Mr. Mtolo highlighted Zambia’s record 72 million kilograms of tobacco sales  in the previous season, calling it a reflection of farmer dedication, partner commitment, and effective policy interventions. He announced that government has increased the number of licensed buyers and established additional sales floors to decentralize the system, reduce costs, and improve farmer profitability.

The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) has set a national target of 80 million kilograms for the new season. And Speaking at the same event TBZ Board Chairperson Dr. Phil Daka emphasized that discipline and accountability across the value chain will be critical to achieving it. TBZ has expanded its inspectorate and strengthened traceability systems to ensure transparency and compliance.

“Every issue to do with pricing, crop quality, and competitiveness – we are running the same race as stakeholders,” Dr. Daka said, urging merchants to honor contracts and farmers to avoid practices such as nesting, which undermine confidence in Zambian tobacco.

 Despite optimism, leaders acknowledged global challenges. Dr. Daka noted that oversupply and subdued demand are putting downward pressure on prices, urging merchants to offer fair rates that reflect the true quality of Zambian tobacco. 

Meanwhile TBZ Executive Director Robert Mwale described the season as “a moment of relief and pride” for growers, stressing that success depends on dialogue, mutual respect, and fairness.

“Our vision is a win-win: a fair price for the grower, a return for the sponsor, and growth for Zambia through jobs, taxes, and foreign exchange,” Mwale said.   

Emmanuel Matsvaire, CEO of Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB). He reported that Zimbabwe had sold 200 million kilograms of tobacco by day 42 of its season — a 30% increase year-on-year — valued at approximately $517 million. Yet prices have declined to around $2.50 per kilogram, with rejection rates rising. 

Matsvaire highlighted common industry challenges including price volatility, post-harvest losses, farmer viability, deforestation, and sustainability. He said Zimbabwe is prioritizing reforestation, alternative curing technologies, stronger contract farming frameworks, value addition, and crop diversification. 

As Zambia embarks on its new season, leaders stressed that maintaining quality and transparency is essential to protecting “Brand Zambia” in competitive global markets. With a national target of 80 million kilograms, the season’s success will depend on farmers, merchants, and regulators working together to ensure fair pricing, contract compliance, and sustainable practices. 

 

 From Long Walks to New Opportunities: Residents Welcome Mutinta Hichilema School

By Daily News Reporter

Lusaka, May 2026 — For a 17-year-old Alice Mwenya, the opening of the new Mutinta Hichilema School is more than just a new set of classrooms — it is the chance to dream bigger.

Alice, who lives in a nearby community, had been walking nearly 10 kilometers each day to attend classes at an overcrowded school. With the new facility donated by United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) and Wonderful Group, she says her journey to learning has been transformed.

Speaking to Daily News in an interview in Lusaka West at Zambia National Service Safari said “Before, I would leave home before sunrise and sometimes arrive late because of the long walk. Now, I can reach school in less than 20 minutes. I feel safe, and I have more time to study,” she said. 

And one of the mothers in same area Eunice, echoed the relief, noting that the school’s clinic and feeding programme will ease the burden on families. 

“We used to worry about our children walking long distances without food. Knowing they will eat at school and have a clinic nearby gives us peace of mind,” she said. 

The school features five classroom blocks, a science laboratory, a computer room, and a library, alongside a home economics and technical drawing block. For Alice, the prospect of learning in a science lab for the first time is thrilling.

“I want to be a doctor one day. Having a real laboratory makes me feel like that dream is possible,” she said. 

And Speaking during the official opening of the school Zambia’s First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, honoured with the school bearing her name, emphasized that the donation is not a personal accolade but a call to continue advocating for every child’s right to education. She highlighted her office’s initiatives, including the Autism and Special Needs Centre and scholarships for girls with disabilities, as part of a broader push for inclusivity. 

She also hailed the United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) and Wonderful Group for a milestone in advancing inclusive education,

She commended government for its free education policy, which has enabled more than two million learners to enter the school system since its introduction. She also praised the complementary school feeding programme, now reaching over four million learners across all districts.

“Our office will continue to complement Government efforts in providing education for all through inclusive education initiatives,” she said. 

Ms Hichilema highlighted her office’s initiatives, including the Mutinta Hichilema Autism and Special Needs Centre, which provides specialised care and dignity for children with autism and other disabilities. She also cited the Education Linda Programme, run in partnership with Merck Foundation and also an ambassador for Zambia, which has awarded 40 scholarships to girls with disabilities at Dagama Special School and Chepela Musonda Special School. 

  “Vital Statistics System Launched to Strengthen Health and Civil Registration”

 By Daily News Reporter

Zambia has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen its health and civil registration systems with the official launch of the Sample-Based Registration System with Vital Statistics (SRS-VS) Strategic Plan and Community Engagement materials at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. 

The new system is designed to address a critical gap: nearly 48 percent of deaths occur outside health facilities and often go unrecorded. By linking community-level surveillance directly to the national civil registry, the SRS-VS aims to provide accurate, real-time cause-of-death data that can inform public health interventions and resource allocation. 

Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Director General Professor Roma Chilengi described the SRS-VS as a “strategic catalyst” for strengthening the country’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, not a parallel initiative.

(ZNPHI DIRECTOR GENERAL PROF ROMA CHILENGI)

“The mandate of the Zambia National Public Health Institute is to safeguard public health security. To effectively protect the living, we must first understand why we are losing our loved ones,” Prof. Chilengi said. 

Under the system, Community Surveillance Assistants will identify deaths in communities, triggering Mortality Surveillance Officers to conduct Verbal Autopsies — structured, respectful interviews with families to determine probable biological and social causes of death. Verified data will then be integrated into the civil registry managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security. 

Prof. Chilengi stressed that the process hinges on community trust, noting that families must feel confident that the system is voluntary, confidential, and respectful. 

Speaking at the same Launch Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Technical Services Dr Kennedy Lishimpi also added that the SRS-VS marks a shift from “snapshots to continuous precision in public health.” 

While Zambia’s 2022 Census and 2024 Demographic and Health Survey provided valuable insights — including reductions in maternal and under-five mortality — Dr Lishimpi noted they rely on retrospective data and cannot explain “precisely why those lives are being lost today.” 

“Through this system, Community Surveillance Assistants play a vital role in identifying pregnancies and deaths within communities, thereby linking households, particularly in remote areas, to the formal health system,” Dr. Lishimpi said.

He added that continuous data flow will improve resource allocation, promote early interventions such as antenatal care, and enhance early detection of public health threats.

Both Prof. Chilengi and Dr Lishimpi emphasized cross-ministry collaboration. The SRS-VS will provide the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security with inclusive civil registry data, while equipping the Ministry of Health with evidence to design life-saving interventions.

Dr Lishimpi further added that “in the true spirit of the One Government approach,” underscoring the initiative is not a parallel system but an integrated effort to strengthen Zambia’s public health and civil registration frameworks. 

(c) All Rights Reserved .

 

 “Fuel Tax Suspension Threatens Zambia’s Hard-Won Fiscal Gains, ZICA Warns” 

(ZICA PRESIDENT MS. YANDE SIAME MWENYE)

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) has warned that the government’s suspension of fuel import taxes could erode hard-won fiscal gains, as the country grapples with global oil price volatility linked to the US–Iran conflict.

Speaking at a quarterly economic briefing in Lusaka, ZICA President Ms. Yande Siame Mwenye cautioned that Cabinet’s March 31 decision to zero-rate VAT and suspend excise duty on fuel imports, while aimed at stabilising pump prices, has effectively reintroduced subsidy-like pressures on the national budget.

“The distinction between a tax suspension and a subsidy is minimal. Both effectively redirect government revenue towards stabilising fuel prices,” Ms.  Mwenye said. 

And following the policy shift, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) adjusted fuel prices effective May 1. Diesel rose to K33.99 per litre from K29, kerosene to K35.05 from K32.16, and aviation fuel to K37.98 from K34.74, while petrol remained unchanged at K27.15.

Ms. Mwenya also noted that without government intervention, prices could have more than doubled. Yet the relief has been uneven: diesel and kerosene users absorbed steep increases, a development the institute described as regressive. 

And for Kerosene remains the primary energy source for an estimated 7.5 million rural and peri-urban residents without electricity, making the impact particularly severe on low-income households. 

Ms. Mwenye warned that the resulting fiscal gap could threaten allocations in the 2026 national budget, including K7.65 billion for social cash transfers, K26.2 billion for health, and K33 billion for education.

The warning comes amid troubling signals in the domestic bond market. Government securities auction raised only K1.285 billion against a target of K6.3 billion — a sharp reversal from oversubscriptions earlier in the year.

“Undersubscription is not just a auction outcome. It is a market signal,” Mwenye said, pointing to investor concerns over debt sustainability, rising borrowing needs, and policy credibility. 

On the macroeconomic front, Zambia has seen encouraging progress. Annual inflation fell to 7.1 percent in March from 7.5 percent in February, aided by a stronger kwacha and a record maize harvest of 3.7 million tonnes. The Bank of Zambia responded by cutting its policy rate by 75 basis points to 13.5 percent.

But ZICA warned that these gains remain fragile. Rising fuel costs could quickly reverse inflationary improvements by driving up transport and production expenses.

“Inflationary pressures in Zambia are largely influenced by exchange rate dynamics,” Mwenye said, urging government to strengthen foreign exchange inflows through mining and agriculture rather than relying heavily on monetary policy.

Zambia’s fiscal deficit has narrowed dramatically — from 9 percent of GDP in 2021 to 3.1 percent in 2025, with projections of 2.1 percent in 2026. Yet ZICA cautioned that credibility and discipline are key to sustaining this trajectory. 

“Any fiscal interventions that are necessary must be targeted, time-bound, transparent, and prudent,” Mwenye stressed.  As Zambia navigates external shocks and domestic pressures, the government faces a delicate balancing act: stabilising fuel prices without undermining fiscal stability, investor confidence, and social spending priorities.

 NGOCC Defends Zambia’s Sovereignty, Demands Transparency Over Medical Supply Allegations

By Daily News Reporter 

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has backed the Zambian Government’s stance on national sovereignty amid a public diplomatic dispute involving the outgoing United States of America Ambassador to Zambia, while also calling for urgent transparency over allegations of theft and diversion of public medical supplies.

In a statement released Thursday, NGOCC  Board Chairperson Ms Beauty Katebe said it supports the Government’s position, articulated by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe, that Zambia is a sovereign nation with established diplomatic channels for engaging international partners.

Ms Katebe said it had taken note of remarks attributed to the outgoing US envoy suggesting that support to Zambia’s health sector may have been linked to discussions surrounding the country’s critical mineral resources.

She also said that such claims had raised concern about the possible use of aid as leverage in accessing Zambia’s natural wealth.

“We firmly uphold the principle of Zambian sovereignty and the protection of our national resources,” Ms Katebe said.

She has further warned that international cooperation should be based on mutual respect and partnership rather than conditions that undermine Zambia’s autonomy or exert pressure on the country’s policy and legal frameworks

Ms Katebe stated that sovereignty should not be used as a shield against accountability, especially regarding allegations involving public health resources.

The organisation said the concerns raised by the outgoing envoy had revived longstanding allegations surrounding the diversion and sale of state medical supplies, matters it said require urgent transparency and accountability.

NGOCC has since called on Government to provide a comprehensive public update on investigations into the alleged theft and sale of medical supplies, including details on any pharmacy networks implicated.

The organisation also demanded prompt prosecution and administrative action against all individuals found responsible, regardless of their status or position.

Additionally, She urged authorities to implement time-bound reforms aimed at strengthening oversight, traceability, and internal controls within the medical supply chain.

She has further appealed for the protection of whistleblowers under Zambia’s Public Interest Disclosure Act, saying individuals who report corruption should be safeguarded and their concerns acted upon.

NGOCC called on citizens, civil society organisations, and women’s movements to use lawful means to demand integrity, transparency, and accountability in the health sector and other public institutions.

The organisation maintained that while it remains committed to protecting Zambia’s sovereignty and national interests, the country’s citizens also deserve honesty, reliable service delivery, and accountability from those entrusted with public office. 

 ZAMCOM Demands ACC Apology Over “Misleading” Corruption Statement

By Daily News Reporter 

LUSAKA, May 6, 2026 — The Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) has challenged a statement issued by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), accusing the anti-graft body of misrepresenting a former employee as a current officer of the institution in a recent corruption case.

In a clarification issued on Wednesday,Ms. Alice Schultz Head Public Relations & Marketing ZAMCOM said the ACC statement titled “ACC Arrests ZAMCOM Accountant for Corruption” incorrectly identified Mr. Charles Mubanga as an Accountant at the institution, despite the fact that he has not worked for ZAMCOM since January 2019.

She said the description created a false impression that Mr. Mubanga remains affiliated with ZAMCOM and that the institution could be linked to the alleged acts under investigation.

“Such representation is prejudicial and has the potential to occasion unwarranted reputational harm to ZAMCOM,” the institution said in its statement.

ZAMCOM stressed that while it respects the constitutional mandate of the ACC under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012, public institutions must ensure accuracy when issuing statements that involve institutional identities and public trust.

The institution said the wording used by the ACC risked creating what it termed a “misleading nexus” between the institution and the alleged corruption case.

“As a public institution, ZAMCOM places a premium on integrity, procedural compliance, and accountability,” the statement read.

She further clarified that it was not attempting to interfere with the Commission’s investigations or comment on matters before the courts, but was instead seeking to protect the institution’s reputation from what it described as factual inaccuracies.

The institution has since formally requested the ACC to issue a public correction and apology.

The ACC had earlier announced the arrest of Mr. Mubanga in connection with alleged corruption offences, identifying him as a ZAMCOM accountant — a characterization the institution now says was inaccurate and misleading.

The development highlights the growing sensitivity surrounding public communication by investigative agencies, especially where institutional credibility and public perception are concerned.

She added that the institution remains committed to upholding transparency, integrity, and accountability in its operations while continuing to support efforts aimed at combating corruption in the public sector.

 Better Than Organic: Zambia’s Green Revolution”

By Daily News Reporter

Lusaka, Zambia — May 2026, Zambia is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, unveiling vertical farming innovations that promise to transform food security and climate resilience across Africa. At a landmark event hosted at Delthy Farm in Lusaka, organized a farm walk by Sustec Africa, Hakuna Matata farm and Zambia Is possible (ZIP) to showcase Zambia’s breakthrough in modern farming.

Speaking during farm walk Daniel Albrecht, President of the U.S.-based Sustec Institute, revealed that Zambia was chosen as the organization’s operational headquarters after years of searching for a country with stability, ambition, and youthful energy. He praised a Lusaka farm that had already mastered vertical farming, producing premium lettuce with 95% less water, 80–90% less land, and zero chemical pesticides.

“This is exactly what we mean when we say: Zambia is Possible!” Albrecht declared.

And Wanena P. Mtolo, CEO of Sustec Africa, described vertical farming as Zambia’s “next frontier,” noting that it delivers consistent yields, creates jobs, and strengthens food sovereignty.

“The harvest of tomorrow begins with the decisions we make today,” Mtolo said. “The future is green — and it starts right here.”

Delthy Farm CEO George Mbofwana introduced a new quality benchmark called BTO – Better Than organic, which emphasizes natural fertilizers, biodiversity practices, and zero deforestation. He highlighted the export potential of Zambia’s prized chitondo mushroom, which can fetch up to €380 per kilogram in European markets.

“When Zambian science, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and government work hand in hand, we don’t just solve problems — we create global solutions,” Mbofwana said.

And Cameron Miladinovic Chief Technical Manager of Hakuna Matata Farm showcased the vertical farming system which his family developed over nearly ten years. He credited partnerships with Sustec Institute and Delthy Farm for enabling the scaling of their model nationwide.

“We hope this marks the beginning of strong collaboration and national support as we position Zambia as a leader in sustainable agriculture,” Miladinovic said.

And meanwhile Ministry of Agriculture Minister Mr. Reuben Mtolo lauded the initiative as a turning point for Zambia’s food security and climate resilience. He announced that Delthy Farm had been awarded the “Best Biodiversity Farming in Zambia 2026” by the American Evergreen Foundation, recognizing its pioneering work in vertical farming and biodiversity.

“The future of Zambian agriculture is green, resilient, and proudly Zambian,” the Minister said.

The event underscored Zambia’s potential to leapfrog outdated farming systems and lead Africa into a new era of sustainable food production. With vertical farming now proven on Zambian soil, the country is poised to become a continental hub for innovation.

 

 Biggest Talent Africa: Zambia Champions Youth Voices on Continental Stage

By Daily News Reporter

Lusaka, Zambia — April 19, 2026 

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts has thrown its weight behind the newly launched “Biggest Talent Africa” competition, hailing it as a transformative platform to empower young Africans through creativity and innovation.

Speaking at the unveiling in Lusaka, Director of Arts Ms. Esther N’gambi described the initiative as a milestone for Zambia’s cultural landscape. “The government is focused on transforming the creative industry into a key economic driver,” she said.

“We are doing this through talent development, infrastructure investment, digital innovation and stronger protections for artists.” Ms. N’gambi added.

The event is and will be Organized by Sustec Africa in partnership with the Zambia Is Possible (ZIP) movement, the competition will scout singing talent across multiple African countries. Eight finalists will be selected to compete in a grand finale on May 30, 2026, in Lusaka Zambia.

The program aligns with Zambia’s National Arts Policy, which seeks to build a sustainable and dynamic arts sector that contributes to national development. Ms. N’gambi emphasized that the contest will not only showcase artistic excellence but also foster cultural exchange and youth empowerment.

And Wanina Mtolo Phiri, Executive Director of Sustainable Development and Trading Limited, highlighted the competition’s inclusivity stated that this platform give opportunity to youths who have no chance to showcase their talent but this program it will boost their career.

And speaking at the same media launch Ms. Carol Mokola, President Zambia Is Possible (ZIP), explained that the organization was created to give young people in all ten provinces a platform to display their talents and build sustainable livelihoods. ZIP’s focus spans technology, agriculture, business, and the arts.

Beyond entertainment, the initiative is seen as a strategic investment in Zambia’s creative economy. By equipping participants with practical skills, organizers hope to enable young people to earn a livelihood while contributing to national growth.

Sustec Africa will be spearheading the program, noting its potential to position Zambia as a leading hub for arts and entertainment while strengthening unity among African nations featuring Neyo Slayer Zambia, Tiana, Frank Ro Music, and Chewe Superstar, with more exciting acts set to light up the stage.

(c) All Rights reserved. 

 

 Observers Flag Legal and Political Risks Ahead of Zambia’s 2026 Elections

Zambia counts down to the August 13 general elections, international observers warn that rushed legal reforms and political tensions could test the country’s democratic maturity.

By Daily News Reporter 

LUSAKA — At a busy roadside market in Lusaka, conversations about prices, jobs, and daily survival are increasingly giving way to another pressing question: Will this year’s elections be free and fair?

With just over 100 days before Zambians head to the polls, a pre-election assessment by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) suggests that while the country’s democratic spirit remains strong, the systems meant to safeguard it may be under strain.

Following a high-level mission from April 25 to 30, the institute raised concerns that ongoing constitutional and electoral reforms—introduced barely months before voting day—could undermine transparency, voter understanding, and confidence in the process.

Key amendments to Zambia’s Electoral Process Act only began taking shape in late 2025, leaving little room for consultation, implementation, and voter education.

“Electoral reforms should ideally be completed at least a year before an election,” said Mohamed Ibn Chambas, who led the delegation. “Late changes risk confusion and erode public trust.”

For many voters, the concern is practical. New rules, unfamiliar systems, and unclear procedures could make it harder to understand how their vote translates into representation.

One of the most significant proposed changes is the introduction of a mixed-member proportional representation (MMPR) system—a hybrid model combining constituency-based elections with party-list representation.

While the reform has been welcomed as a step toward inclusivity, the NDI found that critical details remain unclear, including how seats will be allocated and how voters will engage with the new system.

More controversially, provisions requiring political parties to submit lists of proportional representation candidates after election results have been announced have drawn sharp criticism.

And according to Chambas, this limits transparency and denies voters the chance to evaluate candidates before casting their ballots.

It also raises operational concerns for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), which must verify candidate eligibility under tighter timelines.

The creation of 70 new constituencies was intended to improve representation, but observers argue it may not fully address disparities in voting power. In some provinces, a single vote carries significantly more weight than one cast in Lusaka—raising questions about fairness in representation.

For a country marking over three decades of multiparty democracy, such imbalances highlight the unfinished business of electoral reform.

Opposition parties and civil society groups have cited difficulties in holding rallies, expressing dissent, and participating fully in the electoral process.

At the center of this tension is the Public Order Act (POA), a long-criticized piece of legislation governing public gatherings.

Observers say its inconsistent application has historically tilted the playing field, restricting some political actors while allowing others greater freedom.

A proposed Public Gathering Bill, introduced during the NDI mission, could address these concerns—but with elections fast approaching, its impact remains uncertain.

Gemima Barlow, the institute’s Regional Director for Southern and East Africa, noted that meaningful steps can still be taken to strengthen transparency and inclusivity.

These include improving access to voter information, ensuring equal enforcement of the law, and fostering dialogue among political stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Lilian Mahiri-Zaja, a member of the delegation, emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms.

“Political parties must be allowed to participate freely and fully,” she said, stressing that fair elections depend on freedom of expression, assembly, and equal treatment under the law.

The 2026 general elections are not just another political contest—they are a test of whether the country can consolidate the democratic gains made in recent years while navigating complex reforms.

For voters in Lusaka and beyond, the outcome will shape not only who governs, but how governance itself is defined.

“The credibility of elections ultimately lies in the hands of the people,” Mahiri-Zaja said. “But it depends on systems that are transparent, inclusive, and trusted.”

As the countdown to August 13 continues, Zambia finds itself in a race against time—balancing reform with readiness, and ambition with accountability.

The team included heavyweights: Commissioner Lilian B. Mahiri-Zaja, former Vice Chair of Kenya’s IEBC; Professor Christina Murray,  Professor Emeritus of Constitutional and Human Rights Law, University of Cape Town; Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programs, Yiaga Africa, Nigeria; Gemima Barlow, NDI Director for Southern and East Africa; and Richard L. Klein, NDI Director of Elections. 

Pressure Mounts on Hakainde Hichilema to Enact Tobacco Law Amid Hypertension Crisis

By Daily News Reporter 

LUSAKA, May 5, 2026 — Every morning, Grace Chewe checks her blood pressure before she begins her day. It is a ritual she cannot afford to skip.

“I didn’t even know I had it,” she says quietly. “There were no signs. One day I just collapsed.”

Chewe is one of thousands of Zambians living with hypertension — a condition often described as a silent killer because it shows no symptoms until it is too late. Now, as the country marks May Measurement Month 2026, she is turning her personal struggle into a national call for action.

Through the Zambia Heart and Stroke Foundation Ms. Brenda Chitindi is appealing directly to President Hakainde Hichilema to sign the long-awaited Tobacco Control Bill into law.

Her message is simple but urgent: controlling tobacco could save lives.

Across Zambia, hypertension is quietly tightening its grip. Once considered a disease of affluence, it is now spreading rapidly through low-income communities, rural areas, and even among young people.

Health experts warn that many victims never make it to hospitals.

“They die at home, undiagnosed,” says a local health worker in Lusaka’s densely populated Kanyama township. “We only hear about it when it’s too late.”

The global “Know Your Numbers” campaign, led by the International Society of Hypertension, is trying to change that by encouraging people to regularly check their blood pressure.

But awareness alone, advocates say, is not enough.

Behind the rising cases lies a powerful and preventable trigger: tobacco.

Medical evidence shows that every cigarette raises blood pressure almost instantly, while long-term use damages vital organs — the heart, brain, kidneys, and lungs. Even non-smokers are not spared, as secondhand smoke increases their risk.

For patients like Grace, the link is personal.

“We are fighting to control our condition,” she says. “But tobacco is making it harder — not just for us, but for everyone around us.”

Zambia’s Tobacco Control Bill, already adopted by Parliament, is designed to reduce smoking, protect non-smokers, and limit exposure — especially among young people.

“The solution is right there,” Chitindi says. “It just needs one signature.”

Public health advocates argue that enacting the law could:

Reduce hypertension rates nationwide

Prevent strokes and heart attacks

Protect vulnerable communities with limited access to healthcare

Strengthen Zambia’s fight against non-communicable diseases

In a country where health systems are already stretched, prevention may be the most powerful tool available.

 Zambian Anaesthesiologist Dr. Mack Kalenga Wins Global Rising Star Award

By Daily News Reporter 

LUSAKA, May 1, 2026 — Zambian anaesthesiologist Dr. Mack Kalenga has been internationally recognised after receiving the prestigious Rising Star Award from the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA), in acknowledgement of his contributions to patient care, training, and the strengthening of anaesthesia systems.

The award honours emerging leaders in anaesthesiology who are making meaningful impact within their countries and globally. Dr. Kalenga’s recognition places him among a select group of clinicians advancing safe surgical care in resource-constrained settings.

In Zambia, where universal access to safe anaesthesia remains a major challenge, Dr. Kalenga’s work has focused on improving both clinical care and health system capacity. The country currently has fewer than 40 anaesthesiologists serving a population of over 20 million people—equivalent to approximately 0.2 specialists per 100,000 population. This is significantly below the benchmark of five per 100,000 recommended by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists. Zambia also produces only two to four new anaesthesiologists each year, highlighting the scale of the workforce gap.

Dr. Kalenga is the lead for anaesthesia services within Zambia’s national renal transplant programme at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, where he has played a key role in supporting the development of the country’s transplant capacity. He is also co-principal investigator on a nationwide study assessing anaesthesia capacity across government hospitals, aimed at identifying gaps in workforce, infrastructure, equipment, and medication availability.

In addition to his clinical and research work, he leads simulation-based training and numerous quality improvement initiatives within his department, with a focus on patient safety, standardisation of care, and strengthening perioperative systems.

“This recognition is deeply encouraging, but it is not mine alone,” said Dr. Kalenga. “It reflects the collective effort of the many hardworking anaesthesia providers I have the privilege of working alongside every day. At the same time, it highlights the urgent need to strengthen anaesthesia systems in Zambia. With such a limited workforce, improving patient safety will require coordinated national investment in training, infrastructure, and standards.”

The WFSA described Dr. Kalenga as a committed practitioner whose work aligns with its mission to improve access to safe anaesthesia worldwide. His contributions span frontline clinical care, mentorship of trainees, and advocacy for safer surgical systems. 

Health sector stakeholders say the recognition reflects both individual excellence and the growing presence of Zambian clinicians on the global stage. It also underscores the importance of continued investment in specialised medical training and system strengthening to address critical workforce shortages.

As global efforts to improve surgical care expand, achievements such as Dr. Kalenga’s highlight the role of local leadership in driving meaningful change. For many in Zambia’s healthcare community, the award is not only a moment of recognition, but a signal of what is possible with sustained focus on patient safety and capacity building.