IAEA MISSION GUIDANCE TO SHAPE ZAMBIA'S NUCLEAR ENERGY PLANS

By Alain Kabinda

Government has called for stronger institutional coordination and investment in human capital to accelerate the development of Zambia's nuclear power programme as the country seeks to strengthen its long-term energy security.

Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati said the successful implementation of the nuclear energy programme would require sustained investment in technology, natural resources and skilled human resources.

Speaking during the closing of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission Phase One in Lusaka, Mr Mutati emphasised the need for closer collaboration between the Ministries of Technology and Science and Energy.

He said coordinated efforts among Government institutions and other stakeholders were critical to establishing the necessary foundation for Zambia's nuclear energy ambitions.

Mr Mutati said nuclear power development was an important consideration in addressing the country's long-term energy requirements and supporting the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda.

Meanwhile, IAEA INIR Mission Team Leader John Haddad urged Zambia to strengthen its institutional coordination mechanisms, legal frameworks and regulatory systems to support the development of nuclear infrastructure.

Mr Haddad said effective coordination and strong regulatory institutions were essential to ensuring that the country's nuclear power programme progressed in accordance with international standards and safety requirements.

And Energy Minister Peter Kapala said the recommendations from the IAEA mission would help guide Zambia's next steps in developing its nuclear infrastructure.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Director of Energy Mafayo Ziba, Mr Kapala said the mission's recommendations would assist Government in identifying priority areas and strengthening the institutional arrangements required to advance the programme.

Meanwhile, Radiation Protection Authority Board Chairperson Msafiri Sinkala said the board was committed to safeguarding the independence of the country's nuclear regulator to ensure effective oversight and accountability.

Mr Sinkala said the board would engage Government to ensure that adequate resources were provided to build a competent and independent nuclear regulatory institution.

He said an independent regulator with sufficient financial, technical and human resources was essential to ensuring effective oversight of nuclear-related activities.

The IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review is designed to assist countries considering nuclear power in assessing the status of their infrastructure development and identifying areas requiring further attention.

The completion of Phase One provides an opportunity for Zambia to consider the recommendations and strengthen the institutional, legal and regulatory foundations necessary for the safe and sustainable development of its nuclear power programme.

 UFEZ, MEDEF INTERNATIONAL SIGN MoU TO BOOST ZAMBIA-FRANCE INVESTMENT

By Alain Kabinda

The United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French business organisation MEDEF International to strengthen trade, investment and private sector cooperation between Zambia and France.

The agreement was signed at the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) in Lusaka, which is expected to open new business opportunities for companies in both countries through increased access to markets, technology, expertise and investment partnerships.

Speaking during the MOU signing United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) Executive President Dr Humphrey Monde said the agreement represented an important step towards connecting Zambia's resource-rich economy with France's innovative private sector.

Dr Monde said the partnership was more than a formal agreement, but an opportunity to establish lasting business relationships that could support economic transformation and job creation.

He said Zambia offered considerable investment opportunities for French companies, particularly in transport, infrastructure, energy and agriculture.

Dr Monde said the agreement would also enable Zambian businesses to access MEDEF International's network of approximately 8,000 French companies organised into 90 Business Councils.

He said the network would provide opportunities for local businesses to access expertise, technology, investment capital and potential joint ventures.

Dr Monde said the partnership would equally provide French companies with access to Zambia's strategic position in Southern Africa and its potential as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) markets, which have a combined population of more than 500 million people.

He said UFEZ was committed to ensuring that the agreement translated into practical benefits for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which remain important drivers of economic growth and employment.

Dr Monde outlined four commitments by UFEZ, including becoming an active implementation partner, upholding integrity and transparency, prioritising SMEs and promoting inclusive economic growth.

He said the partnership would also seek to create opportunities for young people, women and marginalised communities.

And Dr Monde called on UFEZ members, MEDEF International, Government and other stakeholders to organise business forums, trade missions and investment summits to facilitate commercial partnerships.

He further urged the partners to promote dialogue, address barriers to investment and strengthen confidence between businesses in the two countries.

Dr Monde thanked MEDEF International Managing Director Philippe Gautier and his team for their commitment to the partnership.

He also acknowledged Government, through the Ministries of Commerce, Trade and Industry and Labour and Social Security, for supporting an enabling environment for private sector cooperation.

And IN GROUPE Senior Vice-President for Government Sales and Marketing, Africa, Middle East and Asia, also president for East African business council MEDEF international, Ms Ce'line Gouveia, said the agreement would create opportunities for French companies to invest in Zambia and contribute to local employment creation.

Ms Gouveia said increased cooperation between businesses from the two countries would help attract investment and generate economic opportunities for Zambians.

She called on the partners to promote dialogue, address barriers to investment and strengthen confidence between businesses in Zambia and France.

Ms Gouveia said the agreement would also facilitate business connections and enable French companies to explore opportunities within Zambia through stronger institutional and private sector networks.

The partnership is expected to strengthen Zambia-France economic relations by expanding business networks, promoting cross-border investment and creating opportunities for local enterprises to participate in international markets.

 ZCCM-IH PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR 3 MILLION TONNES COPPER TARGET 

By Alain kabinda

 

ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) has pledged its commitment to supporting the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda, particularly the target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031 and generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030.

ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer Kakenenwa Muyangwa said the company was and is strategically positioned to contribute to the country's economic transformation through its investments in the mining and energy sectors.

                                              Mr. Kakenenwa Muyangwa 

Mr Muyangwa said ZCCM-IH held significant minority and, in some cases, majority stakes in some of Zambia's largest mining and energy companies, with investments spanning copper, cobalt, coal and power.

He said the company recognised its investments as a critical component of Zambia's economic growth and had embraced the Government's development targets because of the opportunities they presented for the country.

Mr Muyangwa said ZCCM-IH was also going beyond the targets outlined in the Grow Zambia Agenda by actively participating in the country's industrialisation and value-addition drive.

He said industrialisation and value addition were important in promoting sustainable development and creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

Mr Muyangwa further said income generated from the company's investments had enabled ZCCM-IH to consistently pay dividends to its shareholders, including the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Ministry of Finance and National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).

He said the company had consistently paid dividends for the past 12 years and had recently made another payment to its shareholders.

Mr Muyangwa welcomed Ms Tambatamba to ZCCM-IH and reaffirmed the company's readiness to work with Government in advancing Zambia's development agenda.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Minister Hon. Brenda M. Tambatamba has challenged ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) to take ownership of its role in driving the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda and contribute meaningfully to the target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031.

                                              Ms. Brenda M. Tambatamba

Ms. Tambatamba said ZCCM-IH had demonstrated resilience and remained an important player in Zambia’s mining industry despite changes in the sector over the years.

She said the Grow Zambia Agenda under President Hakainde Hichilema and the New Dawn Government had provided citizens with a clearer understanding of the country’s development aspirations by translating national targets into tangible outcomes that directly affect their daily lives.

Ms. Tambatamba said every ZCCM-IH employee should understand how their individual responsibilities contribute to achieving the national agenda, both at the workplace and in their communities.

She likened the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda to a football team, saying every individual had a specific position to play and must understand how their role connected with those of others to deliver results.

 CHINESE FILM FESTIVAL BRINGS CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE TO LUSAKA

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – Movie lovers in Lusaka are being treated to a taste of Chinese cinema following the opening of the three-day Zambia Chinese Film Festival, which is showcasing four films celebrating storytelling, culture and entertainment.

The festival, which runs from November 5 to 7, 2026, opened with a screening of the science-fiction blockbuster The Wandering Earth, bringing together Government officials, diplomats and other distinguished guests for an evening of film and cultural exchange.

The event offers Zambian audiences an opportunity to explore Chinese storytelling through a selection of films spanning science fiction, action, drama and animation.

The four films featured in this year's festival are The Wandering Earth, The Shadow's Edge, Dear You and Boonie Bears: Future Reborn.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing said films had a unique ability to cross national boundaries, bridge cultural differences and bring people closer through stories that reflect shared human experiences.

Ambassador Han said the festival was particularly meaningful as China and Africa marked 70 years of diplomatic relations and commemorated 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

He said the carefully selected films were intended not only to entertain audiences but also to encourage mutual understanding and strengthen friendship between the Chinese and Zambian peoples.

The Ambassador expressed hope that the festival would inspire more regular cultural exchanges and create opportunities for people from both countries to appreciate each other's traditions, values and experiences.

And Minister of Culture and Arts Chris Chibuye said cinema was an important platform for bringing people together and strengthening relationships between different cultures.

Mr Chibuye noted that films allowed audiences to experience different ways of life while encouraging appreciation of cultural diversity.

He also highlighted the wider potential of the creative and cultural industries, saying they could generate employment, stimulate business activities and create new economic opportunities.

The Minister said cooperation between Zambia and China in the creative sector could support the development of local talent through improved infrastructure, skills training and access to financing.

The film, known for its science-fiction storytelling and large-scale visual effects, offered audiences an introduction to China's contemporary film production and its approach to cinematic storytelling.

The festival's other selections promise different entertainment experiences, with The Shadow's Edge bringing action and suspense, Dear You offering a drama-centred story, and Boonie Bears: Future Reborn providing animated entertainment.

Beyond the entertainment, the festival provides an opportunity for audiences to discover the diversity of Chinese cinema and engage with stories produced outside the traditional Hollywood film market.

It also places the spotlight on cinema as a powerful form of cultural expression, allowing filmmakers to communicate ideas, emotions and experiences to audiences across geographical and language barriers.

For Zambia's growing creative industry, the festival further highlights the possibilities for international collaboration in filmmaking, technical skills development, production and distribution.

As the screenings continue until November 7, audiences in Lusaka have an opportunity to experience four Chinese productions while participating in a cultural celebration that brings entertainment and international friendship together.

 MTN MOMO, SHOPRITE LAUNCH PROMOTION TO BOOST DIGITAL PAYMENTS

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – MTN Mobile Money Limited and Shoprite Zambia have partnered to launch the Y’ello Trolley Challenge, a customer promotion aimed at encouraging digital payments while rewarding shoppers with an opportunity to win an instant trolley dash.

The promotion allows customers shopping at any Shoprite store to participate by paying for their purchases using MTN Mobile Money (MoMo), with every qualifying payment providing a chance to win.

The initiative combines retail shopping with mobile financial services, as the two companies seek to make everyday transactions more convenient and rewarding while encouraging wider adoption of cashless payment solutions.

Speaking at the launch, MTN Mobile Money Limited Chief Executive Officer Mr. Komba Malukutila said the promotion reflected the company's commitment to developing digital financial services that deliver practical value to customers.

Mr Malukutila said MTN MoMo was continually exploring ways of making mobile money more relevant to customers by linking digital payment services to their everyday activities.

“At MTN MoMo, we are constantly looking for ways to make digital financial services more relevant and rewarding for our customers. The Y’ello Trolley Challenge combines the convenience of mobile money with an exciting opportunity to win, while encouraging the adoption of secure and convenient digital payments,” he said.

He said partnerships with established retailers such as Shoprite enabled MTN MoMo to extend the benefits of digital financial services to customers through familiar and routine shopping experiences.

Mr Malukutila added that the collaboration was intended to create greater value for customers while making it easier for them to access and use mobile money in their daily transactions.

“By working with trusted partners such as Shoprite, we can bring rewarding experiences directly to customers while making it easier for them to access and use digital payment solutions in their daily activities,” he said.

The partnership reflects the growing intersection between financial technology and the retail sector, where mobile payment platforms are increasingly being integrated into consumer transactions.

For mobile money operators, such collaborations provide an opportunity to increase customer engagement and encourage more people to use digital platforms beyond traditional person-to-person transfers.

Also speaking at the same launch, Shoprite Zambia General Manager Mr. Charles Botha said the collaboration was consistent with the retailer's focus on making shopping convenient, enjoyable and rewarding.

Mr Botha said the Y’ello Trolley Challenge would give customers an opportunity to benefit from an exciting promotion while using a convenient payment option when shopping.

“At Shoprite, we are committed to making shopping convenient, enjoyable and rewarding for our customers. Through this partnership with MTN MoMo, we are providing an exciting opportunity that rewards customers while promoting the use of convenient and secure payment options,” he said.

He said the promotion was designed to strengthen customer engagement and create memorable shopping experiences by connecting everyday purchases with the opportunity to win prizes.

Mr Botha said the retailer was excited to give shoppers an opportunity to experience the thrill of winning an instant trolley dash while carrying out their normal shopping activities.

The Y’ello Trolley Challenge is expected to encourage customers to consider mobile money as a payment option when purchasing groceries and other household essentials at Shoprite outlets.

The initiative also highlights how partnerships between telecommunications companies and retail businesses can support the expansion of digital financial services by making electronic payments more visible and accessible in everyday commercial activities.

As Zambia continues to embrace digital financial solutions, promotions linked to routine consumer spending could help familiarise more shoppers with mobile money payments and encourage regular usage.

However, the long-term contribution of such initiatives to digital financial inclusion will depend on sustained customer participation, ease of transactions and confidence in the security and reliability of payment platforms.

The promotion brings together two established brands in a collaboration that seeks to turn ordinary shopping transactions into rewarding customer experiences while supporting the wider shift towards digital payments.

 ONE SQUARE K IPO OPENS PROPERTY INVESTMENT TO THE PUBLIC AS FOUNDERS TARGET EXPANSION

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – Property development company One Square K (OSK) has opened its shareholding to members of the public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), providing an opportunity for Zambians to participate in the country's real estate sector as the founders pursue plans to expand their property investment interests.

The offer, which opened on October 26, 2026, allows members of the public to acquire existing shares held by the company's founders, marking a new phase in the development of the property business established in 2018.

However, the transaction is structured as a sale of existing shares rather than the issuance of new shares by One Square K to raise fresh capital directly for the company.

Proceeds from the sale are expected to be channelled through the founders' partnership, K&M, to finance the construction of two additional buildings, one of which has already commenced construction.

The founders intend to offer the two buildings to One Square K at a later stage, potentially expanding the company's property portfolio. However, this remains a proposed arrangement and is not a guaranteed outcome of the IPO.

The share offer was discussed during an investor briefing held at AfricaWorks in Kabulonga, Lusaka, where company representatives and property-sector stakeholders outlined the investment opportunity, the company's development journey and the prospects within Zambia's real estate market.

One Square K Managing Director and Co-Founder Mafipe Chunga said the company's establishment in 2018 followed a decision he and his wife made during a dinner conversation, which eventually changed the direction of their careers.

Mr Chunga explained that the idea behind the business was to develop practical and affordable living spaces, particularly for young working professionals seeking accommodation that meets their needs and financial circumstances.

He said the company started with the backing of 14 investors and had since developed into a property venture that was now opening share ownership to the wider public.

The IPO represents an opportunity for the founders to broaden participation in the business while providing prospective investors with exposure to the property development sector.

The development also comes against the backdrop of continued demand for housing in Zambia, particularly in the affordable and middle-market segments, where the cost and availability of suitable accommodation remain important considerations for working households.

Pam Golding Properties Zambia owner Inutu Zaloumis said the country continued to experience a significant gap between available housing and the accommodation requirements of its growing population.

                                                 Ms. Inutu Zaloumis

Ms Zaloumis observed that the housing market needed developers who understood the financial realities of prospective tenants and homeowners, rather than concentrating only on high-end developments.

She said housing was not simply about providing shelter but also about creating living conditions that could support people's productivity, wellbeing and quality of life.

“What we have seen is that when people live in accommodation that is less stressful, they are more productive and efficient,” Ms Zaloumis said.

Her remarks highlighted the economic and social importance of affordable housing, particularly for young professionals and households whose income levels may limit their access to suitable accommodation.

For property developers, the demand creates opportunities to invest in housing products that respond to the purchasing power of the market while maintaining commercially sustainable business models.

Ms Zaloumis said equity financing offered an alternative avenue for businesses seeking to support growth, while the Lusaka Securities Exchange provided a platform through which companies could access patient capital and members of the public could participate in investment opportunities.

However, the structure of the One Square K offer is important for prospective shareholders to understand. Since the IPO involves the sale of existing founder-held shares, the proceeds are not being raised directly by One Square K as new equity capital.

Instead, the founders intend to use the proceeds through K&M to support the construction of the two additional buildings. Their plan is to offer the properties to One Square K at a later stage, subject to the proposed arrangement.

This distinction is significant because investors should not automatically assume that the proceeds will immediately appear as new capital on the company's balance sheet or that the planned buildings will become part of its portfolio.

Meanwhile, delivering the vote of thanks at the briefing, One Square K representative Chisola Machai, speaking on behalf of Chief Financial Officer Joseph Chisanga, acknowledged the institutions and individuals who contributed towards bringing the IPO to fruition.

                                                    Ms. Chisola Machai

Ms Machai thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia, the Lusaka Securities Exchange, professional advisers, the company's board, management and staff for their support throughout the process.

Ms Machai encouraged interested members of the public to contact the company's Investor Relations team for further information about the share offer.

Despite the opportunities presented by the IPO, prospective investors have been urged to understand the risks associated with acquiring shares before making investment decisions.

Another consideration is liquidity, particularly because shares traded on the Alternative Market (Alt-M) may not always be easy to sell when an investor wants to exit. This means shareholders may have to wait for buyers or accept a lower price when seeking to dispose of their shares.

The approved Prospectus therefore remains an important document for anyone considering participation in the offer. It contains detailed information on the share sale, the proposed use of proceeds, the company's plans and the risks associated with the investment.

As One Square K opens its ownership to the public, the offer places a spotlight on the potential role of capital markets in widening participation in property investment.

Its longer-term significance, however, will depend not only on public uptake of the shares but also on the company's ability to execute its business plans, respond to housing demand and translate the proposed property expansion into sustainable value for shareholders.

 EU INVESTS €268,000 IN ZAMBIAN CIVIL SOCIETY TO STRENGTHEN CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

By Alain Kabinda

The European Union (EU), through the People in Need-led Local Empowerment and Development Civil Society (LEADs) Programme, has invested more than €268,000 (approximately K6.1 million) in civil society organisations in Zambia to strengthen citizen participation, research, advocacy and accountability.

Speaking during the grant award ceremony, People in Need Country Director Ms. Stefania Lagonigro  said the initiative was aimed at empowering civil society organisations to take an active role in addressing community challenges and contributing to Zambia's economic development and transformation.

Ms Lagonigro said that this programme recognised that meaningful and sustainable development could not be achieved through institutions alone, but required active citizens and organised communities.

The LEADs Programme, implemented with support from the European Union and in partnership with the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), seeks to strengthen local organisations through research, advocacy, citizen engagement and accountability initiatives.

She also said that the programme was designed to go beyond traditional capacity-building by giving organisations opportunities to implement ideas, generate evidence, influence policies and engage both citizens and public institutions.

"What excites me most is not the amount of funding, but what this funding makes possible," Ms. Lagonigro said.

The grants are expected to support research capable of informing national policies, promote joint initiatives involving civil society organisations, Government, the private sector and the media, and strengthen networks and collaboration among local actors.

Ms. Lagonigro added that civil society organisations played an important role in amplifying community voices, engaging decision-makers and holding institutions accountable while working with them to achieve development outcomes.

This initiative also recognises civil society organisations and communities as important actors in Zambia's economic development and transformation, including contributing to the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

She further expressed appreciation to the Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, for recognising the importance of working with civil society to deliver meaningful change in communities.

And speaking at the same FSTP Grant award ceremony,Ministry of Community Development and Social Protection Acting Director Mr. Aaron Phiri  representing Minster Ms Beatrice Chilomo said the initiative would help address challenges faced by civil society organisations, including limited access to information, inadequate opportunities for constructive dialogue and capacity-building programmes that are often project-based and one-size-fits-all.

Ms. Chilomo said government recognised that sustainable development could not be achieved by government alone but required partnerships with non-governmental organisations, the private sector, development partners and communities.

“Policies and programmes can only deliver for the people they are meant to serve if we ensure that communities and civil society are involved and engaged in their design, not only during implementation,” Ms. Chilomo said.

The project will support organisations through three funding themes: research grants, consortium grants and organisation-specific support for policy engagement and advocacy.

Ms. Chilomo also urged grant recipients to use the resources to generate credible evidence, build partnerships and engage government constructively to improve programme delivery.

“Evidence is the foundation of good policy. Your research and policy analysis will help government understand what is working, what is not, and who is left behind,” the Ms. Chiolom said.

The initiative comes as Zambia concludes the Eighth National Development Plan and prepares the Ninth National Development Plan, with government seeking the participation of communities, civil society organisations, the private sector and cooperating partners in shaping national priorities.

Ms. Chilomo added that stronger and better-coordinated civil society organisations would make public participation in national development planning more meaningful.

The project also aligns with the European Union's Civil Society and Development Programme for Zambia, which recognises civil society as a strategic partner in promoting sustainable development.

Government has committed to maintaining an enabling environment for civil society organisations, strengthening consultations and dialogue, and considering evidence and recommendations generated through the project when designing and reviewing policies and programmes.

She further called on development partners to continue providing mentorship and follow-up support to grant recipients to ensure that lessons from the initiative inform policy-making and wider civil society engagement.

Civil society organisations were also encouraged to use the grants responsibly, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure that the voices of women, young people and marginalised communities are reflected in decisions affecting their welfare.

Meanwhile European Union Team Leader for Governance , Social Sectors and critical Raw Materials Ms. Maria Horno Comet said the initiative had already strengthened the management, advocacy and social accountability capacities of 31 civil society organisations and local networks.

Ms. Comet said the latest grant awards would enable selected organisations to undertake activities across different thematic areas, while strengthening the voices of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

“Civil society is an indispensable partner in enhancing democratic values. It makes essential contributions to accountability, transparency, justice and citizen participation,” Ms. Comet said.

She also said that the organisations had been selected through a competitive, open and transparent process, urging them to implement their projects with integrity, inclusiveness and accountability.

She further encouraged the beneficiaries to build partnerships, networks and consortiums to increase their impact and strengthen collective advocacy.

The funding forms part of the EU's broader support for civil society in Zambia, covering governance, access to justice, climate change, biodiversity, gender equality, women's and children's rights, and disability inclusion.

Among the beneficiaries recognised for their development leadership were the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ), which received three awards, and the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI), which received one award.

And receiving an award on behalf NAQEZ was Mr. Aaron Chansa and CLRI was Mr. Edward Moode.

The recognition reflects the contribution of civil society organisations to advancing development through research, advocacy, policy engagement and community-focused initiatives.

This investment initiative programme seeks to strengthen the meaningful participation of local communities and civil society in development, policy reform, accountability, transparency and inclusion.