200,000 HANDS, ONE MOVEMENT: MATERO CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO MAKE HANDWASHING A COMMUNITY CULTURE

By Alain Kabinda

A community-wide movement targeting 200,000 people has been launched in Matero, Lusaka, to promote handwashing as a daily habit and strengthen the fight against preventable diseases.

Dubbed Sambeni Kuminwe Campaign – Every Hand Counts, the six-month initiative seeks to transform hand hygiene from an occasional public health message into a shared community responsibility practised in homes, schools, workplaces, markets and public spaces.

The campaign, championed by health professional and community advocate Kachusha Nkosha, is being mobilised through the Youth WASH Ambassadors Club (YWAC), in partnership with Line Media and The Impact Solution.

It aims to reach residents across all ten zones of Matero, using community mobilisation, education, storytelling, innovation and practical demonstrations to encourage consistent handwashing practices.

The initiative comes against the recognition that although handwashing is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of preventing disease transmission, awareness alone does not always translate into consistent practice.

Limited access to handwashing facilities, inadequate soap supplies, misconceptions and competing household priorities remain among the challenges that can prevent people from washing their hands at critical moments.

Through the Sambeni Kuminwe Campaign, organisers intend to bridge this gap by moving beyond conventional awareness activities and encouraging residents to take practical responsibility for improving hygiene within their households and communities.

The campaign is designed to involve everyone, including children, parents, teachers, community leaders, traders, young people, institutions and businesses.

Through a documentary-style community engagement approach, participants will be encouraged to publicly make their handwashing commitments, share their experiences and inspire others to adopt better hygiene practices.

Interactive community activities, demonstrations and creative communication will also be used to address everyday barriers to hand hygiene. The first community activation is expected to bring together residents at Matero Community Hall, with an initial target of reaching 1,000 people.

The free exhibition will showcase hygiene innovations, provide information on proper handwashing and encourage residents to become ambassadors of good hygiene practices in their respective households and neighbourhoods.

However, organisers say the ambition extends beyond the initial activation, with a broader vision of building a sustainable community movement that strengthens local ownership and attracts public and private sector investment in practical hygiene solutions.

Businesses, organisations and individuals are also being invited to support the campaign through donations of soap, installation of handwashing facilities, educational materials, branded campaign merchandise, technical assistance and community mobilisation.

The partnership brings together youth-led mobilisation, media engagement and community impact approaches to ensure that the handwashing message reaches people beyond traditional public health awareness platforms.

At its core, the campaign is anchored on the belief that lasting public health improvements require collective action, with every individual playing a role in protecting families and communities.

The organisers maintain that the success of the initiative will not only be measured by the number of people reached but also by the extent to which handwashing becomes an everyday culture across Matero.

With a target of 200,000 participants over six months, the campaign is calling on residents and stakeholders across Lusaka to join the movement and make hand hygiene a shared responsibility.

As the initiative gathers momentum, its message remains simple: one person can influence a household, one household can inspire a neighbourhood, and neighbourhoods working together can transform an entire community.

 Samfya Youth Hail Successful Citizen-Leader Engagement, Call for Action on WASH Commitments

 By Staff Reporter, 

SAMFYA – The highly anticipated citizen engagement forum between Samfya residents and their elected leaders has officially taken place, with youth representatives now calling for the immediate implementation of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) commitments made during the dialogue. 

The meeting, organized with support from Diakonia and various local organizations, was held on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026, at the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, opposite ZESCO in Lupili. It brought together community members, the Council Chairperson, and councillors to address the longstanding gap between citizens and local leadership.

 The Coordinator for the Precious Times Adolescent Youth Club, who also serves as the Luapula Youth WASH Ambassador Coordinator, described the engagement as a critical step toward rebuilding trust and ensuring accountability in the district. 

Speaking after the meeting, the Coordinator noted that the forum successfully created a platform for dialogue on key developmental priorities, particularly concerning the youth and marginalized groups. 

"The Problem Statement highlighted that limited interaction between leaders and citizens has contributed to weak accountability and gaps in development decisions. This meeting was a necessary step in correcting that narrative," the Coordinator said. 

The forum, which aimed to establish a structured citizen-local leadership social contract, focused on securing clear and measurable commitments from the Council Chairperson and Councillors. It also sought to strengthen citizens' understanding of the roles and responsibilities of local leaders. 

A central theme advocated by the youth representative was the importance of WASH as a foundational development priority. The Coordinator emphasized that for youth, women, and persons with disabilities to meaningfully participate in governance, basic needs such as clean water and proper sanitation must be addressed. 

"During the discussions, we made it clear that WASH is not just an infrastructure issue—it is a social contract. When we demand measurable commitments from our leaders, we are demanding guarantees that every young person has access to safe water and sanitation," the Coordinator stated. 

The meeting's expected outcomes included improved relationships and trust between citizens and elected leaders, increased citizen participation in local governance, and improved responsiveness of local leaders to community concerns. The Coordinator expressed optimism that the dialogue will translate into tangible action. 

"The meeting has passed, but the real work begins now. We expect our leaders to honor the commitments made and to ensure that WASH and youth-friendly services are prioritized in the local development agenda," the Coordinator added. 

The Coordinator has since urged the youth of Samfya to remain vigilant and actively participate in follow-up mechanisms established through the new social contract. The Luapula Youth WASH Ambassador Coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of the Precious Times Adolescent Youth Club to holding leaders accountable and ensuring that the voices of young people continue to shape the future of Samfya District.

 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.