CBC and Sobek Group Partner to Boost Digital Financial Inclusion for MSMEs Across COMESA

 By Daily News Reporter

COMESA Business Council (CBC) and Sobek Group Limited have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating digital financial inclusion and enhancing regional trade for Africa’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The partnership will strengthen the eMalyami platform, an integrated digital ecosystem comprising over fourteen interoperable modules designed to support small businesses, business groups, and gig workers across COMESA markets.

The enhanced eMalyami suite features an e-wallet, agent networks, a virtual goods and services marketplace, Siba cooperatives, a merchant retail management system, and additional financial and trade-enabling tools. The platform seeks to enable MSMEs to trade, pay, and receive payments seamlessly across borders.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, CBC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Teddy Soobramanien emphasized the importance of lowering transaction costs to drive the adoption of digital systems.

“Reducing the cost of transactions remains essential to accelerating digital payment uptake,” he said. “Affordable financial channels are especially critical for MSMEs, which operate on narrow margins and depend on efficient systems to sustain their daily operations.”

Sobek Group Limited President Dr. Nezar Eldidy highlighted the broader financial inclusion goals of the initiative, noting that the eMalyami business suite is designed to integrate underserved communities and informal market actors into the formal economy.

“The platform is a key instrument in promoting financial inclusion by providing accessible, compliant, and scalable financial solutions,” Dr. Eldidy said.

Under the agreement, CBC and Sobek Group Limited will collaborate with financial service providers, development partners, and other key stakeholders to establish affordable and compliant digital payment rails for both domestic and cross-border transactions.

The initiative is expected to help entrepreneurs formalize their businesses, improve access to finance, streamline shipment processes, and expand into regional markets within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region.

By leveraging digital infrastructure and interoperable systems, the partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening regional trade integration and empowering Africa’s MSMEs to compete in an increasingly digital economy.

 

 Zambia Cracks Down on Driver Welfare Violations as Road Accidents Surge

 By Daily News Reporter

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Minister Ms Brenda Mwika Tambatamba has issued a strong warning to employers in the transport and logistics sector, declaring that violations of labour laws affecting drivers will no longer be tolerated.

Speaking during a Special Drivers Safety Workshop and the unveiling of a Six-Month Road Safety Study in Lusaka, the Minister announced intensified inspections targeting non-compliance, unsafe working conditions, and fatigue-related practices that are contributing to a rise in road accidents.

She stressed that employers who fail to register drivers with statutory social security institutions or neglect workplace safety obligations will face robust enforcement measures.

Minister Tambatamba directed employers to ensure all drivers are registered with the following institutions with NAPSA. NHIMA and Workers Compensation.

She explained that full compliance guarantees drivers access to retirement and invalidity benefits, survivors’ benefits, healthcare coverage for dependents, and compensation for work-related injuries.

“No driver should dedicate years of service to this country only to retire into poverty or insecurity,” Tambatamba asserted.

Beyond registration, she emphasized that employers must provide fair wages, adequate rest periods, and clear written contracts outlining job descriptions, working hours, salaries, leave entitlements, and statutory allowances.

Describing drivers as the backbone of Zambia’s economy, Tambatamba highlighted their essential role in transporting goods from farms to markets, factories to borders, and ensuring daily mobility for citizens.

“Without drivers, Zambia would simply come to a standstill,” she said, calling for collective responsibility among government, employers, and the public to guarantee decent, safe, and dignified working conditions.

She reaffirmed that these protections are anchored in the Constitution, the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019, and Zambia’s commitments to the International Labour Organization.

Tambatamba also urged drivers—including long-distance truckers, bus and taxi operators, delivery riders, and company drivers—to verify their social security status. She encouraged them to request their NAPSA numbers, confirm NHIMA registration, and ensure contributions are being properly remitted.

“Compliance is not a burden; it is an investment,” she said, noting that adherence reduces accidents, improves productivity, lowers staff turnover, and enhances corporate reputation.

Meanwhile, Humphrey Monde, President of the United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ), called on the government to declare road traffic accidents a national pandemic.

He urged Minister Tambatamba to escalate the matter to Hakainde Hichilema, citing alarming statistics from the 2025 festive season.

And According to police figures referenced at the workshop, December 26 alone recorded 224 accidents, including 23 fatal crashes that claimed 28 lives. During the New Year period, 136 accidents were reported, with 14 fatal crashes resulting in 16 deaths.

Dr. Monde described the situation as a public health emergency requiring coordinated intervention from the Ministries of Transport, Home Affairs, and Labour, alongside the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), employers, and trade unions.

He also highlighted unsafe practices such as buses blocking Freedom Way in Lusaka’s Central Business District while loading passengers, warning that such actions increase congestion and accident risks.

“Road crashes disrupt business operations, escalate insurance costs, reduce productivity, and threaten Zambia’s ambition to become a regional trade hub,” he said.

The workshop brought together government officials, employers, trade unions, and professional drivers, marking a renewed commitment to improving driver welfare, strengthening social protection systems, and enhancing road safety standards.

Participants agreed that stronger cooperation and strict enforcement of labour and safety regulations will be critical to protecting lives and ensuring a safer, more efficient transport sector across Zambia.

 NCC Records 6.1% Growth in Contractor Registrations, Unveils 2026 Expansion Plan

By Daily News Reporter

Across Zambia’s towns and rural districts, the sound of hammers, graders and concrete mixers has become more than just background noise — it is the rhythm of a growing construction sector finding its confidence.

At the centre of this momentum is the National Council for Construction (NCC), which this week announced a 6.1 percent increase in contractor registrations in 2025, issuing 14,253 certificates, with an overwhelming 97 percent awarded to Zambian-owned contractors.

For a sector long dominated by large, established firms, the numbers tell a deeper story: local contractors are stepping forward, claiming space, and shaping Zambia’s infrastructure landscape.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, NCC Board Chairperson Paul L. K. Makasa described the growth as a reflection of deliberate policy shifts and expanded access to public projects.

Much of the increase, he noted, has been driven by small and medium-scale contractors participating in projects funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and routine maintenance works.

In districts where infrastructure development was once sporadic, local contractors are now building classroom blocks, grading feeder roads and rehabilitating clinics. For many of them, CDF projects have served as both a training ground and a launchpad.

Behind each certificate issued lies a small enterprise — often family-run — employing local artisans, bricklayers, electricians and machine operators. The ripple effects extend beyond construction sites, stimulating local economies and building community pride.

In 2025, the NCC intensified monitoring and enforcement activities, inspecting 613 projects nationwide and charging 34 contractors for regulatory infringements. The message was clear: expansion must go hand in hand with compliance.

Professor Makasa emphasized that regulation is not about punishment, but about safeguarding public resources and ensuring infrastructure durability.

“Quality construction ensures value for money and protects communities,” he stressed, noting that poor workmanship not only wastes public funds but endangers lives.

The council’s approach reflects a balancing act — encouraging new entrants into the industry while upholding professional standards.

Beyond registration and enforcement, the NCC has placed strong emphasis on capacity building. Through the National Construction School, over 600 participants were trained in construction-related skills in 2025.

In a sector where technical competence directly affects structural integrity, skills development remains critical. From site supervision to project management and artisan training, the council is working to professionalize the industry.

Makasa underscored that infrastructure sustainability begins with skilled hands and informed decision-making.

As Zambia accelerates infrastructure development — from roads to public facilities — the need for competent local contractors has never been greater.

The NCC plans to expand its geographical footprint by establishing new offices in Solwezi, Mongu and Mansa, bringing services closer to contractors in North-Western, Western and Luapula provinces. The move is expected to ease access to registration and compliance services, particularly for rural contractors.

Additionally, the council will resume its enhanced online registration system, designed to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability. The digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork, shorten processing times and limit opportunities for irregularities.

Industry stakeholders are also preparing for the BuildZambia Conference and Expo, scheduled for September 21–23, 2026. The event will convene contractors, policymakers, financiers and innovators to discuss infrastructure delivery, sustainability and emerging technologies in construction.

As Zambia continues to invest in roads, schools, hospitals and public infrastructure, the construction sector remains a cornerstone of national development.

The NCC’s latest figures suggest that the industry is not only growing, but localizing — empowering Zambian contractors to take a leading role in shaping the country’s built environment.

For Professor Makasa and the council, the vision is clear: a competitive, professional and quality-driven construction sector aligned with Zambia’s broader development goals.

In the hum of machinery and the steady rise of new structures, Zambia’s future is being built — one contractor, one project, one community at a time.

 Agricultural Reform Agenda Targets Transparency, Financing, and Growth

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia’s agriculture sector could soon undergo major reforms as Parliament considers three key bills designed to strengthen market systems, improve farmer financing, and promote private sector-led growth.

The proposed Agricultural Marketing Bill, Food Reserve Bill, and Agricultural Credit and Warehouse Receipts Bill form part of the government’s 2025/2026 agricultural reform agenda. Together, they aim to modernize markets, ensure timely payments to farmers, and expand access to financing through warehouse receipt systems.

At a stakeholder engagement in Lusaka, Dr. Brian Mulenga, Executive Director of the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI), explained that the Agricultural Marketing Bill seeks to establish clear procedures for export decisions and market interventions.

“The bill is designed to enhance transparency and improve consultations between government authorities, farmers, and market actors when making decisions that affect prices and trade,” Dr. Mulenga said.

He added that the Agricultural Credit and Warehouse Receipts Bill would allow crops stored in certified warehouses to serve as collateral for loans, significantly boosting farmers’ access to financing.

Prof. Frank Kayula, President of the National Union for Small Scale Farmers in Zambia, emphasized that the reforms offer tangible benefits. He noted that the registration requirement under the Agricultural Marketing Bill would protect farmers from unfair practices, while the Food Reserve Bill could resolve longstanding issues of delayed payments.

“If these bills are enacted, farmers will have more certainty in the market and better opportunities to grow their businesses,” Prof. Kayula said, describing the reforms as “non-controversial but critical.”

Supporting this view, Yotam Mkandawire, Executive Director of the Grain Traders Association of Zambia, said the reforms would provide clear rules for marketing, storage, and credit access.

“Enacting these bills is necessary to stabilize trade and build trust among farmers, traders, and government institutions,” Mkandawire said.

IAPRI has played a pivotal role in supporting the reforms by providing technical expertise and evidence-based analysis. The institute has facilitated high-level discussions with Members of Parliament from committees on Agriculture, Lands, Trade, Labor, Budget, and National Economy, focusing on the bills’ long-term impacts on productivity, regional trade, and market stability.

Analysts say the three bills could foster a more predictable and transparent agricultural market, support farmer empowerment, and stimulate investment—key elements for Zambia’s goal of achieving sustainable agricultural growth and food security.

“These reforms, reinforced by broader programs like the Comprehensive Agriculture Support Program (CASP), represent a decisive pivot toward private sector-led growth and a resilient, market-oriented agriculture economy,” Dr. Mulenga said.

 TAUZ and ZIM Renew Partnership to Strengthen Professional Development in Zambia

By Daily News Reporter

Texila American University Zambia (TAUZ) and the Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) have renewed their longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening human capital and advancing professional development for Zambia’s growing economy.

The renewed MoU extends tuition fee discounts to ZIM members and their immediate family members enrolling in TAUZ programmes. It also expands collaboration in Continuous Professional Development (CPD), short courses, executive training, and specialised workshops aimed at equipping marketing professionals with practical competencies and strategic leadership skills.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, TAUZ Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Balamurugan Easwaran, underscored the university’s role in shaping industry-ready graduates.

He emphasized that the partnership bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry application, enabling co-created programmes aligned with Zambia’s economic aspirations.

And ZIM Registrar and CEO, Dr. Danny Chanda, described the renewal as a strategic opportunity for members to enhance their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving business environment.

He encouraged members to take advantage of tuition benefits and professional development opportunities, stressing that investing in quality education is key to long-term career growth and credibility.

TAUZ Registrar, Ms. Suguna Subbraji, expressed gratitude to ZIM for its continued partnership, describing the Institute as an “all-weather friend” whose collaboration has consistently advanced professional excellence.

Meanwhile, Dr. Angelo Salasini from the School of Business outlined areas of cooperation under the MoU, including postgraduate programmes, executive education, research collaboration, joint workshops, and professional networking initiatives.

The ceremony, witnessed by members of the ZIM Council including the Council Secretary, marked another milestone in the enduring relationship between the two institutions.

NGOCC Applauds President Hichilema's Fight against Child Marriage 

By Daily News Reporter 

As Zambia continues to confront the challenges of child marriage, the Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has hailed President Hakainde Hichilema for his firm stance against the practice, while calling on the government to ramp up resources to eliminate it.

The praise came following the President’s remarks at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he urged African nations to take decisive action against child marriage, highlighting its long-term social, health, and economic consequences.

In a statement issued on February 16, 2026, NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe said, “The President's consistent leadership on this issue remains a crucial catalyst for ending this practice across the continent. Child marriage is a significant human rights concern, with far-reaching human, social, health, and economic costs that Zambia cannot afford to ignore.”

Zambia has made measurable progress in reducing the prevalence of child marriage, from 29% in 2018 to 23.9% in 2024, but NGOCC stresses that more work is needed, particularly in rural areas where the practice remains prevalent.

The organisation is urging the government to ensure that the 2027 national budget prioritizes interventions that tackle child marriage, by supporting social and behavioral change programmes to educate communities on the dangers of early marriage,

Katebe noted that addressing child marriage requires a combination of strong leadership, community engagement, and adequate funding. “We need both political will and resources to create lasting change,” she said.

Advocates say ending child marriage is not only a moral and human rights imperative but also a critical step in boosting girls’ education, health, and economic participation—ultimately contributing to Zambia’s broader development goals.

With NGOCC’s call to action and the President’s vocal leadership on the issue, stakeholders hope Zambia can accelerate its efforts to eradicate child marriage and set an example for the continent.

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 ZIM Advertising Board To Clamp Down on Misleading and Improper AD Placements 

By Daily News Reporter 

As Zambia is entering a new era of professionalism and accountability in its advertising and marketing sector with the launch of the Advertising Standards Board (ASB), a move aimed at ensuring ethical compliance, responsible marketing, and fair business practices across the country.

The initiative, championed by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) and the Public Private Dialogue Forum, establishes a specialist board tasked with being the ultimate custodian of truth, fairness, and integrity in advertising. The Board will work alongside the newly formed Advertising Committee to regulate content placement, enforce compliance with national standards, and provide guidance to advertisers.

Speaking at the launch of Zambia’s Advertising Standards (ZAS), Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) President Mr. Mwewa Besa said the framework addresses growing concerns over inappropriate advertising placements and unethical practices in the sector.

“One key issue is the placement of alcohol advertisements in environments frequented by children, such as sports centers,” Mr. Besa noted.

 “Advertising must be done responsibly and in the right place. Certain products cannot be promoted where they can influence school children. These are the kinds of issues the Board will correct.” Mr. Besa Noted.

The ASB will actively engage media owners, advertisers, and agencies to ensure advertisements adhere to ethical guidelines, are appropriately placed, and uphold professionalism.

Starting March 1, the new standards will take effect, marking what stakeholders describe as a pivotal moment in Zambia’s advertising industry. Under the framework, all advertising and marketing entities operating in the country must meet the minimum standards established under the Advertising Standards Law, while agencies are required to comply with the Zambian Risk of Marketing Act No. 2 of 2022, including registration and licensing.

“In an environment where there are no standards, anything works. We must define thresholds and ensure everyone practicing in this country adheres to them,” Mr. Besa emphasized.

The standards document is designed to remain flexible, allowing the Board to adapt to Zambia’s fast-evolving advertising landscape. Stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback and engage with the Board to keep the framework relevant and practical.

Meanwhile speaking on behalf of Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary,  Ms. Magritte M. Chikuba Director Domestic and Trade reiterated its support for the initiative, calling it a milestone in promoting transparency, consumer confidence, and ethical compliance in the sector.

“Advertising plays a strategic role in facilitating trade, promoting competition, and connecting businesses to consumers,” said Ms Chikuba.

Ms. Chikuba added that it is a great value-add to business, products, and services. For its influence, standards must be set correctly to ensure fairness and healthy competition.

She added that markets can only function effectively when communication between businesses and consumers occurs within a framework that promotes fairness, accountability, and professionalism.

The launch reflects Zambia’s commitment to positioning itself as a regional leader in professional advertising practices. Stakeholders noted that effective regulation will only succeed through collaboration between regulators, advertisers, and media owners.

“Our intention is to promote private sector growth and unity by ensuring advertising is regulated effectively. This can only be achieved if we work together as partners,” Ms Chikuba added.

Industry leaders described the launch as a significant step toward safeguarding consumers, enhancing competition, and strengthening Zambia’s marketing and advertising ecosystem. With clear standards now in place, Zambia’s advertising industry stands poised for a more transparent, accountable, and professional future.