PIA LAUNCHES INSURANCE REGULATORY SANDBOX TO DRIVE INNOVATION AND INCLUSION 

By Daily News Reporter 

n the Financial sector shaped by rapid technological change and growing digital adoption, Zambia has taken a decisive step toward modernising its insurance industry with the official launch of the Insurance Regulatory Sandbox.

The milestone initiative, unveiled by the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA), is designed to create a controlled, time-bound environment where insurers and innovators can test new products and business models under regulatory supervision — without compromising consumer protection or market stability.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Brian Manchishi described the sandbox as a strategic response to a fast-evolving financial ecosystem.

“As the insurance regulator, our core responsibility has always been to protect policyholders, ensure market stability, and promote orderly development,” he said.

 “But we are now operating in an environment reshaped by technology, data and new delivery models.”

Over the past month alone, Zambia’s digital financial space has witnessed notable developments, including the launch of insurance marketplaces by MTN MoMo and Airtel Money — platforms expected to expand access to insurance through mobile phones.

While such innovations promise greater financial inclusion, regulators say they also raise complex supervisory questions. Traditional regulatory tools, Dr. Manchishi noted, are no longer sufficient to address emerging risks in technology-driven insurance models such as parametric products, index-based coverage, and digital underway.

Pensions Insurance Authority (PIA) Registrar and CEO Mrs. Namakau Mundia Ntini described the launch as both “a celebration and a statement of vision.”

She revealed that a 2025 Innovation Portrait Study — conducted with support from Financial Sector Deepening Africa and Cenfri — found that although Zambia’s insurance sector is not yet highly innovative, its transformation potential is substantial.

The study also highlighted a critical gap: despite a steady increase in licensed insurance entities, growth has not translated into significantly expanded insurance inclusion. Product diversity remains limited, and outreach to underserved communities is still minimal.

Currently, insurance uptake in Zambia stands at just 6.3 percent. Under the Second National Financial Inclusion Strategy, the country aims to raise this figure to 15 percent in the coming years.

“We cannot speak of a prosperous and inclusive Zambia by 2030 while a significant portion of our population remains outside the formal financial safety net,” Ntini said

At the heart of the sandbox initiative is the ambition to extend coverage to those traditionally excluded from formal insurance markets — small-scale farmers, informal traders, rural households, and micro-entrepreneurs.

Digital platforms and microinsurance solutions are seen as key tools in closing the protection gap. Officials say the sandbox will allow innovators to test products tailored to specific consumer needs, including agricultural and climate-risk insurance to protect farmers against drought and livestock disease.

The initiative also seeks to encourage inclusive design — ensuring that digital solutions consider persons with disabilities, including those with visual impairments who rely on tactile interfaces for navigation.

“How can digital distribution meet potential policyholders where they already are?” Ntini asked. “How do we design products that work for the informal trader in Soweto, a farmer in Lundazi, or an entrepreneur in Kitwe?”

The regulatory sandbox aligns with Zambia’s broader economic transformation agenda, as outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan championed by President Hakainde Hichilema, which emphasises innovation, digitisation and diversification as pillars of growth.

By fostering responsible experimentation within a supervised framework, the PIA hopes to strike a balance between enabling

 CPCR Urges Parliament To Strengthen Tobacco Control Bill 

By Daily News Reporter 

Zambia is facing a critical test of its commitment to public health as Parliament debates the Tobacco Control Bill, 2025—legislation designed to curb tobacco use, protect citizens from harmful exposure, and align the country with international health standards.

The stakes are high. Each year, more than 7,000 Zambians die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to the Centre for Primary Care Research (CPCR). Beyond the human toll, tobacco use imposes a heavy economic and social burden, straining health facilities, reducing workforce productivity, and leaving families to shoulder the costs of preventable diseases.

"The Tobacco Control Bill is a critical step towards protecting the health of Zambians,” said Professor Fastone Goma, CPCR Executive Director.

 “Parliament now has an opportunity to strengthen this law so it meaningfully addresses the tobacco epidemic rather than preserving the status quo.”Said Pro Goma.

The Bill, if enacted, will regulate the manufacture, marketing, sale, and packaging of tobacco products, while also providing support for those struggling with addiction. Importantly, it aligns with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which Zambia ratified in 2008. The treaty obliges countries to adopt measures including graphic health warnings, advertising bans, and policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

Public health experts warn that the Bill must go beyond mere regulation. Dr. Cosmas Zyaambo Sianantu, Senior Lecturer at the University of Zambia’s School of Public Health,

 

stresses that legislation should actively reduce exposure, restrict advertising, promote cessation programs, and protect vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and workers in public spaces.

He also highlighted its role in heart disease, cancer, respiratory complications, and other chronic conditions

Health experts have also stressed the dangers of second-hand smoke, pointing out that non-smokers—including children, pregnant women, and workers in public spaces—remain exposed to harmful emissions. Strong smoke-free policies and effective enforcement are needed to protect these vulnerable populations.

 “Strong regulations, clear warnings, and restricted advertising are proven to reduce smoking rates globally. Zambia cannot afford to delay any longer,” he said.

Yet the road to effective implementation is complicated. Powerful tobacco companies, including British American Tobacco (BAT) Zambia, have reportedly lobbied to weaken certain provisions, aiming to dilute advertising restrictions, reduce the size of health warnings, and permit the continued marketing of flavored products. Health advocates have condemned these efforts as “utter hypocrisy,” noting that such restrictions exist in the company’s home markets. BAT Zambia, however, maintains that it operates responsibly.

Enforcement is another challenge. Experts caution that overly strict regulations, if poorly enforced, could inadvertently push tobacco sales into informal or illicit markets. Coordinated action between health authorities, law enforcement, and trade regulators will be critical to ensure the Bill achieves its intended impact.

Despite these obstacles, civil society organizations like the Centre for Primary Care Research (CPCR) are rallying behind the legislation, emphasizing Zambia’s moral and legal obligations under international frameworks.

 “This is more than legislation—it is a commitment to our people and to global health standards,” Dr. Zyaambo affirmed.

As Parliament deliberates, Zambians are watching closely. The Tobacco Control Bill represents more than policy—it is a measure of governance, a test of national will, and a statement about the kind of future the country wants to build. Its passage could mark a turning point, setting Zambia on a path toward a healthier, more resilient society while fulfilling its global commitments to tobacco control.

For a nation long balancing development, economic interests, and public health, the passage of this Bill could define the next generation’s health and prosperity.

 PIMISA Gas Introduces Low-Cost Refillable LPG Cylinders in Zambia

By Daily News Reporter 

Lusaka, Zambia — Local energy firm PIMISA Gas has launched an innovative clean-cooking initiative aimed at making liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) more affordable and accessible to households across Zambia.

The project introduces refillable gas cylinders that can be topped up with amounts as low as K5, allowing consumers to purchase gas according to their financial capacity. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce reliance on charcoal, a major contributor to deforestation and household air pollution.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka, Rubis Finance Manager Florian Bedouch said the company was enthusiastic about partnering on a project that addresses one of the biggest barriers to clean energy adoption.

“We are interested in this kind of project because it promotes green energy and directly tackles accessibility to gas,” Bedouch said.

 “This model opens the market to more users and makes it easier for households to transition to cleaner energy sources.”

The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with Rubis, which believes the refill-as-you-can model has the potential to transform Zambia’s energy sector. As part of the project, gas refill stations will be installed at strategic locations across the country, enabling customers to conveniently refill their cylinders at affordable prices.

PIMISA Gas Co-founder Tracey Martins said the project is driven by a commitment to public health and environmental protection.

“Our goal is to provide clean cooking solutions to all Zambians,” Martins said. 

“Charcoal use poses serious health risks and contributes to environmental degradation. We want to encourage safe, clean, and affordable cooking alternatives.”

Under the new system, customers can bring their own cylinders and refill them with any quantity they can afford, removing the financial burden of purchasing full cylinders upfront. PIMISA Gas has already invested in infrastructure and plans to establish multiple refill points nationwide, including locations near major soccer stadiums to improve reach and visibility.

The company emphasized that all refill stations will operate in line with strict health, safety, and regulatory standards to ensure reliable and secure service delivery.

The launch of PIMISA Gas’s affordable refillable gas cylinders marks a significant step forward in expanding access to clean energy in Zambia, with stakeholders optimistic that the initiative will improve household health outcomes while supporting environmental sustainability.

GPZ Warns Monetary Consent Judgements Enable ‘Legalised Plunder’

By Daily News Reporter 

he Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ) has called for sweeping legal reforms to abolish monetary consent judgements, arguing that the practice has been abused to drain public resources without full judicial scrutiny.

In a statement issued under the party’s Reset Vision Campaign to Daily News, GPZ president Jackson Silavwe said the current legal framework that allows the Attorney General and Solicitor General to enter into monetary consent judgements has created avenues for what he described as “legalised white-collar plunder.”

Mr. Silavwe also declared that under a GPZ-led government, there would be no monetary consent judgements, emphasising that public funds must only be disbursed following a complete and transparent judicial process.

“The law which empowers state legal officers to enter into monetary consent judgements has been grossly abused by those wielding state power. Easy access to taxpayers’ money must be stopped,” Mr. Silavwe said.

And according to the GPZ'S proposal, the party intends to amend the law to remove provisions that allow out-of-court settlements involving public funds. Instead, all state monetary compensations would be required to pass through the courts, ensuring judicial oversight, transparency and accountability.

Mr Silavwe further argued that compensation paid by the state should only arise after a matter has been fully heard and determined by a court of law, rather than through negotiated settlements behind closed doors.

Mr. Silavwe added that the reforms are part of a broader national reset agenda aimed at protecting Zambia’s financial resources and restoring public confidence in state institutions.

“Zambia must reset. Public resources belong to the people and must be protected through due process,” he said.

The debate around monetary consent judgements has gained prominence in recent years, with civil society organisations and governance activists raising concerns about the growing cost of such settlements on the national treasury.

GPZ’s position is expected to add momentum to calls for legal and institutional reforms as the country grapples with fiscal pressures and demands for stronger accountability in the management of public funds.

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 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.