ZAFOD CALLS GOVERNMENT, POLITICAL PARTIES AND ALL STAKEHOLDERS TO INCLUDE PWDs IN ELECTORAL PROCESS 

By Daily News Reporter 

As Zambia prepares for future electoral cycles, the question of who fully participates in the country’s democratic process has once again come into sharp focus. At the centre of this conversation is the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), a group that continues to face systemic barriers to exercising one of the most fundamental democratic rights—the right to vote and to be voted for.

The Federal Director of the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) Mr Justin Bbakali speaking during the stakeholders engagement meeting in Lusaka issued a strong call to key electoral stakeholders to urgently address these challenges. 

He urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Government, and political parties to ensure the full and meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in Zambia’s electoral processes.

According to ZAFOD, inclusive elections are not a favour but a constitutional and human rights obligation. Despite Zambia’s progressive laws and international commitments, many citizens with disabilities still encounter physical, institutional, and attitudinal barriers that prevent them from fully participating in elections.

“An inclusive electoral system strengthens democracy and ensures that the voices of all Zambians, including persons with disabilities, are heard and respected,” the ZAFOD Executive Director said.

For many persons with disabilities, the journey to the ballot box is fraught with obstacles. Inaccessible polling stations without ramps or clear signage, long queues that disadvantage persons with mobility challenges, and the absence of voter education materials in braille, large print, or audio formats continue to undermine participation.

 He further noted that during voter registration and polling days, many PWDs lack access to assistive services such as sign language interpretation or trained polling officers who understand how to support voters with different forms of disabilities while maintaining the secrecy and integrity of the vote.

These barriers, advocates argue, effectively disenfranchise thousands of citizens and weaken the credibility of the democratic process.

Mr Bbakali called on the ECZ to scale up disability-friendly interventions, including the provision of ramps at polling stations, priority voting queues, tactile ballot guides, and braille and large-print voting materials. The organisation has also emphasized the need for continuous training of electoral officers on disability inclusion and rights-based approaches.

Political parties have not been spared from the criticism. ZAFOD challenged parties to go beyond rhetoric and adopt inclusive campaign strategies that reach voters with disabilities. This includes making campaign messages accessible and ensuring that persons with disabilities are represented in party leadership structures and considered in candidate selection.

“Inclusion must be reflected not only at the polling station but also in political participation and decision-making spaces,” Mr Bbakali said.

Adding further weight to the discussion, disability rights advocate, 

Ms Ruth Zulu ZAFOD Programs Manager presented key findings from an electoral observation report during the same meeting. Her presentation painted a sobering picture of the structural gaps that continue to affect electoral accessibility.

Ms. Zulu revealed that there has been limited disability status registration and designation within the electoral system, making it difficult to plan and budget effectively for inclusive elections. She also noted the absence of clear and dedicated budget lines for accessibility measures, which often results in disability inclusion being treated as an afterthought.

She called on Government to strengthen legal and policy frameworks governing electoral accessibility and urged political parties to deliberately adopt and promote persons with disabilities within their structures.

Ms. Zulu further emphasized the importance of sustained engagement between Government and the Parliamentary Disabilities Caucus. According to her, maintaining active coordination among stakeholders would help present a united voice on electoral accessibility and ensure that disability inclusion remains a priority at policy and implementation levels.

She also stressed the need for stronger coordination among civil society organisations, electoral bodies, and lawmakers to avoid fragmented efforts and to push for long-term, sustainable reformed.

ZAFOD has reiterated its readiness to collaborate with the ECZ, Government, and political parties to promote awareness, build capacity, and develop practical solutions that guarantee equal participation for all citizens. As Zambia continues to consolidate its democratic gains, advocates argue that true democracy will only be realised when no citizen is excluded on the basis of disability.

For persons with disabilities, the call is clear: inclusion must move from policy statements to practical action—at the polling station, in political parties, and within the halls of power.

Africa Media Festival Kicks Off with Focus on Resilient Storytelling and Media Survival

By Daily News Reporter 

The fourth edition of the Africa Media Festival (AMF) officially opened in Nairobi today, bringing together participants from more than 200 organizations and 31 nationalities in what has become one of the continent’s most consequential gatherings on the future of African media. 

At a moment when journalism is facing economic strain, political pressure, and rapid technological disruption, the festival has positioned itself as both a strategic refuge and a forward-looking laboratory for African storytelling.

Held under the theme “Resilient Storytelling: Reimagining Media Freedom,” this year’s festival marks a clear departure from conversations that merely diagnose the problems confronting African media. Instead, AMF 2026 is focused on actively wiring a sustainable foundation for an ecosystem many speakers described as being “under siege.”

Across Africa, newsrooms are grappling with shrinking advertising revenues, mass retrenchments, and the collapse of traditional business models. These economic pressures are compounded by sophisticated state-led internet shutdowns, surveillance technologies, and tightening controls over information flows.

Against this backdrop, AMF has emerged not just as a convening, but as a strategic working platform where journalists, creators, funders, and policy thinkers can collectively imagine what survival—and relevance—looks like in a fast-changing media environment.

Opening the festival, Martie Mtange, Curator of the Africa Media Festival, underscored the importance of collaboration in an era defined by fragmentation.

“We are here to facilitate the collaborations that strengthen our ecosystem, connecting creators in finding solutions to these many questions,” Mtange said. 

“Our priority is to ensure we move forward together so no newsroom, media house, journalist or creative has to navigate these periods alone.”

Mtange emphasized that sustainability in African media cannot be achieved without grounding storytelling in local realities. She argued that African narratives must remain rooted in social justice, the rule of law, and the decolonization of minds—particularly in how African stories are framed, distributed, and consumed both locally and globally.

This call resonated strongly with participants who noted that external narratives about Africa often dominate global discourse, marginalizing local voices and lived experiences.

Organized by Baraza Media Lab, the festival highlighted the disruptive role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in reshaping journalism. Speakers warned that AI-generated summaries and search-driven content aggregation are steadily wiping out traffic-based news business models that many African media houses still rely on.

At the same time, governments across the continent are increasingly leveraging new technologies to tighten control over information, restrict online spaces, and silence dissenting voices. Several panelists described this growing clampdown on media freedom as an “own goal” that weakens the feedback loops essential for stable socio-political and economic governance.

Daniel Kalinaki, Chair of Baraza Media Lab, challenged African journalists to rethink their place in the political economy of media.

“We are seeing a growing restlessness among young Africans that is reshaping public discourse,” Kalinaki said. “To wire a sustainable future for Africa’s media, journalists must move beyond being mere participants to becoming contestants in the market economy—by owning our media houses, our intellectual property, as well as homegrown AI tools.”

His remarks struck a chord with younger practitioners, many of whom see ownership of media infrastructure as a critical defense against political capture and corporate consolidation.

Beyond economics and technology, AMF 2026 placed a strong spotlight on the human cost of journalism in hostile environments. Speakers called for mental health and psychotherapeutic support to be integrated as a core component of professional sustainability, rather than treated as a peripheral concern.

Christine Mungai, News Editor at The Continent, cautioned against isolation within the profession.

“In these moments of uncertainty, we fail as media when we work in silos,” Mungai said. 

“By talking to each other and understanding the geopolitical superstructure, we can create systems that produce resilience in these fast-changing times instead of driving journalists toward self-censorship.”

Her comments reinforced a recurring message throughout day one: collaboration is no longer optional—it is essential.

The festival brings together voices from legacy media, independent creators, funders, and global partners, including DW Akademie, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Bloomberg, the Australian High Commission, Afripods, The African Editors Forum, RNW Media, and Journalists for Human Rights. This diversity reflects AMF’s ambition to bridge local realities with global solidarity while keeping African priorities at the center.

AMF 2026 will culminate on Thursday with the inaugural Africa Media Awards, featuring the newly introduced “Creator for Good” award. The accolade is designed to recognize individuals who have maintained excellence and spoken truth to power despite intense economic and political headwinds across the continent.

As day one concluded, organizers reiterated that AMF 2026 is not merely an annual gathering, but a critical backup and reflective tool for an ecosystem being rapidly redefined by artificial intelligence and shifting geopolitical power.

In a time of uncertainty, the Africa Media Festival is sending a clear message: Africa’s stories will endure—but only through resilience, ownership, and collective action.

 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.

(c) All Rights Reserved.

 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.