Airtel Africa Highlights Sustainability Drive Through Digital Inclusion and Community Investment

By Alain kabinda

LUSAKA, Zambia – Airtel Africa is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development in Zambia through investments in digital inclusion, education, entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility, positioning connectivity as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.

Speaking during a media roundtable to present the company's 2025/26 Sustainability Report, Airtel Africa Group Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said sustainability remains central to the company's long-term strategy, with partnerships and innovation playing a key role in expanding opportunities for communities across the country.

One of Airtel's flagship initiatives is its partnership with UNICEF, which has connected 300 schools across Zambia to the internet. The programme has provided nearly 292,000 learners and more than 5,000 teachers with access to digital learning platforms and online educational resources, helping bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved communities.

The investment comes at a time when access to digital technology is increasingly viewed as essential for improving educational outcomes and preparing young people for a technology-driven economy.

Beyond internet connectivity, Airtel has continued to invest directly in school infrastructure through its School Adoption Programme. Over the past year, the company supported schools in Mufulira, Chipata, Solwezi, Mansa and Mongu by constructing classroom blocks, establishing computer laboratories, improving sanitation facilities and providing internet connectivity.

And according to Mr. Taldar stated that two schools that have already been handed over in Chipata and Solwezi have reported increased enrolment, suggesting that improved learning environments are encouraging more children to attend school.

Mr. Taldar also said that Airtel's sustainability agenda is to extends to economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. Working with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) under the Innovation Challenge, the company has trained more than 500 innovators, supported the commercialisation of over 30 start-ups and contributed to the creation of more than 200 direct jobs.

Mr. Taldar added that the initiative aims to nurture local innovation while creating employment opportunities for young entrepreneurs seeking to build technology-based businesses.

The company's sustainability strategy is anchored on four pillars: expanding access to connectivity, equipping communities with digital skills, supporting entrepreneurship and promoting responsible environmental practices.

Mr. Taldar said Airtel Africa remains committed to scaling up these initiatives and strengthening partnerships that promote inclusive growth and accelerate Zambia's digital transformation.

As demand for digital services continues to grow, Airtel says its focus will remain on ensuring that the benefits of technology reach schools, businesses and communities that have traditionally been left behind, helping build a more connected and inclusive future for Zambia

 Pastor Reuben Sambo Condemns Anti-Immigrant Violence in South Africa, Calls for Urgent African Action

By Alain Kabinda

A Zambian church leader has strongly condemned the reported violence and forced deportation of immigrants in South Africa, calling on the country's leadership to uphold justice, democracy, and human dignity.

Speaking to Daily News in Lusaka on the recent reports of attacks and the removal of foreign nationals to their countries of origin, Pastor Reuben Sambo expressed concern over what he described as a failure of leadership in addressing violence against migrants.

 Pastor Sambo has urged South African authorities to take decisive action to restore peace and protect all people living in the country, regardless of their nationality.

"The leadership in South Africa must rise to the occasion and govern with justice and democracy. Violence against innocent people cannot be tolerated," Pastor Sambo said.

He also questioned whether South African leaders were satisfied with the current situation, saying strong political leadership is needed to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable communities.

Pastor Sambo also appealed to traditional leaders, church organizations, and civil society groups in South Africa to speak out against the attacks and defend the rights and dignity of those affected.

"The Church cannot remain silent when people are suffering. Religious leaders have a moral responsibility to stand for peace, justice, and the protection of human life," Pastor Sambo said.

Pastor Sambo further called on African leaders and regional bodies to urgently engage with the South African government through dialogue to help resolve the situation before it escalates further.

"Africa must act quickly. Dialogue is essential to restore peace and ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect," he said.

He noted that South Africa plays a significant economic role on the continent, supplying goods and services to many African countries, making stability and peaceful coexistence important not only for South Africans but for the wider region.

The bishop urged faith-based organizations across Africa to unite in condemning violence and promoting peaceful coexistence among all communities.

Pastor Sambo has also emphasized that lasting solutions should be grounded in justice, respect for human rights, and responsible leadership rather than violence or discrimination.

His remarks come amid growing concern over reports of anti-immigrant tensions in parts of South Africa, with calls from various stakeholders for authorities to protect all residents and uphold the rule of law.

 Mutale Nalumango to grace Africa Brands Awards

By BARNABAS ZULU

VICE President Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango is expected to grace the Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards on July 10, 2026, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, where more than 250 brands from 13 Southern African countries will be honoured with the Quality Seal of Excellence.

Speaking ahead of the event, Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards Africa Representative, Ambassador Patrick Nsubuga, said the awards are aimed at recognising organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to quality, consistency and excellence in the delivery of products and services.

"The Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards recognise organisations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to quality, consistency and excellence in their products and services," Amb. Nsubuga said.

He said this year's ceremony will bring together distinguished representatives from regional quality assurance bodies, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, the Zambia Bureau of Standards, the Halal Research Council and other leaders from the business community.

Amb. Nsubuga congratulated all the brands set to receive the Quality Seal of Excellence, saying the recognition represents far more than an award.

"To every brand that will be receiving the Quality Seal of Excellence this year, congratulations. This seal is more than a recognition; it is a mark of trust that tells consumers, partners and investors that your brand meets the highest standards expected in today's competitive markets," he said.

He noted that as consumers increasingly demand accountability and reliability, the Quality Seal of Excellence positions winning brands as leaders within Zambia and the wider Southern African region.

"We believe this recognition will open new doors, build greater consumer confidence and strengthen the reputation of Southern African regional brands on a wider stage," he said.

Amb. Nsubuga also announced that the awards ceremony will coincide with the official launch of the Investors Exim Hub, a platform designed to help manufacturers and service providers access import and export markets, as well as investment and financing opportunities.

"I am also pleased to announce that during this same ceremony, we will be officially launching the Investors Exim Hub, a dedicated platform designed to support manufacturers and service providers in accessing import and export markets, as well as funding opportunities," he said.

He said the hub will connect local businesses with regional and international trade networks while linking entrepreneurs to investors and financial institutions.

"Our goal is simple: to ensure that quality Southern African brands are not only recognised for excellence, but are also equipped with the tools, networks and resources to scale, export and compete globally," Amb. Nsubuga said.

He invited award recipients, members of the media, business stakeholders and the public to attend what he described as a landmark event for quality, trade and investment in the region.

"We warmly invite all award recipients, members of the media, business stakeholders and the general public to join us on the 10th of July 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre for what promises to be a landmark event for quality, trade and investment in our region," he said.

"Together, let us celebrate excellence and open new frontiers for trade and growth."

 Diabetes in pregnancy women aged 45 years and Fighting Stigma 

By Alain Kabinda

In the quiet farming community of Mulalika in east part of Chongwe District in Zambia, where dusty roads stretch between scattered villages and the nearest health facility can be several kilometers away, pregnancy is often seen as a blessing shared by the whole community. But for one woman, that blessing became a painful journey marked by illness, fear, and stigma.

Magritte (not Her real name) at 44 never expected to become pregnant again. Speaking to Daily News in an interview in Chongwe in the east part of Zambia, Magritte shares her experience, 

Her older children were already grown, some working in town and others raising families of their own. When she began feeling constantly tired and dizzy, she thought it was simply age catching up with her. But after missing her monthly cycle and making the long trip to the local clinic, she received two pieces of news that changed her life—she was pregnant, and she had diabetes.

“I was shocked,” Magritte said, seated outside her modest home, surrounded by maize fields ready for harvest. “At my age, I thought those days were over. Then the nurse told me my sugar was high and that the pregnancy would need close monitoring. I was afraid for myself and the baby.”

For women in many rural parts of Zambia, healthcare is often difficult to access. Clinics may be understaffed, transport to district hospitals is expensive, and information about conditions such as gestational diabetes is limited.

Magritte said she had never heard of diabetes during pregnancy before her diagnosis.

“In the village, people know about pregnancy and childbirth, but not many understand these diseases. When they heard I had diabetes, some said I had been bewitched. Others said I was too old and that my body could no longer carry a child properly.”

As her pregnancy progressed, Magritte had to walk long distances to attend antenatal check-ups. The nurses advised her to reduce sugary foods, eat balanced meals, and monitor her condition closely. But in a rural setting where meals depend largely on what is harvested or affordable, following a strict diet was not always easy.

“There were days when I just ate nshima and vegetables because that is what we had. The nurse said I needed special food, but I could not always manage,” she said.

What made her experience more painful was the social judgment from neighbors.

Some questioned why she was pregnant at her age. Others whispered that her illness was punishment for having a child so late in life.

“In the beginning, I stopped going to church because people kept asking why I was pregnant again. Some laughed and said I should be preparing to care for grandchildren, not babies,” Magritte recalls.

A midwife who attended to her regularly encouraged her not to lose hope. She explained that diabetes in pregnancy can be managed with proper care and reassured Agnes that many women deliver safely even in high-risk pregnancies.

And months later, after a difficult labour at the district hospital, Magritte gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

Holding the child now, she says the experience changed how she sees both health and community.

“I learned that sickness during pregnancy is not shameful. It can happen to anyone. What hurt me most was how people judged me before understanding what I was going through.”

Health workers in rural of Mulalika say stories like Magritte’s are becoming more common as more women delay childbirth or have pregnancies later in life. Yet awareness around gestational diabetes remains low, especially in remote communities where myths and traditional beliefs often shape public attitudes.

Without proper information, many women delay seeking care, fearing ridicule or misunderstanding. This can place both mother and baby at serious risk.

For Magritte, her daughter’s birth brought relief—but also a new purpose. She now speaks openly to other women in her village about the importance of antenatal care and regular check-ups, especially for older mothers.

“When women hide because of shame, they put themselves in danger,” she says. “It is better to go to the clinic early and know the truth. People will always talk, but your life and your child are more important.”

In rural like in Mulalika area, where access to healthcare remains uneven and cultural expectations still shape women’s choices, stories like Magritte’s reveal a hidden struggle.

For many older pregnant women living with diabetes, the battle is not just against a medical condition—it is also against silence, stigma, and the weight of community judgment.

Ms. Susan Mwale a midwife at a rural health facility in Chongwe District said many cases of diabetes in pregnancy are only detected late due to delayed antenatal attendance.

“Most women come for antenatal care when the pregnancy is already advanced, which makes it harder to manage conditions like diabetes effectively. Early booking is very important so that we can monitor both the mother and the baby from the beginning,” Ms. Mwale stated.

She added that stigma continues to discourage some women, especially older expectant mothers, from seeking timely care.

“Some women fear being judged because of their age or condition, but diabetes in pregnancy is a medical issue, not something to be ashamed of. With proper care, many women deliver safely.”

And Health workers in rural Zambia say stories like Magritte and Susan are becoming more common as more women delay childbirth or have pregnancies later in life. Yet awareness around gestational diabetes remains low, especially in remote communities where myths and traditional beliefs often shape public attitudes.

Without proper information, many women delay seeking care, fearing ridicule or misunderstanding. This can place both mother and baby at serious risk.

Moses Phiri clinical officer also added that gestational diabetes can be managed successfully if detected early and properly monitored.

“With regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and adherence to treatment, most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries,” Mr. Phiri said. “The main challenge we face is late diagnosis and limited awareness, particularly in rural communities where health information is still low.”

He also explained that gestational diabetes can be managed successfully with proper support.

“With good monitoring, proper nutrition, and adherence to treatment, most women go on to deliver healthy babies. The key challenge is awareness and consistent follow-up, particularly in rural settings.”

He warned that untreated diabetes in pregnancy can lead to complications such as high birth weight, difficult labour, and increased risk for both mother and child.

A public health specialist Dr. Given Lungu also emphasized the need for community education.

“We need to strengthen health education at community level so that people understand that pregnancy at an older age is not automatically dangerous, and that diabetes can affect any pregnant woman. Reducing stigma is part of improving health outcomes.” Dr. Lungu said.

He added that involving community leaders and safe motherhood programs is essential to changing attitudes.

“We must normalize antenatal care for all women, regardless of age, and encourage families to support rather than judge expectant mothers.”

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 Climate Justice in Zambia: Communities Bearing the Cost of a Global Crisis

 By Alain kabinda

In many rural communities across Zambia, climate change is not discussed as a distant global issue but as a daily reality that affects food, water, and livelihoods. For families in farming areas, the changing climate has brought uncertainty and hardship, particularly for communities that depend on seasonal rains for survival.

In one farming community in Southern Province, residents say the rains that once came predictably between November and March have become erratic. Some seasons begin late, while others bring long dry spells that destroy crops before harvest. For small-scale farmers, this means repeated losses and growing food insecurity.

“We used to know when to plant, and we could predict the season,” said one local farmer. “Now the rains come when they want. Sometimes they stop for weeks, and our maize dries before it grows.”

The effects go beyond farming. Water sources such as streams and shallow wells have dried up earlier than usual, forcing women and children to walk longer distances to fetch water. In some villages, families now wake before dawn to queue at boreholes, sometimes spending hours waiting for a chance to collect enough water for household use.

Livestock farmers are also struggling. Pastures have shrunk due to prolonged drought, and cattle deaths have increased in some areas because of limited water and grazing land. For many households, losing cattle means losing savings, income, and a source of food.

The burden is often greatest for women, who carry much of the responsibility for household survival. As crops fail and water becomes scarce, women take on additional work to feed their families, while children may miss school to help at home.

Community leaders say the situation reflects climate injustice. Despite contributing very little to global pollution, rural communities in Zambia are among those suffering the harshest consequences of climate change. Many residents feel they are paying the price for a crisis created elsewhere.

As climate change intensifies across southern Africa, the conversation in Zambia is shifting beyond weather patterns and environmental conservation to a more urgent issue — climate justice. For many communities, especially those in rural and low-income areas, the crisis is no longer just about rising temperatures or erratic rainfall. It is about fairness, survival, and the unequal burden carried by those who have contributed least to global emissions.

In recent years, Zambia has experienced prolonged droughts, flash floods, and changing rainfall seasons that have disrupted agriculture, water supply, and livelihoods. These climate shocks have hit hardest in communities that depend on rain-fed farming, with small-scale farmers bearing the brunt of failed harvests and food insecurity. Yet environmental experts note that Zambia’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions remains relatively small compared to industrialized nations.

This imbalance lies at the heart of climate justice — the argument that countries and communities least responsible for climate change are often the ones suffering its harshest consequences. In Zambia, this reality is increasingly visible in villages where families are forced to walk longer distances for water, livestock die from lack of pasture, and once-predictable farming seasons can no longer be trusted.

In districts such as Southern, Western, and parts of Eastern Province, communities are adapting to a new normal of uncertainty. Farmers who once relied on maize as a staple crop are being encouraged to diversify into drought-resistant crops such as sorghum and millet. But adaptation comes at a cost, and many families lack the resources to make the transition without external support.

Women and children are among the most affected. In many rural households, women are responsible for collecting water, growing food, and caring for families. When drought strikes, these responsibilities become heavier. Girls may miss school to help fetch water or support household survival, deepening existing inequalities. Advocates say climate change is not gender-neutral — it often worsens social and economic disparities already present in communities.

Civil society organizations in Zambia are increasingly calling for climate justice to be integrated into national development planning. They argue that climate action should not only focus on reducing environmental damage but also on protecting vulnerable people whose livelihoods are at risk.

At the policy level, Zambia has made commitments under the United Nations climate framework and has taken part in global climate negotiations, where developing countries continue to demand greater financial support from wealthier nations. The central argument is that nations with historically high carbon emissions should provide more resources for adaptation and resilience in countries like Zambia.

Local activists say international climate finance must reach the communities most affected rather than remaining concentrated in policy discussions or large infrastructure projects. They argue that climate justice means ensuring small farmers, women’s groups, and vulnerable communities have direct access to adaptation funding, technology, and training.

Young people are also becoming vocal in the climate justice movement. Across Zambia, youth-led organizations are pushing for stronger environmental policies and demanding that climate education be incorporated into schools. For many young activists, climate justice is also about intergenerational fairness — ensuring that today’s development decisions do not compromise the future.

Experts warn that if climate impacts continue without adequate intervention, they could deepen poverty and inequality in Zambia. Food shortages, water stress, and displacement could intensify social tensions, making climate change not only an environmental issue but also a development and human rights concern.

As Zambia faces an increasingly uncertain climate future, the call for justice is growing louder. For affected communities, the issue is simple: those who did the least to cause the crisis should not be left to face its harshest consequences alone. Climate justice, they say, is no longer a global slogan — it is a local demand for dignity, fairness, and survival.

As climate shocks become more frequent, communities are calling for greater support through irrigation systems, drought-resistant seeds, and direct climate adaptation funding. For them, climate justice means more than international discussions — it means practical solutions that help communities survive and rebuild in the face of a changing environment.

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 Bringing Smiles to the Ward: Cancer Society Supports Children with Cancer

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – For children receiving cancer treatment, hospital days can often feel long, uncertain, and emotionally exhausting. But for a group of young patients at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, moments of joy and comfort replaced routine clinical care as members of the Cancer Society of Zambia arrived bearing gifts and encouragement.

The visit, organized as part of the organization’s continued support for children living with cancer, saw the donation of various essential and comfort items aimed at easing the burden faced by patients and their families during treatment.

Boxes of supplies, care packages, and donated items filled the hospital ward as volunteers interacted with children, caregivers, and health workers in an effort to remind families that they are not facing the cancer journey alone.

Smiles appeared where anxiety had settled. Conversations replaced silence. Parents who often carry the emotional and financial weight of treatment found reassurance in knowing that others cared.

Cancer Society of Zambia Communications and administration Manager Idah Phiri said the donation forms part of broader efforts to provide psychosocial support and improve the wellbeing of children undergoing treatment.

Ms. Phiri noted that childhood cancer affects not only the patient but entire families, many of whom face long periods away from home, disrupted livelihoods, and emotional strain.

“Cancer treatment is not only about medicine. Children also need emotional support, dignity, comfort, and hope,” Ms. Phiri said.

Health workers and families at Cancer Diseases Hospital welcomed the gesture, describing community support as an important complement to clinical care.

They said families often encounter challenges ranging from transport costs and accommodation pressures to difficulties maintaining basic daily needs during treatment periods.

Childhood cancer remains a growing public health concern globally, with early diagnosis, timely treatment, and family support playing critical roles in improving outcomes.

Ms. Phiri also said that public awareness and community engagement remain essential to reducing stigma and encouraging families to seek medical attention early.

During the visit, volunteers spent time talking, laughing, and interacting with the children—moments that transformed the hospital environment into one of celebration rather than illness.

Parents expressed gratitude for the support, saying such gestures provide emotional relief during difficult periods.

One parent said seeing her child smile again was as valuable as receiving the donated items themselves.

For the Cancer Society of Zambia, the visit carried a simple but powerful message: children fighting cancer should never feel forgotten.

As the donations were handed over and the day drew to a close, one lesson remained clear—sometimes the most meaningful medicine is knowing that someone cares.

 Beyond the Leaf: Zambia’s Tobacco Industry Eyes Value Addition and Sustainability

By Alain kabinda

For generations, tobacco farming has shaped livelihoods across rural Zambia. In districts where agricultural seasons determine household incomes and local economies, tobacco has long stood as more than a crop — it has been a source of employment, export earnings, and economic survival.

But as climate change intensifies, global markets shift, and international sustainability standards evolve, Zambia’s tobacco industry is confronting a defining question: how can it remain competitive while securing long-term growth?

That question took center stage at the 61st Annual Congress of the Tobacco Association of Zambia (TAZ) held in Lusaka, where government officials, producers, and industry stakeholders gathered to chart a future for one of Zambia’s most significant agricultural sectors.

Held under the theme “Building a Competitive and Sustainable Tobacco Industry in a Changing Global Market,” the congress became more than an annual meeting — it became a conversation about transformation.

Speaking During the official opening the congress, Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary (Technical Services), Mr. John A. Mulongoti, described tobacco as a strategic industry that continues to contribute significantly to national development through exports, employment creation, and support for rural communities.

He further stated that Zambia’s tobacco production has grown sharply — rising from approximately 30 million kilograms in 2022 to more than 100 million kilograms in 2025, signaling strong recovery and expansion within the sector.

Government officials and industry leaders at the congress emphasized that future success should no longer be measured only by production volumes but by how much value remains inside the country.

The conversation focused on processing, manufacturing, skills development, industrialization, and strengthening domestic participation across the tobacco value chain.

And Tobacco Association of Zambia (TAZ) President Mr. Sianga Musheke argued that Zambia’s competitive advantage will increasingly depend on reducing production costs, improving efficiency, and expanding investments beyond farm gates.

One proposal attracting attention is the development of a Public-Private Partnership One-Stop Tobacco Industry Park, envisioned as an integrated hub for processing, training, logistics, manufacturing, research, and export development. Industry stakeholders believe such investments could create jobs, attract capital, and strengthen Zambia’s industrial base.

The congress also highlighted discussions around the Popota Concept, an initiative aimed at broadening economic participation and stimulating rural industrialisation.

While competitiveness dominated discussions, climate change emerged as an equally urgent concern.

Farmers and policymakers acknowledged that changing rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and growing environmental pressures are reshaping agricultural production.

Government outlined plans to prioritize irrigation development, climate-smart agriculture, water harvesting, sustainable land management, and environmental stewardship as part of broader agricultural transformation efforts.

Investment in irrigation, mechanisation, and climate adaptation technologies is increasingly viewed as necessary insurance against future shocks. Stakeholders stressed that maintaining yields while protecting natural resources will define the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Farmers argued that productivity improvements require investment capital that many producers still struggle to access.

TAZ proposed continued dialogue around innovative financing models, including ideas such as an Agriculture Development Fund to support investments in irrigation, mechanisation, and farm-level modernization.

Government signaled willingness to continue exploring mechanisms that improve access to productive financing across agriculture.

Stakeholders also welcomed the recent reduction of the tobacco levy from 2 percent to 1.5 percent, describing it as an example of how consultation between government and industry can improve competitiveness.

As global expectations evolve and agricultural industries face mounting pressure to adapt, Zambia’s tobacco sector appears to be repositioning itself.

It is about building an industry that is resilient to climate shocks, competitive in global markets, and capable of creating more value locally.

For farmers attending the congress, the message was clear: the future of tobacco in Zambia will depend on innovation, partnership, and the ability to transform agricultural growth into broader economic opportunity.

And as delegates concluded their discussions in Lusaka, one idea stood out — competitiveness in the future may no longer begin in the field alone, but in what happens after the harvest.