VEEP OPENS 2026 ZAMBIA–CHINA SPRING FESTIVAL TEMPLE FAIR

Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Her Honour Mutale V.K. Nalumango, has officially opened the 2026 Zambia–China Spring Festival Temple Fair, reaffirming the strong and enduring friendship between Zambia and the People’s Republic of China.

The vibrant ceremony, held at Levy Junction Mall in Lusaka, attracted government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the business community and the general public.

 The event was aimed at strengthening people-to-people exchanges while promoting trade, investment and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

In her keynote address, she highlighted China’s continued support to Zambia’s economic transformation through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

 She reiterated Government’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in value addition and beneficiation of natural resources, in line with the national industrialisation and job creation agenda.

The Vice President further encouraged Chinese investors to take advantage of Zambia’s favourable investment climate, emphasizing that enhanced investment flows would foster mutual benefit, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity.

And Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, said the Spring Festival Temple Fair demonstrates the transformative power of culture in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting cultural tourism.

Honourable Sikumba noted that cultural festivals of this nature convert heritage into a shared experience that stimulates tourism growth, promotes social cohesion and creates sustainable economic opportunities.

He emphasized that cultural tourism is more than commerce, describing it as a powerful instrument for preserving national identity, inspiring pride and driving long-term development. He therefore called for sustained collaboration between Zambia and China through cultural exchange and community engagement.

Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia Mr. Wang Sheng, said the Spring Festival Temple Fair reflects the deep-rooted friendship and growing cooperation between Zambia and China.

The Spring Festival Temple Fair is a symbol of the strong bond between our two countries. It promotes mutual understanding, cultural appreciation and people-to-people friendship, which form the foundation of China-Zambia relations.

The festival, held under the framework of the 2026 Year of People-to-People Exchanges between China and Africa, was organised in partnership with the Chinese Embassy in Zambia. It featured colourful cultural performances, exhibitions and interactive displays showcasing the rich traditions, cuisine and artistic heritage of both Zambia and China.

BRRA Reports Major Gains in Streamlining Business Licensing

By Daily News Reporter 

 The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) has announced its significant progress in advancing regulatory reforms aimed at creating a more conducive business environment in Zambia.

Speaking to journalists in Lusaka Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) Board Chairperson Mr. Dominic Kapalu highlighted key achievements recorded in 2025, including monitoring activities conducted across five provinces to assess regulatory practices and address challenges affecting the private sector.

The Agency undertook nine monitoring exercises involving chambers of commerce and industry, private businesses, sector associations and local authorities. The engagements resulted in the resolution of disputes between local authorities and businesses, particularly concerning goods in transit and the introduction or adjustment of charges without stakeholder consultation.

Mr Kapalu stated that findings from the monitoring activities have informed targeted reforms and policy adjustments designed to simplify procedures, reduce compliance costs and promote enterprise growth.

He also said that as part of the implementation of the Border Management and Trade Facilitation Act No. 8 of 2025, BRRA participated in the coordinated border management process, which led to the withdrawal of local authorities from operating at border points.

The collection of fees at entry and exit points has since been delegated to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). The move is intended to enhance efficiency, accountability and uniformity in revenue collection, while reducing delays and facilitating smoother trade flows.

BRRA also conducted a comprehensive review of the Regulatory Services Centres (RSCs), commonly known as one-stop shops, with support from the European Union under the Technical Assistance Project on an Inclusive Regulatory Environment Conducive to Business and Investment in Zambia.

The review assessed the effectiveness of RSCs, identified operational challenges and evaluated inter-agency coordination. Among the key recommendations was the adoption of a hybrid service delivery model integrating physical and digital platforms to improve accessibility and efficiency.

The Agency reported growth in the use of its electronic registry (e-registry), which provides up-to-date regulatory information to businesses and investors. In 2025, the platform recorded 190,869 visits, representing a 45 percent increase compared to 2024.

Mr Kapalu noted that the increase reflects growing confidence in digital regulatory platforms and underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance transparency and service delivery.

BRRA acknowledged the role of strategic partnerships in advancing its mandate, particularly through collaboration with the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF), which facilitates engagement between government and the private sector.

The Agency also received technical and financial support from cooperating partners, including the World Bank through the Zambia Agribusiness Trade Project (ZATP II), the African Development Bank through the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project and the European Union.

Mr Kapalu further recommended several regulatory agencies for implementing reforms aimed at simplifying compliance.

The Ministry of Energy was recognised for the Energy Single Licensing System (ESLS), through which the Energy Regulation Board issued 474 licences and 100 construction permits in 2025, translating into approximately K67.2 billion in pledged investments.

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) for introducing the Single-Disc Road Certificate, integrating road tax, vehicle fitness and insurance into one disc.

And the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) was also recognised for reducing environmental assessment fees and shortening review timelines following the enactment of Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2026.

He added  that BRRA has reaffirmed its commitment to finalising and implementing ongoing reforms aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, enhancing service delivery and strengthening investor confidence to support economic growth and job creation.

Nature, Carbon, and Climate Converge in Africa’s Investment Landscape”

By Daily News Reporter 

The global investment landscape is changing—and Africa is at its center. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation are no longer just environmental challenges. They are now shaping how investors assess risk, returns, and long-term economic resilience.

From water security to food systems and infrastructure, healthy ecosystems underpin the world economy. Yet the financial gap for protecting nature is enormous. 

And according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the global biodiversity finance gap could reach USD 942 billion per year by 2030, while current investment flows total just USD 200 billion annually, with private capital accounting for only USD 35 billion.

Despite this shortfall, private finance for nature is surging. In recent years, investment has grown more than tenfold—from USD 9.4 billion to over USD 100 billion—and analysts estimate it could soar to USD 1.45 trillion by 2030 if the current momentum continues. Carbon markets, nature-based solutions, and resilience infrastructure are increasingly treated as linked investment themes, creating a new frontier of asset classes.

For Africa, the stakes are particularly high. Natural capital—forests, wetlands, fisheries, and biodiversity—accounts for 30% to 50% of national wealth in many African countries, far exceeding traditional infrastructure or industrial assets. In South Africa alone, healthy ecosystems contribute over R275 billion (USD 14 billion) annually, roughly 7% of GDP.

Recent climate events provide a stark reminder of these risks. Flooding in parts of Kruger National Park and ongoing water stress in the Western Cape have underscored how ecosystem and climate shocks translate into economic losses, infrastructure damage, and fiscal pressure. These are no longer peripheral “sustainability issues”—they are core financial and investment risks.

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 ZAAB Calls on Citizens to Embrace Indigenous Foods and Traditions”

By Daily News Reporter 

My Food, My Identity: A National Call to Reclaim Zambia’s Food Heritage..................

In many Zambian homes, the aroma of ifisashi, chikanda, lumanda, or freshly pounded nshima once told stories of family, land, and belonging. These meals were more than food — they were identity, culture, and survival. Yet today, as fast foods and imported diets gain ground, those stories are slowly fading.

It is against this backdrop that the Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity (ZAAB), under the Food is African movement, has launched a powerful 7-day Focus Campaign titled “My Food, My Identity.” The campaign is a national call to reconnect Zambians with their indigenous foods, cultural knowledge, and sustainable farming systems that have nourished generations.

And ZAAB National Coordinator Mrs. Mutinta Nketani-Maseko emphasized that food is deeply personal — and profoundly political.

“Protecting our food heritage is not only about culture,” she said. “It is about safeguarding our health, our environment, and the future of our food systems.”

Across Zambia, especially among young people, the distance between farm and plate has grown wider. Many consumers no longer know where their food comes from, how it is grown, or the traditional wisdom behind it. Indigenous crops such as millet, sorghum, cassava, cowpeas, pumpkins, and wild fruits — once staples — are increasingly sidelined despite their high nutritional value and resilience to climate shocks.

The My Food, My Identity campaign seeks to reverse this trend.

Over the next seven days, ZAAB and its partners will spotlight how food shapes identity, connects families and communities, supports small-scale farmers, and strengthens climate-resilient food systems. Through storytelling, community engagement, and public dialogue, the campaign encourages Zambians to celebrate traditional dishes from all corners of the country and to choose locally produced foods.

For smallholder farmers, indigenous food systems are also a matter of survival. Agroecological practices rooted in local knowledge help farmers adapt to erratic rainfall, protect biodiversity, and reduce dependence on costly external inputs. By embracing indigenous foods, communities are also investing in sustainable livelihoods.

Nutrition experts agree that many traditional foods offer superior health benefits, helping to address rising levels of diet-related diseases. At the same time, preserving food heritage helps protect seed diversity — a critical resource in the face of climate change.

The campaign is intentionally inclusive. ZAAB is calling on elders, youth, farmers, chefs, storytellers, and consumers alike to share their food stories — from family recipes and farming traditions to memories tied to specific meals.

At its heart, My Food, My Identity is about pride — pride in who Zambians are, where their food comes from, and the knowledge passed down through generations.

As Zambia looks toward a future shaped by climate uncertainty and changing diets, the message from ZAAB is clear: the answers may already be on our plates.

Zambia Urged to Shift From Cholera Response to Prevention

By Daily News Reporter 

In a country with the technical know-how, experienced health professionals, and decades of lessons learned, cholera should no longer be a recurring headline. Yet in 2026, Zambia continues to battle a disease that experts agree is entirely preventable.

It was this uncomfortable reality that took centre stage at the Public Health and WASH Evidence Forum, convened by WaterAid Zambia in Lusaka. The high-level gathering brought together senior government leaders, cooperating partners, researchers, civil society organisations, and the media—not to respond to an outbreak, but to ask a harder question: why does cholera keep coming back?

At the heart of the discussion was a clear message from WaterAid Zambia: emergency response alone is not enough.

“It is shameful that Zambia is still grappling with cholera in 2026,” said WaterAid Zambia Country Director Yankho Mataya, speaking candidly to the audience. 

"We have the knowledge and the capacity to eliminate this disease. What we lack is sustained investment in prevention.” Mataya said.

The most recent outbreak in 2023–2024 claimed more lives, many of them in densely populated and underserved communities. For WaterAid, these deaths tell a deeper story—one of persistent gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

" Cholera is not just about bacteria,” Mataya explained. “It is about where people live, whether they have safe water to drink, dignified sanitation, and the means to practice basic hygiene. When those systems fail, cholera thrives.”

The Evidence Forum also marked the launch of two critical research reports, designed to strengthen the use of data and evidence in shaping Zambia’s cholera elimination efforts. The findings reinforced a familiar but often overlooked truth: while millions of kwacha are mobilised during outbreaks, far less is invested in long-term WASH infrastructure that could prevent outbreaks altogether.

Participants reflected on how repeated cycles of panic, emergency funding, and short-term fixes have become normalised—despite their limited impact. Civil society organisations and researchers highlighted that communities most affected by cholera are often the same ones left behind in urban planning, service delivery, and public investment.

For government officials in attendance, the forum was both a moment of reckoning and opportunity. Zambia has committed to eliminating cholera, but achieving that goal will require stronger political leadership, coordinated action across sectors, and increased domestic financing for WASH.

WaterAid Zambia emphasised that prevention must move from the margins to the centre of national development planning. Clean water systems, safe sanitation, and hygiene promotion, the organisation argued, are not optional add-ons but foundational public health investments.

As the forum concluded, one message resonated clearly: cholera deaths are not inevitable. They are the result of choices—about where resources are directed, whose communities are prioritised, and whether prevention is valued as much as response.

For WaterAid Zambia, the path forward is clear. Until the country commits fully to long-term WASH solutions, cholera will continue to expose the cost of inaction.

ZAMBEEF Drives Zambia's Economic Growth with job creation and Investment 

By Daily News Reporter 

ZAMBEEF'S Impressive Performance has driven Zambia economy. The company has so far boosted its development through its $100 Million investments in 2022 with $60Miilion being actualized which demonstrates its commitment to the country.

Wiih 8,000 direct jobs and 300,000 indirect jobs created, ZAMBEEF Limited is making a significant impact. Its focus on efficiency, cost optimization, and people development has enabled a 10% price reduction in shoes and other products, benefiting customers.

Speaking at a Manufacturing Companies media engagement in Lusaka ZAMBEEF Executive Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Mr Ezekiel Sekele stated that government's efforts to manage macroeconomic fundamentals, coupled with the private sector's growth strategies, are paying off. 

He also said that Zambia's stable exchange rate and controlled inflation create a conducive environment for continued growth.

ZAMBEEF's story showcases the power of collaboration between the private sector and government in driving economic growth and improving lives.

 As Zambia's growth story unfolds, ZAMB remains a key player to partner with.

 "Her Time Is Now” Campaign Pushes Financial Support for Women in Politics

By Daily News Reporter 

LUSAKA — As Zambia looks toward the August 2026 General Elections, a growing coalition of women leaders, civil society organizations, diplomats, and government representatives is calling for a decisive shift—from symbolic support for women in politics to direct financial investment.

That call took center stage at a high-level breakfast meeting convened by the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC), where stakeholders launched a new Donation Button aimed at mobilizing resources to support women candidates across the country.

The event, held under the banner “Her Time Is Now,” brought together women politicians, young activists, members of the diplomatic corps, political parties, and development partners. 

Speaking during the Launch of the Donation Button in Lusaka NGOCC Board Chairperson Ms Beauty Katebe stated inclusive governance will not happen by chance—it must be deliberately financed, protected, and sustained.

She emphasized that this is not just about an election cycle,

“It is a forward-thinking and long-term movement to permanently transform Zambia’s political culture and ensure that inclusive governance becomes the norm, not the exception.” Ms Katebe said.

Further she urged participants to move beyond conversations and commit to tangible action.

“This breakfast must be remembered not just for dialogue, but for decisions, partnerships, and commitments,” Ms Katebe added 

 And Zambia National Association of Women with Disabilities National Coordinator Ms Bwalya Chilufya noted that women candidates have continue to face overwhelming financial and structural barriers to political participation.

Ms Chilufya also added that Women politicians themselves echoed this reality. 

She noted that Members of a newly formed Resource Mobilization Group for Women in Politics shared their lived experiences—from failed adoption processes to repeated election losses—highlighting how systemic challenges continue to limit women’s access to political office.

Formed as a self-driven collective, the group meets monthly at NGOCC offices to strategize on increasing women’s representation. 

Meanwhile Women in Politics Representative Ms Saboi Imboela also added that the time for women is now to challenge men in politics and participate in national development

“This is for us, We must invest in ourselves if we are serious about changing the numbers in parliament," Ms Imboela said.

She urged fellow women in all corners of this country to participate in National development by voicing out their concerns in politics.

Ms Imboela delivered a powerful reminder that women’s leadership should no longer be treated as negotiable.

“Women’s leadership is not something we should still be negotiating,” she said. “It should be something we normalize.” she said.

Drawing from her experience in politics underscored the impact of opportunity.

“When women are supported, leadership is not limited by age, geography, or background,” she said. “It is unlocked.”

Through its partnership with NGOCC, Young Women in Action, Women Politicians and other women advocates in politics is implementing leadership and civic engagement projects in districts such as Mungwi and Lunte, addressing entrenched barriers including patriarchal norms, economic exclusion, male-dominated political systems, and election-related violence.

At the heart of the meeting was the launch of the Donation Button—an innovation designed to directly address one of the most persistent obstacles to women’s political participation: money.

Financial constraints remain one of the biggest barriers preventing capable women from contesting elections, so this initiative helps level the playing field and ensures leadership is determined by competence and vision, not financial capacity.

Advocates also stressed the need for inclusive participation that extends to women with disabilities, citing Zambia’s Constitution, the National Disability Policy, and the country’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Speaking on behalf of the government, a representative from the Gender Division under the Office of the President Mr Henry Kaoma reaffirmed the state’s commitment to women’s political participation.

“Women’s participation in public life is not a favor—it is a constitutional right and a development imperative,”r Kaoma said.

The government highlighted measures already taken, including the revised National Gender Policy, the National Strategy on Women’s Participation in Politics and Decision-Making, and the introduction of proportional representation under Constitutional Amendment No. 13 of 2025.

“This gap is what demands our collective action today,” Kaoma added.

With 2026 fast approaching, the tone of the gathering was both hopeful and urgent.  Women speakers emphasized that the Her Time Is Now campaign complements government and civil societies efforts by translating commitments into community-level action—where women face real threats, limited resources, and political violence.

As the meeting concluded, participants were reminded that inclusive governance is not solely about women occupying seats—but about transforming the systems that decide who gets to lead.

And so they is this sentence which says "when women lead, communities thrive,”  and “And when women lead, democracy is strengthened.”

In Zambia’s political future depends on what happens now—not later.

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