The article commemorates 60 years of Sino-Zambia bilateral cooperation, highlighting a symposium hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Lusaka. Key speakers, including Wang Sheng and Fredrick Mutesa, praised the historical and ongoing contributions of both nations to each other's development. The symposium underscored China's commitment to global peace, stability, and development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. The article also detailed China's support for Zambia in various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, and humanitarian aid, and emphasized the mutual benefits of the long-standing partnership.

The Special Audit Report issued by Acting Auditor General Dr. Ron Mwambwa for the period from January 2019 to December 2022 uncovered financial irregularities in Zambia's procurement of petroleum products, totaling over K483 million and US$1.3 billion. The report detailed failures to pay suppliers, overpayments due to inflated invoices, losses from subsidized sales, wasteful expenditure on arbitration awards, irregular charging of trader's margin, and loss of funds due to questionable contract clauses. Recommendations include submitting procurement plans to the ZPPA, securing funds before project commencement, and thorough scrutiny of contract terms to prevent loss of public funds.

On March 27, 2024, PACRA CEO Benson Mpalo officiated a workshop in Lusaka to promote the Movable Property (Security Interest) Registry System (MPRS). The event, attended by representatives from the Bank of Zambia, Musika Initiative Development Zambia Limited, and other financial institutions, marked the start of a nationwide awareness campaign. The MPRS aims to enhance credit accessibility for small-scale businesses and farmers by leveraging movable assets. Musika's Managing Director, Reuben Banda, highlighted the importance of tailored financial solutions for farmers, while Bank of Zambia's Patrick Zulu urged financial institutions to utilize the registry to expand lending portfolios.

Isaac Able Mwaipopo, Executive Director of the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD), calls on the Zambian government to provide an update on the performance of loans and grants under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) aimed at youth, women, and community empowerment. Mwaipopo emphasizes the importance of loan repayment to ensure the sustainability of the revolving fund and prevent the failure of public empowerment schemes. He urges the government to implement stringent measures for loan repayment to maintain the effectiveness of the CDF initiative.

Times Media CEO Sam Phiri advises Zambian artists and performers to protect their intellectual property by not sharing ideas prematurely. Phiri claims to have a strategy to circulate millions of newspapers daily but will reveal it only when ready to implement. The discussion took place at a Partners Against Piracy event in Lusaka, featuring various stakeholders including PACRA, ZNBC, and ZAMCOPS, who emphasized the importance of combating digital piracy and protecting intellectual property rights.

Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Media, emphasizes the importance of public sensitization for the successful implementation of the Access to Information (ATI) Law. He calls for collaboration between the government and civil society organizations to educate the public on the law's objectives. Kawana highlights President Hakainde Hichilema's commitment to transparency and accountability. USAID's Teldah Mawarire commends the government for enacting the ATI law and pledges continued support in its implementation. The article underscores the need for media professionalism and adherence to ethics, with Internews Network playing a key role in capacity building for community media houses.

Lorraine Chisanga, Chairperson of MISA Zambia, commends President Hakainde Hichilema for enacting the Access To Information Bill, marking a significant step towards transparency and accountability in Zambia. She highlights the bill's importance for good governance and citizens' right to information. Additionally, Chisanga praises the government's 3-year tax holiday on broadcasting equipment, which aims to foster media industry growth and technological advancement. The initiatives are seen as milestones in promoting an open and informed society.

Gaston Sichilima, a former Deputy Minister in Zambia, challenges Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba to convene an inclusive National Convention for the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) to elect a legitimate president before considering an alliance with President Hakainde Sammy Hichilema's UPND. Sichilima criticizes Mumba for not renewing party memberships or holding a convention since his election, and for unilaterally pursuing an alliance. He emphasizes the need for a democratic process within MMD and suggests that the party has capable leaders who could take over. Sichilima also reflects on past political decisions and the importance of unity and adherence to the party's constitution.

Economic Front Spokesperson Humphrey Kabwe urges the UPND Administration to reverse recent increases in toll gate charges, mobile money transaction fees, and electricity tariffs, arguing that these measures exacerbate the cost of living and production costs, thereby worsening the hardships faced by citizens. Kabwe calls for citizens to vote out President Hakainde Hichilema's leadership in 2026, labeling the policy changes as unacceptable and retrogressive.

Chongwe Municipal Council's Public Relations Officer, Peter Sukwa, clarified that only four companies are authorized to collect plastic waste for recycling at the Chikwangala dumping site. The council has not received reports of local scavengers collecting plastic waste, which is illegal and hazardous. Sukwa emphasized the health risks, especially with the ongoing cholera outbreak, and urged the community to avoid scavenging activities and protect children from playing at the site.

The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) is conducting a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) in collaboration with the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) to review the National Payment Systems Act of 2007. The legislative review aims to improve legal clarity, oversight, and resilience of payment systems while addressing emerging issues and technologies. BRRA Executive Director Sharon Sichilongo commended BoZ for its proactive steps. The RIA engagement took place in Kabwe from December 18th to 20th, 2023, in line with the Business Regulatory Act No. 3 of 2014.

The Centre for Primary Care Research (CPCR) released a groundbreaking study on the public health impact of illicit alcohol consumption in Zambia, revealing that 71% of alcohol consumed in the country is illicit. The study, presented by Dr. Cosmas Zyambo, highlights severe health risks, particularly among youth, and calls for evidence-based policy recommendations. Key findings include high levels of alcohol dependency, unsafe production practices, and significant discrepancies in alcohol content. The report urges policymakers to address societal, environmental, and policy factors to mitigate the issue.

Chipoka Mulenga, Zambia's Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, is attending the 20th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa. The forum, which includes high-level meetings and networking opportunities, aims to strengthen trade and investment policies between the U.S. and African nations. Zambia's High Commissioner to South Africa, Mazuba Monze, emphasized the importance of AGOA in promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The event gathers African government ministers, U.S. officials, and business and civil society stakeholders to discuss enhancing intra-Africa trade and development.

Zambian creatives Sophia Chapeshamano, Kalenga ‘K-Plus’ Chambatu, and Elson Chigerwe have been recognized in the Keep Walking: Africa Top 30 List, an initiative by Johnnie Walker and TRACE celebrating African cultural influencers. The list highlights individuals from various creative fields, including music, film, media, fashion, and art, who are making significant impacts on global culture. The initiative underscores the positive trends in Africa’s creative economy, with potential growth in the film and digital music streaming industries. The recognition aims to celebrate and empower African creatives, contributing to the continent's cultural evolution.

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) Executive Director Maurice Kalaluka Nyambe emphasizes Zambia's 59th Independence anniversary as a moment to reflect on the nation's progress and renew commitment to democracy and good governance. Nyambe highlights the critical need to combat corruption, which undermines public trust and economic growth. He calls on the government and citizens to foster a society with equal opportunities and integrity. TI-Z remains dedicated to supporting anti-corruption efforts and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve a prosperous and transparent Zambia.

Grace Manyonga Sinkamba, Chairperson of the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC), commemorates Zambia's 59th Independence Day, highlighting the ongoing struggles with poverty and gender inequality. Despite political independence, Zambia faces significant poverty levels, with women and children being the most affected. Sinkamba calls for equitable resource distribution, gender mainstreaming, and the re-establishment of the Ministry of Gender. She also emphasizes the need to combat negative traditional practices and ensure gender equality in leadership and decision-making positions.

On the eve of Zambia's 59th Independence anniversary, ActionAid Zambia's Interim Country Director, Jovina Nawenzake, emphasized the importance of equitable resource distribution to address economic struggles faced by women and youth. She called on the Zambian Government to facilitate easier access to land and capital resources for these groups, highlighting that less than 20% of women and youth currently own land. Nawenzake stressed the need for inclusive participation in decision-making and urged the government to create an enabling environment for social and economic equality. She also noted the potential impact of the rising cost of living on marginalized groups and called for collective efforts to find solutions.

Manyinga MP Robert Lihefu praised traditional leaders in North-Western Province for uniting against tribalism, emphasizing the 'One Zambia, One Nation' motto. He highlighted the peaceful coexistence in Manyinga and Kabompo districts and rejected tribalistic views. The North-Western Province Minister also lauded Senior Chief Sikufele and Chief Kalunga for their stance against tribalism in the region, which is divided into eleven districts.

The Zambian Ministry of Health is committed to rehabilitating and re-equipping the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka with modern infrastructure and equipment. Public Relations Officer Mwiza Mwiya announced plans to replace old radiotherapy equipment and build a new bunker with an extra linear accelerator. Additionally, two new cancer treatment centers will be established in Ndola and Livingstone, funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development, Fund for International Development, and a government loan. Currently, patients needing radiotherapy are being sent to Tanzania and India. The hospital continues to offer other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and palliative care.

HCAZ President Christopher Nsenje praised the growing partnership with Multichoice Zambia, emphasizing its role in representing hospitality establishments and enhancing industry standards. Multichoice Zambia's Managing Director, Leah Kooma, highlighted their commitment to providing tailored entertainment packages through DStv for Business, addressing piracy issues, and enhancing customer experience. The collaboration aims to benefit various sectors, including hospitality and small-scale firms, with ongoing support for community initiatives and market surveys.

The Center for Primary Care Research and the Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia urge the Zambian government to domesticate the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, highlighting the severe public health risks posed by tobacco use. They commend the New Dawn administration and Health Minister Sylvia Tembo-Masebo for their efforts to enact tobacco control legislation. The article criticizes the tobacco industry's interference in the legislative process and discourages the use of novel tobacco products like e-cigarettes and shisha.

Christabel Ronia Ndalama Kalyangile, a 24-year-old from Shibuyunji District, has emerged as a promising Chinese language interpreter in Zambia. She graduated from the University of Zambia with a BA in Linguistics and Chinese. Her notable achievement includes interpreting at a high-level meeting attended by President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese Ambassador Du Xiohui. The article also highlights the groundbreaking ceremony for a $600 million Urea fertilizer and ammonia plant by United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Company Limited, which aims to make Zambia self-sufficient in fertilizer production. The project, supported by Wuhuan Engineering Company, is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy.

Zambia and South Korea have committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation to improve rural development through the National Decentralization Policy. During a dialogue between South Korean Ambassador-Designate Park Je-kyung and Zambian Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gary Chilala Nkombo, South Korea expressed its willingness to provide financial and technical support for development projects in Zambia's rural communities. Both countries aim to leverage Zambia's political stability and favorable investment climate to promote mechanized agriculture and infrastructure development. The United Party for National Development (UPND) administration is keen on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation to accelerate meaningful development in rural areas.

ActionAid Zambia, led by Acting Director Andrew Chikowore, launched the 'Fund Our Future' Climate Justice Campaign, emphasizing the need for investment in clean energy and agroecology to address the climate crisis. The event, which included participation from members of parliament Sibeso Kakoma Sefulo and Sinongile Mwamba, featured assurances from Philippa Hamakasu of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment that the government will regulate the banking, finance, fossil fuels, and industrial agriculture sectors to align with climate goals. The campaign highlighted the disproportionate financing of fossil fuels in the global south and called for a shift in financial investments towards sustainable solutions.

Edward Lange of Southern African Resource Watch (SARW) introduced a tool kit designed to enhance community participation, grievance redress mechanisms, and environmental justice financing in mining projects within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The tool kit aims to empower mining communities by providing a platform for addressing grievances and ensuring sustainable practices. The launch took place at the Zambia Alternative Mining Indaba, with significant participation from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development and child rights advocacy groups. The tool kit has shown promising results in trials and is expected to have a significant impact on mining communities across Southern Africa.

Brian Mundubile emphasizes the importance of addressing fuel costs and promoting transparent politics to build a functioning Zambia. Criticizing the government's handling of fuel prices and political transparency, he calls for fulfilling electoral promises and maintaining professionalism within registered societies. The article highlights the role of political parties in democratic governance and the need for transparency and accountability in financial dealings with the International Monetary Fund.

GOtv has launched GOtv Supa Plus, a new package offering over 70 channels, including sports, movies, and entertainment. Subscribers can enjoy Premier League matches, blockbuster movies, and diverse content from channels like SuperSport, M-Net Movies, and Disney. The package aims to provide excellent value for money and cater to family entertainment needs. GOtv Supa Plus will be available in Zambia starting 1 August 2023.