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Inflation holds at 16.5% in April as Zambia records K0.6 billion trade surplus

The Editor — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:06:49 +0000

Zambia’s annual inflation rate for April 2025 remained unchanged at 16.5 percent, the same as recorded in March, indicating that prices of goods and services rose by an average of 16.5 percent between April 2024 and April 2025.

At the same time, the country recorded a trade surplus of K0.6 billion in March 2025, reversing the K0.6 billion trade deficit posted in February 2025.

Speaking during the monthly bulletin dissemination in Lusaka on Thursday, Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStat) Acting Statistician General, Sheila Mudenda, said food inflation for April stood at 18.7 percent, slightly lower than the 18.9 percent recorded in March.

“This means, on average, prices of food items increased by 18.7 percent year-on-year,” Mudenda said.

She attributed the food inflation to price increases in cereals such as breakfast and roller mealie meal, maize grain, fruits including lemons, bananas, apples, and avocados, as well as vegetables like lumanda, okra, tomatoes, and Irish potatoes.

Non-food inflation rose slightly to 13.4 percent in April from 13.2 percent in March. The increase was driven by higher prices in items such as motor vehicles, air passenger transport, suitcases, and hammer milling services.

In terms of provincial contributions to the overall inflation rate, Lusaka led with 5.1 percentage points, followed by the Copperbelt at 3.6. Central and Southern provinces contributed 2.0 and 1.4 percentage points respectively, while North-Western had the lowest contribution at 0.6 percentage points.

On trade, Mudenda said Zambia’s export earnings rose by 12.5 percent, from K24.9 billion in February to K28 billion in March.

This was largely driven by a 10.6 percent increase in intermediate goods, 33.1 percent in raw materials, 11.9 percent in consumer goods, and 25 percent in capital goods.

Meanwhile, imports rose by 7.9 percent to K27.5 billion in March, due to increases in capital goods (17.6 percent), intermediate goods (5.8 percent), raw materials (15 percent), and consumer goods (2.1 percent).

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Audit reveals higher education institutions enrolling students without qualifications

The Editor — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 06:21:38 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has carried out nine incidental audits on unnamed colleges and verified the claims that these institutions enrolled students who did not meet the required five O-Level credits or higher for entry.

Authority Corporate Communications Officer Birbal Musaba said HEA conducted incidental audits where it had reasons to believe that a Higher Education Institution (HEI) mismanaged funds or the academic processes.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Musaba stated that several colleges were audited for mismanaging the academic process.

He added that the authority instructed the colleges to instruct all first-year students who had been enrolled and did not meet the entry requirements to immediately stop learning.

He said that they would not proceed with their studies until they obtain a full Grade 12 Certificate with at least 5 O-level credits.

“All second-year students who were enrolled in first year without meeting the entry requirements must immediately stop learning and will not proceed to third year until they obtain a full Grade 12 with at least 5 O-Level credits or better,” he further added.

He also said third-year students would not advance to teaching practice unless they held a complete Grade 12 certificate with a minimum of 5 O-level credits.

“HEA is directing all HEIs failing to meet these standards to cease this practice and adhere to the enrolment requirement of at least fivw O-level credits,” he added.

He emphasized that the authority would conduct compliance audits on this directive in the second quarter of 2025, at which point punitive measures will be applied to any HEI found in violation.

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Football association condemns attacks against Zambia’s award-winning female football star, Banda

The Editor — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 06:06:05 +0000

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has condemned global football fans for violating the rights of Barbra Banda, the Women’s National Team captain and Orlando Pride star, both as a professional footballer and as a human being.

This came in the wake of her winning the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award, which led to gender-based psychological abuse on social media, where some users referred to her as ‘transgender.’

The backlash also followed reports by the Daily Mail UK claiming that she had elevated ‘testosterone levels’.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, said the association would ensure that Barbra’s rights as a human being and footballer are protected.

“As FAZ, we have been made aware of offensive messages directed at our Copper Queens skipper after she won the BBC Women Footballer of the Year award. We have sought the help of continental and global football authorities to ensure that punishment is meted out to the perpetrators of race-tinged attack on Barbra,” Kamanga stated.

He added that Barbra was not only being abused but also as a footballer which makes it hard for prospective African footballers to aspire for excellence in the game.

“Football has no space for racial and rights abuse for anyone involved in the game,” he mentioned.

Association boss, urged members of the public to instead congratulate and support women in sports.

“We cannot congratulate Barbra enough for the many accolades she has won in the women’s game including her recent nomination for the Ballon d’or where she emerged 12th. Barbra is also in the running for the 2024 CAF Women Footballer of the Year, NWSL Most Valuable Player and BBC Women Footballer of the Year,” he remarked.

National Sports Council of Zambia CEO, Sombwa Musunsa, encouraged the female footballer to remain strong and not be discouraged by those with malicious intentions, as the future may bring more negativity.

“Unjustified attacks on the global star are in clear contrast to the many local and international accolades she has won as female footballer because of her exceptional performance in major events such as the World Cup and Olympic Games,” he mentioned.

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Govt calls on citizens to leverage social programs in bid to address household gender biases

The Editor — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 14:21:38 +0000

Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba, has urged parents and guardians to utilize government social protection programs to educate children on eradicating gender bias within households.

Mwamba explained that these programs were designed to help parents combat gender discrimination by instilling inclusive values in the younger generation.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Zambia Monitor on Wednesday, Mwamba revealed that the government rehabilitates children affected by gender discrimination at Zambia National Service (ZNS) camps.

“Some have transformed and gained skills, while others have proven challenging to rehabilitate,” Mwamba said, emphasizing the role of families in addressing the root causes of the issue.

She highlighted the ministry’s focus on family-based solutions, noting that social cash transfers to parents were designed to empower them to support both boys and girls equally.

Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development National Coordinator, Nelson Banda, echoed the minister’s sentiments, urging men to lead efforts in eliminating household gender bias.

“Fathers must ensure equal access to resources for boys and girls, fostering inclusive decision-making within families,” Banda said.

He added that men had a critical role in demonstrating gender equality to their children, shaping a more inclusive future.

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22-year-old woman arrested for alleged theft of three-month—old baby

The Editor — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:34:27 +0000

Police in Lusaka have arrested a 22-year-old woman, Grace Banda, for allegedly stealing a three-month-old baby boy from his mother, Inness Siameba, aged 24, of the Shantumbu area.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

According to Hamoonga, the incident occurred on November 26 while Siameba and her husband were on their way to the local market.

Banda reportedly approached the couple, introduced herself as their neighbour, and offered to carry the baby, claiming she was heading in the same direction.

“Upon arriving at the complainant’s residence, the suspect excused herself, saying she needed to fetch her brazier to borrow fire,” Hamoonga explained.

When Banda failed to return after some time, Siameba went to check the suspect’s purported house but found no trace of her or the baby. Alarmed, the mother alerted members of the public, and a search was launched.

“At approximately 20:30 hours, the suspect was found in her landlord’s house holding the baby, who was dressed in new clothes,” Hamoonga said.

When questioned, Banda claimed the baby was hers.

Siameba, however, demanded proof and asked Banda to breastfeed the child. The suspect failed to do so, prompting Siameba to breastfeed the baby herself, thereby confirming his identity.

The suspect was apprehended by members of the public and handed over to the police.

“A docket has been opened, and investigations are ongoing,” Hamoonga stated, while urging the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas.

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Govt reiterates commitment to ensuring equal access to education for all children

The Editor — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:52:55 +0000

Education Minister, Douglas Siakalima has called on the nation to ensure that all children, regardless of their social background, have access to education to help build a strong foundation for the country’s future.

Siakalima said the country had to acknowledge the holistic development that education supports to build a resilient future.

The Minister made these remarks today in Lusaka during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS), held in the organization’s conference room under the theme ‘Building Resilient Futures Through Education’.

“Resilient futures are not just a concept; they are a promise we make to our children,” he added.

He said to achieve this goal, the country needed to also nature children’s academic skills and social, emotional and physical growth.

“This is a necessity for the well-rounded citizens we aspire to nature,” he noted.

Meanwhile, at the same event, ZOCS Board Chairperson Victor Moyo said it was the institution’s goal to see social justice for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) prevail.

“We have provided essential quality education services, enhancedthe skills of thousands of volunteer teachers, empowered communities to deliver education locally, and collaboratee with the government to ensure every child enjoyed their rights to education,” Moyo stated.

He added that inspite of the challenges imposed by the drought experienced, the government worked with the schools to ensure that children remain in school.

Working jointly with the government, Moyo mentioned that schools provided food support to the most vulnerable, focusing on girls who were once victims of early marriages and pregnancies but were back in school.

“The initiative did not just retain leaners in school but also improved their academic performance and overall wellbeing,” he emphasized.

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Liverpool go eight points clear at the top after 3-2 thriller against Southampton. See other results

The Editor — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:50:30 +0000

Liverpool has gone eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they came from behind to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s, thanks to two second-half goals from Mohamed Salah,

It was a familiar story for Southampton as they played themselves into trouble on the half-hour mark.

Fernandes received the ball under pressure from Alex McCarthy’s throw and Flynn Downes’ clearance landed straight at the feet of Szoboszlai, who curled home via the left post.

Downes was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher three minutes later, but Southampton were handed a golden chance to level when Andrew Robertson tripped Tyler Dibling on the 18-yard line in full flow, with the penalty awarded by referee Sam Barrott and confirmed after a VAR review.

Kelleher saved Armstrong’s penalty, but the striker tucked home the rebound to send Southampton into half-time level and he played a key role in the hosts taking the lead after the restart.

Dibling’s crossfield pass released Armstrong, who turned and teed up Fernandes for a neat finish into the bottom-left corner.

Their lead, however, lasted just nine minutes as Salah brilliantly cushioned Ryan Gravenberch’s pass beyond the stranded McCarthy.

They remain bottom of the table, five points adrift of 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are clear at the top ahead of next week’s huge meeting with Manchester City, who were beaten 4-0 by Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Ruben Amorim was denied victory in his first match in charge of Manchester United as they played out a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town on Sunday.

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Tottenham crush Man City 4-0 as Maddison shines, Arsenal, Chelsea secure vital wins

The Editor — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 07:19:49 +0000

Manchester City’s losing streak reached five games after a stunning 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

James Maddison, celebrating his 28th birthday, struck twice within the first 20 minutes as Spurs punished the Premier League champions on the counter-attack under Ange Postecoglou.

City controlled possession but failed to break down a resolute Spurs defense.

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Pedro Porro, a former City player, finished off another rapid counter.

Erling Haaland’s effort hit the crossbar, but it was the closest City came, with Brennan Johnson completing the dominant display.

This marked the worst run of Pep Guardiola’s managerial career.

City, in second place, could fall eight points behind the leaders after Liverpool’s trip to Southampton on Sunday, while Spurs climbed to sixth, just four points behind City.

Meanwhile, Arsenal thought they had taken an early lead through Jurrien Timber, but his goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

The Gunners eventually broke through in the 15th minute when Bukayo Saka fired into the bottom-right corner after a clever flick from Martin Ødegaard.

At the King Power Stadium, Chelsea edged Leicester City 2-1 in a tense encounter.

Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a brilliant outside-of-the-foot strike, and Enzo Fernandez added a second for the Blues.

Although Jordan Ayew converted a stoppage-time penalty for Leicester, it was only a consolation as Chelsea held on for the win.

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Foreign Affairs minister, Haimbe, calls for collective action on eastern DRC conflict

The Editor — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 13:41:44 +0000

Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, has expressed concern over the ongoing security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting its devastating impact on lives and the displacement of millions.

Addressing the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday, Haimbe, representing President Hakainde Hichilema, called for sustained peace efforts to promote socio-economic development across the region.

“The prevailing insecurity in eastern DRC requires concerted efforts to resolve the conflict. Peace in the DRC is vital not only for its people but for the stability and progress of the entire region,” he said in a statement issued on Thursday.

Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to supporting regional and international initiatives, emphasising the importance of blending diplomatic and military strategies to address the crisis.

He commended Angolan President João Lourenço for spearheading mediation under the Luanda Process and praised the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) for its role in maintaining peace and stability.

The minister urged SADC member states to remain united in backing SAMIDRC’s mandate to restore order and security in the conflict-stricken region.

The summit was attended by key Zambian officials, including Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma, Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu, and senior government representatives, who also participated in related ministerial and committee meetings.

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Chain stores advised to adhere to compulsory product standards

The Editor — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:35:53 +0000

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has called on trading outlets to prioritise adherence to compulsory standards to safeguard consumers.

ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, stated the need for operators to familiarise themselves with statutory standards governing both locally produced and imported goods.

This, he said, would ensure only compliant products are sold to the public.

“Importers and manufacturers of goods covered by compulsory standards must meet the requirements set under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 for such products to be legally supplied in the market,” Chizinga stated.

He was speaking during an engagement meeting held in Lusaka on Wednesday with representatives from chain stores.

“The meeting provided market players an opportunity to understand the regulations they must comply with when procuring products from various sources,” he noted.

Chizinga underscored the role of suppliers in ensuring compliance, describing them as key stakeholders in promoting consumer protection.

“The information shared during the meeting will enhance internal compliance controls for sourcing and supplying products that meet the required standards,” he added.

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