Zambia News Network-ZNN

18/05/2025

Limulunga Town Council fails to justify adequately the irregularities raised by auditor general report

18/05/2025

ZANIS -Some Millers in Ndola on the Copperbelt Province have started reducing prices of Mealie Meal .

Chimanga Changa Spokesperson AUSWELL NYONI says this follows the harvest of maize which has flooded the market.

17/05/2025

ZAMBIA SIGNS JOINT VENTURE WITH INDIAN COMPANY START PRODUCING MEDICINES LOCALLY

The Government has signed a Joint Venture (JV) with one of Indian’s largest pharmaceutical companies, Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited, to set up a manufacturing plant and start the production of about 150 drugs locally.

The deal was concluded on Thursday by a high-powered delegation led by Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet - Finance and Economic Development Dr. Siazongo Siakalenge which also included Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary – Legal, Ms. Mwenya Bwalya, and Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary – Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, among others.

Following the agreement, a groundbreaking ceremony to be officiated by President Hakainde Hichilema is earmarked for September this year while the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), which was represented by its Director General, Mr. Albert Halwampa, together with the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), which was represented by Acting Director General, Dr. John Kachimba, have been tasked to facilitate other processes including registration.

Speaking after the signing of the Joint Venture Agreement, Dr. Siakalenge said the Zambian Government was grateful to Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited for supporting its efforts of ensuring a steady supply of essential medicines in Zambia.

“Under this agreement, Akums will localize the production of drugs and medicines. Akums is world class and currently has 13 facilities supplying over 60 countries and employing over 15, 000 people. They are coming to Zambia to put up the 14th plant, the first of its kind outside India. Once that happens, Zambia will no longer be required to import drugs.

“According to the agreement that has been signed today, close to 150 different products will be produced in Zambia, making us almost self-sufficient in the acquisition of such drugs and medicines locally. We are looking forward to a day when Akums comes to Zambia to participate in the ground breaking ceremony within the month of September this year. That will be a great day for all of us. We have been engaged in the discussions with Akums in the last two years and today, all those negotiations have been successfully concluded,” Dr. Siakalenge said.

And Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited President – International Business, Mr. Ashok Saroha, said setting up the first pharmaceutical manufacturing plant outside India would be the first step towards turning his company into a global manufacturer.

Mr. Saroha said his company is ready to make Zambia self-reliant in all essential medicines and drugs.

“For us, this is a very special moment when we have concluded our discussions for setting up a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Zambia. This will be a special manufacturing facility because all of us have worked very hard in this direction to make this happen. It will be a special facility because it is going to be our first facility outside India. Since we started this discussion with you two years ago, our management has been looking towards moving out of India.

“We look forward to a date when we will land in Zambia and participate in this groundbreaking ceremony. We want to see such kinds of countries becoming self-reliant in terms of fulfilling their needs for essential medicines. This is beyond commerce,” Mr. Saroha said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lishimpi, who signed on behalf of the Zambian Government, said reaching an agreement on the Joint Venture was a big milestone and a game changer in the supply of medicines in Zambia.

“It is a big milestone for us and we are really grateful to Akums giving us this opportunity to change the scenario back home to make affordable, efficacious, and quality medicines available for our Zambians,” Dr. Lishimpi said.

Issued by Bennie Mundando
First Secretary (Press & Tourism)
Zambia High Commission
New Delhi – India
Phone: +919599144266
Email: [email protected]

16/05/2025

The Parliamentary Committee on Local Government Accounts has praised Shangombo Town Council for its outstanding use of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in western province,noting no major irregularities in their utilization of CDF funds as reported by the auditor general report.

Arguably it is the first council in western province that hasn’t wasted time with the classic ‘Chair, we shall provide the evidence… Chair, it was an oversight… Chair, the dog ate the report’ routine.”

The committee commended the council for actually delivering services to the people instead of just delivering PowerPoint presentations and promises.

Committee chairperson urged that the former council secretary who over saw that project are implemented must be promoted.

16/05/2025

China has made significant strides in digitizing its health sector to prevent pilferage (theft or diversion) of drugs and ensure better healthcare delivery. Zambia can learn from several of China’s innovations, particularly in supply chain transparency, real-time monitoring, and smart healthcare systems.

Zambia might adopt similar methods:

1. Digital Drug Traceability Systems
China’s Approach:

The Drug Traceability Platform (药品追溯系统) allows every medication to be tracked from production to delivery using QR codes, RFID tags, and blockchain.

The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) enforces real-time data collection and reporting for every step in the supply chain.

Hospitals and pharmacies scan QR codes to verify drug authenticity, expiration dates, and origin.

What Zambia Can Do:

Implement a centralized e-tracking system for essential drugs using barcodes or QR codes.

Ensure all pharmacies and hospitals have digital tools to scan and verify medications.

Use blockchain or cloud-based storage to make the system tamper-proof and transparent.

2. Smart Warehousing and Inventory Management
China’s Approach:

Hospitals use AI-driven inventory management systems that alert when stock is low or detect unusual patterns (e.g., missing stock).

Digital dashboards monitor drug usage, reorder levels, and expiry dates.

What Zambia Can Do:

Introduce e-logistics systems in public hospitals with automated reordering features.

Train staff on digital stock management tools.

Partner with telecoms to support cloud-based inventory apps even in rural areas.

3. Health Information Systems Integration
China’s Approach:

Medical institutions are integrated through platforms like the National Health Information Platform.

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are linked to drug prescriptions, reducing over-prescription and fraud.

What Zambia Can Do:

Integrate electronic health records (EHRs) with pharmacy systems to track prescriptions and drug dispensing.

Limit manual record-keeping and connect rural health posts via mobile data platforms.

4. Mobile Apps for Patients and Providers
China’s Approach:

Apps like WeDoctor, Ping An Good Doctor, and AliHealth allow patients to verify drugs, check prescriptions, and even report anomalies.

Doctors use these platforms for e-prescriptions, which are directly linked to licensed pharmacies.

What Zambia Can Do:

Develop simple mobile apps or SMS-based platforms for verifying drugs.

Allow patients to report fake or missing medications via hotlines or apps.

5. Big Data and AI for Fraud Detection
China’s Approach:

Health authorities use AI algorithms to analyze drug usage patterns and detect inconsistencies.

Suspicious activities (e.g., abnormal prescription volumes) trigger investigations.

What Zambia Can Do:

Partner with universities or tech startups to create simple AI tools to flag unusual drug movement.

Use public-private partnerships to build digital capacity in the Ministry of Health.

By ZNN

14/05/2025

Fueling the Future: UPND Government Set to Commission Massive 102 Million-Litre Lusaka West Fuel Depot

In a bold step toward energy security and national development, the UPND-led Government of Zambia is on the brink of commissioning one of the largest fuel storage facilities in the region, the state-of-the-art Lusaka West Fuel Depot, boasting a staggering 102 million litres in storage capacity.

Built to modern specifications and completed in 2024, this multi-billion Kwacha investment reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the country’s petroleum infrastructure and ensuring a stable, efficient, and resilient supply chain for all citizens.

✅ What’s Happening Now

The Ministry of Energy has confirmed that final technical reviews and contractual wrap-ups with construction partners are underway. With both cold and hot commissioning phases scheduled for the coming weeks, the depot is nearly ready to open its gates to operations.
Senior government officials and p

12/05/2025

COPPER PRINCESSES FOCUS ON RECOVERY AHEAD OF MAURITIUS BATTLE

The Zambia U17 Women’s National Team spent Sunday morning engaged in a focused recovery session at Windhoek Gymnasium Stadium following their 4-0 win over Mozambique in the opening match of the 2025 COSAFA Girls’ Under-17 Championship.

The session, led by coach Carol Kanyemba and her technical bench, was designed to aid muscle recovery and maintain optimal fitness levels ahead of Zambia’s second Group B fixture against Mauritius on Tuesday, 13 May at 12h00 at Hage Geingob Stadium.

The players were taken through light stretching routines, mobility exercises, tactical reviews and team discussions aimed at building on their strong start to the tournament.

Zambia currently tops Group B after a convincing display against Mozambique on Saturday, with the result serving as a confidence booster going into the next round of matches.

The FAZ Media Team shares some of the photos from Sunday’s session.

11/05/2025

The increasing presence of Russia and China in Africa has indeed sparked debate, admiration, and concern depending on one's perspective.

However, while new alliances can offer opportunities, true development hinges on more than external partnerships. Even the most well-intentioned foreign aid or investment will not transform Africa unless internal governance improves.
Africans should consider that:

1. Corruption is a major bottleneck – No matter who the partner is (Russia, China, or the West), if African leaders continue to embezzle funds, mismanage resources, or prioritize power over people, sustainable development will remain out of reach.

2. Self-reliance and good governance are essential – The “Asian Tigers” (e.g., South Korea, Singapore) succeeded largely because of visionary, accountable leadership, long-term planning, and strong institutions. Africa must build and protect such foundations.

3. No partner is without interest – While China and Russia may not have colonial histories in Africa like Western countries, they also pursue their own strategic and economic goals. Africa must engage them from a position of clarity, unity, and strength, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.

4. Pan-African collaboration is critical – Regional integration, intra-African trade, and investment in education, infrastructure, and innovation are home-grown keys to transformation. Foreign partners should be supporters, not saviors.

In short Russia and China may offer alternatives, but Africa’s success depends on Africans especially its leaders taking ownership of the continent's future.
ZNN

10/05/2025

A 30-year-old teacher, at Namayanga Primary School in Limulunga, Western province, has been convicted for defiling a 12-year-old Grade 7 pupil.

MUBU SITALI has committed to the high court for sentencing by Mongu Resident Magistrate, MALOTI PHIRI.

03/05/2025

12/03/2025

FORMER LEWANIKA NURSING STUDENT DIES AFTER EXAM FAILURE

By Christine Musole

A former Lewanika School of Nursing and Midwifery student, Sandra Musole from North Park, Mongu District, has died by suspected su***de after reportedly failing two final exam courses.

Friends say the deceased was deeply distressed about the financial burden of retaking the failed courses.

In a text message, she mentioned struggling to find a sponsor and even considered joining the army to fund her studies.

She also confided in friends about feeling embarrassed and expressed thoughts of ending her life.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident.

08/03/2025

China announced 100% tariffs on select Canadian imports, effective March 8, 2025, in retaliation to Canada's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum, which were imposed to counter China's unfair trade practices. This escalation follows U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, heightening global trade tensions.