The Falcon

13/10/2025

ZAMBIA DELEGATION IN ROME FOR UNITED NATIONS–FAO HAND-IN-HAND INVESTMENT FORUM

October 13,2025

The Rome Mission has announced the arrival of Zambia’s high-level delegation in Rome, Italy, to participate in the World Food Forum and Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum at the FAO Headquarters from 14th to 17th October 2025.

Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the global event provides a platform for governments to present investment plans before agrifood investors and development partners.

The forum aims to accelerate agrifood systems transformation towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and will feature investment case presentations from 30 countries and six Regional Initiatives.

Zambia’s delegation is being led by the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Peter Kapala, MP, who will present the country’s investment strategy in support of food security, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive economic growth.

The strategy focuses on key value chains in maize, soybeans, honey, and aquaculture to enhance productivity, create jobs, and strengthen rural livelihoods.

In 2024, Zambia presented a USD 960 million investment plan targeting maize, honey, soybeans, and aquaculture value chains, which continues to boost the country’s agricultural and aquaculture sectors.

Despite the severe drought that prompted a national disaster declaration in the previous season, Zambia achieved a record 3.7 million metric tonnes of maize production in the 2024/2025 farming season.

Kapala said the achievement demonstrated the resilience and determination of Zambia’s farmers, as well as the government’s effective interventions in climate adaptation and irrigation development.

He said the government remains committed to modernising agriculture through investment in mechanisation, extension services, and value addition.

Additionally, Zambia is now exporting locally produced maize seed to markets in Africa and Europe, reflecting the growing competitiveness of the nation’s agrifood sector.

Soybeans production has also increased significantly from 400,000 metric tonnes to 760,000 metric tonnes, a development that underscores the success of government-led initiatives to diversify agricultural production.

On the sidelines of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, the delegation will engage in bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening agricultural partnerships and attracting new investment opportunities.

Kapala said President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government remain steadfast in their commitment to strengthening Zambia’s relationships with other nations through trade, investment, and sustainable development cooperation.

He added that such engagements reflect President Hichilema’s vision of positioning Zambia as a credible, reliable, and progressive partner on the global stage, anchored on mutual respect and shared prosperity.

Zambia’s participation in the global forum reaffirms the country’s resolve to accelerate inclusive rural transformation, modernise its agriculture sector, and position itself as a premier investment destination in Africa.

THE FALCON NEWS

13/10/2025

INVESTING IN RESILIENCE SAVES LIVES AND RESOURCES – VICE PRESIDENT NALUMANGO

October 13, 2025

LUSAKA- Vice President Mutale Nalumango has urged Zambians and the private sector to invest in building resilience against disasters, warning that failure to do so will continue draining national resources meant for education, health, and infrastructure development.

Speaking during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction at the Lusaka Showgrounds, Mrs. Nalumango said the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters” was timely as the country continues to experience extreme weather events such as droughts and floods.

She revealed that Zambia required over US$1.4 billion to respond to last year’s drought, stressing that every dollar invested in preparedness saves at least ten dollars in disaster response.

“The potential of disasters to wipe out our hard-won development gains should motivate us to act now,” she said.

Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata praised the Vice President for leading the implementation of the new National Policy on Disaster Risk Management and the Early Warning for All initiative, saying the approach was shifting Zambia from reactive to proactive disaster management.

UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Muntali echoed the call, noting that less than ten percent of disaster-related financing globally goes toward prevention. She said the United Nations remains committed to working with Zambia in building local resilience and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Mrs. Nalumango urged all citizens to act now and protect resources meant for education and health rather than spending them on costly disaster recovery.

(C) THE FALCON

13/10/2025

MINISTER MPOSHA CAUTIONS ZEMA STAFF ON WORK CULTURE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND CORRUPTION

October 13,2025

Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, this morning paid an impromptu visit to the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) headquarters in Lusaka to check on staff punctuality and performance.

The Minister expressed disappointment after finding most offices empty around 8:20 a.m., with only a handful of employees present out of nearly 100.

He said the unannounced inspection was meant to assess discipline and commitment among officers but instead revealed poor work culture and absenteeism.

“This was meant to be a surprise visit, but I have ended up surprising myself. Out of almost 100 workers, only a handful is present. This is unacceptable,” said Mposha.

He reminded the officers of his previous visit last year when he urged them to align their conduct with the New Dawn Government’s vision of discipline, efficiency, and accountability.

The Minister noted that President Hakainde Hichilema’s tireless work ethic should inspire all public servants to match his level of commitment.

He observed that clients were kept waiting outside locked offices after 8:30 a.m., warning that such behavior undermines government service delivery and frustrates investors.

“When people complain that ZEMA takes too long to approve projects, this is what they mean. If you are not in the office by 8:00 a.m., how do we expect efficiency? This must change immediately,” he said.

Mposha also warned officers against corruption, citing reports that some deliberately delay project approvals to solicit bribes from clients.

He cautioned that those found engaging in extortion or unethical behavior would face arrest, adding that ZEMA is a government institution and not “an independent entity on honeymoon.”

The Minister further challenged the agency to be proactive in monitoring pollution and illegal mining, especially along the Kafue River and the Copperbelt.

“When I visit any area and find pollution or illegal mining where inspectors are stationed, those officers will be held responsible,” said Mposha.

He urged all ZEMA staff to emulate the President’s dedication, embrace integrity, and serve the country with renewed patriotism and accountability.

©️THE FALCON

13/10/2025

13/10/2025

Stay tuned as we bring you the live broadcast of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction Commemoration from the Showgrounds Main Arena, where Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango is set to grace the event as the Guest of Honour.

13/10/2025

Photo story: Highlights of Fredrick Misebezi's preaching the works of UPND party in government and interaction with community members in Katima Mulilo Sesheke district.

Ki "MISEBEZI" ya sichaba.

12/10/2025

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA ORDERS FORFEITURE OF MALANJI’S HELICOPTERS TO ZAF FOR HUMANITARIAN USE

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance against corruption, stressing that the fight is non-selective and guided by the rule of law.

Speaking during an engagement with UPND Lusaka Province party structures, President Hichilema announced that property linked to former minister Joseph Malanji, including helicopters, will be forfeited to the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) for use in humanitarian and emergency operations.

“This is the job Zambians gave me, to fight corruption. Anyone stealing from hospitals or government projects is on their own,” the President said.

He emphasized that all recovered assets will be repurposed for public benefit, underscoring his government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of national resources.

President Hichilema added that the New Dawn administration remains focused on restoring integrity in public service and ensuring that no individual is above the law.

© UPND Media Team

12/10/2025

MWALITETA HAILS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S INSPIRATIONAL ENGAGEMENT WITH LUSAKA UPND LEADERS

…as Lusaka Province Ready to Deliver 80% Vote for President Hichilema in 2026 General Elections

United Party for National Development (UPND) Lusaka Province Chairperson Obvious Mwaliteta has expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for taking time to engage with the party’s leadership drawn from all districts of the province, describing the meeting as both fruitful and inspiring.

Speaking after the interaction held at Mulungushi Conference Centre, Mr. Mwaliteta said the engagement reaffirmed the shared values of service, unity, humility, and loyalty that define the UPND’s vision under the New Dawn administration.

“As Lusaka Province, we sincerely thank President Hakainde Hichilema for meeting with us. The engagement was not only fruitful but also inspiring, as it reaffirmed our collective commitment to the values of service, unity, and progress for our great party,” Mr. Mwaliteta said.

He said President Hichilema reminded all appointed officials and elected leaders not to forget the party that entrusted them with their responsibilities, urging them to remain humble and stay connected to the grassroots.

“The President urged all leaders serving in government not to lose touch with the people and the party structures that gave them the mandate. Humility, loyalty, and continued engagement with the grassroots remain key pillars of our strength as the UPND,” he stated.

Mr. Mwaliteta commended President Hichilema’s leadership, saying it continues to guide the party and the nation in the right direction.

“We deeply appreciate the President’s guidance and visionary leadership, which continue to steer both the party and the country toward progress and stability,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the Lusaka Province leadership remains fully committed to strengthening grassroots mobilization and ensuring that citizens continue to experience the positive impact of the UPND government’s policies, including free education, expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and improved social services.

Mr. Mwaliteta also expressed confidence that the province would deliver overwhelming support for President Hichilema and the UPND in the 2026 general elections.

“With renewed energy and unity of purpose, Lusaka Province will deliver not less than 80 percent of the vote for President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND in 2026. United, focused, and humble together, we shall deliver,” he declared.

The meeting was part of the President’s continued engagement with party structures to strengthen internal unity and ensure alignment between government policies and the UPND’s grassroots agenda.

© UPND Media Team

12/10/2025

HH ASSURES CITIZENS OF IMPROVED ENERGY SUPPLY THROUGH NEW SOLAR AND COAL INVESTMENTS

President Hakainde Hichilema has assured citizens that the government is taking decisive steps to end power shortages through increased investment in solar and coal energy projects across the country.

The Head of State said the New Dawn Administration is implementing a diversified energy strategy that includes the generation of 700 megawatts (MW) from Maamba Coal Mine and an additional 100MW solar project in Chisamba, which will raise the district’s total energy output to 200MW.

President Hichilema explained that these initiatives form part of the government’s long-term plan to ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply for both households and industries.

© UPND Media Team

12/10/2025

HH CALLS FOR UNITY, DISCIPLINE AND A STRONGER MANDATE IN 2026

Lusaka, Saturday, October, 12, 2025 — President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Zambians to give the UPND an even stronger mandate in the 2026 general elections by voting for the party’s candidates at parliamentary and local government levels.

Speaking during a meeting with UPND provincial, district, and constituency officials from across Lusaka Province at Mulungushi Conference Centre, President Hichilema said a clear majority in Parliament and local councils would enhance good governance and accelerate development.

“Every vote must go toward strengthening the UPND at all levels. When our MPs and councillors work in harmony with government, delivery becomes faster and more effective,” he said.

The President highlighted the New Dawn Administration’s achievements, including free education, which has enabled over 2.3 million children to return to school, and the abolition of examination fees.

He said funds previously spent on luxury ministerial vehicles have been redirected to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has increased from K1.6 million to K40 million per constituency.

He also reaffirmed government’s commitment to retirees’ welfare, noting that those who once slept at the Ministry of Finance awaiting payment have now been settled.

On the economy, President Hichilema said Zambia has emerged as the first country to complete debt restructuring since 2020, creating room for growth and investment. Despite the worst drought in living memory, the economy has continued to grow at 5.6% per annum, with no deaths from hunger recorded.

“If it were not for the people of Zambia, I would have died in prison. That is why we must always serve the people first,” he said.

The Head of State also assured citizens that government is addressing power shortages through investment in solar, coal, and hydro projects, including 700MW in Maamba and 100MW in Chisamba, while 500,000 hectares of land have been secured for irrigation to strengthen food security.

President Hichilema reiterated that the fight against corruption is non-selective, adding that property linked to former minister Joseph Malanji, including helicopters, will be forfeited to the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) for use in humanitarian operations.

“This is the job Zambians gave me, to fight corruption. Anyone stealing from hospitals or government projects is on their own,” he warned.

He also urged party members to reject tribalism and indiscipline, emphasising that the UPND is founded on unity and national identity.

“In the UPND, there is only one tribe, Zambian. We must remain disciplined, united, and loyal to the people we serve,” he said.
President Hichilema urged members to continue serving with humility, discipline, and unity:

“UPND has come a long way. Let’s build a party that outgrows us all. Together, we will deliver a peaceful, united, and prosperous Zambia.”

UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda called for mobilisation and voter registration ahead of 2026, saying discipline and loyalty remain central to the party’s strength.

National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso cautioned members against standing as independents, while National Chairman Collins Maoma reminded officials that CDF-funded projects should benefit local communities and UPND-aligned entrepreneurs with registered companies.

Provincial Chairperson Obvious Mwaliteta reaffirmed the party’s strength in Lusaka, noting reduced opposition influence and increased grassroots mobilisation. Provincial Chairlady Angela Choona and Youth Chairperson Anderson Banda also pledged full support and readiness for 2026.

Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata commended the President’s leadership, saying the province is progressing under his administration.

The meeting was attended by UPND Members of Parliament, National Management Committee members, and other structures from all districts of Lusaka Province.

© UPND Media Team

12/10/2025

PHOTO FOCUS: AS PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA MEETS LUSAKA PROVINCE UPND PARTY STRUCTURES AT MULUNGUSHI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE

(C) THE FALCON

12/10/2025

WATCH LIVE: Meeting with Lusaka Province United Party For National Development (UPND) Officials here at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Kenneth Kaunda Wing.

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(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM