Supports over 458,200 jobs across COMESA region, study reveals   MARGARET CHISANGA Lusaka   THE Coca-Cola system, incorporating its network of bottlers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers, contributed USD 3.6 billion to the region’s combined GDP in 2024, representing 0.3% of COMESA’s GDP. Results from a study revealed that through direct employment and its value chain, the system supported over 458,200 jobs. “For every direct job created by the Coca-Cola system in COMESA, an additional 28 jobs are supported throughout the regional economy,” said Luis Felipe Avellar, President of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit. He said the Coca-Cola system unveiled the results of a new study showcasing its significant economic contributions to the COMESA region. He was speaking during the 19th COMESA Business Forum, which is a major economic platform for promoting trade and regional integration. The study was conducted by global consultancy Steward Redqueen and highlights the transformative role Coca-Cola...

CHOMBA MUSIKA Lusaka ZAMBIA has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2027-2029 term, marking a significant milestone in the country’s multilateral diplomacy. The election yesterday by the UN General Assembly at the ongoing 81st Session at the UN headquarters, is also a landmark in the country’s long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe said the election also reinforces President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision in the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, which places people at the centre of development. Mr Haimbe said the President’s agenda also recognises that economic progress must go hand in hand with the protection of fundamental rights, inclusive opportunities and improved livelihoods. “President Hichilema has consistently positioned Zambia as a beacon of peace and stability and a champion for fundamental freedoms,” he said in a statement. He said the election presents...

GRACE CHAILE Lusaka SECURITY has been intensified at the courts to protect judicial officers and members of the public following an altercation at the Supreme Court. This follows an incident in which former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary-general Davies Mwila was allegedly harassed by unknown people at the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Mumba Malila yesterday said law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident and those responsible will face the full force of the law. Mr Mwila had a confrontation with some court attendees shortly after proceedings in the Lima Constituency election petition were adjourned. The petition was filed by United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Lee Mukupa, who is challenging the election of National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) candidate Kelvin Kaunda as Lima Member of Parliament. Mr Mwila, who had attended the proceedings in solidarity with Mr Kaunda, allegedly provoked some people by mocking their “salt sana”...

GRACE CHAILE Lusaka FORMER Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu risks arrest after the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court issued a bench warrant against him for repeatedly failing to appear in court in a case involving alleged seditious practices. Magistrate Webster Milumbe yesterday issued the warrant and ordered Mpundu’s sureties to appear before court on November 2, 2026 to produce the accused or explain his whereabouts. Mpundu, who is also National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential affairs chairman, was expected to attend the hearing but was absent, prompting the prosecution to apply for a warrant for his arrest. Senior public prosecutor Abraham Ngozo informed the court that Mpundu had failed to appear and that no explanation had been provided for his absence. Mr Milumbe subsequently ordered that Mpundu be brought before court under a bench warrant and summoned his sureties, Mulenga Fube, who was present, and former Kamfinsa MP Christopher...

HH urges COMESA to move beyond commitments on trade CHOMBA MUSIKA, CHISHALA MUSONDA Lusaka, Livingstone PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has challenged the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to move beyond commitments and “walk the talk” by adopting ambitious economic growth targets, increasing intra-regional trade and creating jobs for its growing population. Mr Hichilema said member states needed to take practical steps to strengthen trade among themselves, mobilise domestic capital and invest collectively in production and value addition to unlock the region’s economic potential. “We must be aggressive [in growing the economies], COMESA must be ambitious,” he said. Speaking during the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit yesterday, held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA,” Mr Hichilema said Africa needed to overcome its reluctance to trade internally and instead prioritise regional economic cooperation. The President, who is...

FANNY KALONDA, MARY LEMBA  Lusaka STAKEHOLDERS have called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to uphold objectivity, fairness and accountability when commenting on matters of national interest, particularly the apprehension of former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda. They have questioned the approach taken by some CSOs in discussing Mr Banda’s apprehension and transfer from Mozambique to Zambia, arguing that human rights advocacy should be balanced with respect for the rule of law and the rights of all affected individuals. Featuring on Crown TV’s Spotlight programme, democracy advocate Fabian Mutale accused some CSOs of hypocrisy for questioning the circumstances surrounding Mr Banda’s apprehension without adequately considering his alleged escape from lawful custody. Mr Mutale said stakeholders should focus on ensuring that Mr Banda answers to the allegations against him through the judicial process rather than demanding details of the security agencies’ operations. “It is time for JJ Banda to...

TRYNESS TEMBO, JOSHUA MAZIMBA Lusaka ZAMBIA Development Agency (ZDA) has signed an investment promotion and protection agreement (IPPA) with Rong Xing Investments to invest US$122 million in a copper processing project in Kalulushi in Copperbelt Province. The agreement was signed yesterday, with ZDA director general Albert Halwampa describing it as a strong sign of Zambia’s commitment to fostering a conducive climate for direct foreign investment. “Today’s signing demonstrates Zambia’s steadfast commitment to supporting private investment,” Mr Halwampa said. “This agreement strengthens investor confidence and further reinforces our nation’s position as an attractive destination for mining and industrial investment.” Rong Xing Investments, which has been operating in the country for 10 years, is located in the Sabina area on the Mufulira road in Kalulushi. A Zambian subsidiary of Jin Xun, it has already invested US$42 million into the project while US$30 million is currently being invested in the construction of plant...

Veep says no loadshedding, isolated power outages due to routine maintenance PHILIP CHISALU Lusaka GOVERNMENT has assured the nation that Zambia has sufficient electricity to avoid a return to load-shedding. Vice-President Mutale Nalumango gave the assurance during Vice-President’s Question Time in National Assembly yesterday, dismissing concerns about a possible return to power rationing. She attributed the isolated power outages in some areas to routine maintenance. Mrs Nalumango also maintained that Government would not explain the circumstances surrounding the arrest of former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda, saying Mr Banda should explain how he was apprehended. She was responding to Sesheke East MP Romeo Kang’ombe, who expressed shock that some civil society organisations were demanding an explanation from Government over the operation that led to Mr Banda’s arrest. Mrs Nalumango called for objective commentary on the matter, referring to Mr Banda’s previous claims that he could foresee events...