News

Let’s be real, running paid ads without proper targeting is like throwing spaghetti at the wall and praying something sticks. (Spoiler alert: It won’t.)

As a savvy digital marketer, you need precision targeting the art of putting the right ad in front of the right eyeballs at the right time. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending your entire budget advertising dog grooming services to cat owners.

So, let’s dive into the winning strategies to ensure your paid ads are working smarter, not harder (or dumber).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has officially moved into the driver’s seat of social media marketing, analysing data, predicting trends, and even writing captions (better than some humans, let’s be honest). But is it a game-changer, or is it just another tech buzzword?

Spoiler alert: It’s a game-changer, and if you're not leveraging AI in your marketing strategy, you're already behind. Let’s explore how AI is transforming social media marketing and how you can ride the wave instead of getting left behind.

 In a remarkable economic turnaround, Zambia’s economy posted an 8.6% GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, surpassing the previous year’s 7.8% growth and exceeding market expectations. The surge was fueled by robust expansions in key sectors, despite persistent inflationary and trade challenges.

Sectoral Performance: Growth Champions & Declines

Zambia’s economic expansion was driven by stellar performances in three key sectors:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept it is actively reshaping industries worldwide, and Zambia’s agricultural sector is experiencing this transformation firsthand. With over 60% of the country’s workforce engaged in agriculture, AI has the potential to boost productivity, reduce waste, and enhance food security. But how exactly is this technology making an impact?

Value chain development plays a critical role in Zambia’s agriculture and manufacturing industries by enhancing efficiency, reducing losses, and increasing profitability for stakeholders. The beef, cotton, and leather sectors contribute significantly to the country’s economy through job creation, exports, and industrial growth.

These sectors involve multiple key players, including farmers, processors, exporters, and government agencies. Optimizing the value chain in these industries can help Zambia maximize its economic potential and compete in regional and global markets.

The Zambian government has proposed a series of constitutional amendments aimed at reforming the country’s electoral and governance systems. The changes, which include alterations to constituency boundaries, electoral processes, and the roles of public officials, are expected to spark nationwide debate.

One of the most significant proposals is the amendment of Articles 58 and 68 to allow for constituency delimitation, with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) required to submit a report on the process to the Executive.

Inflation is a silent but powerful force that shapes economies and impacts everyday life. For Zambians, the loss of value in the Kwacha over the decades is nothing short of staggering. Have you ever wondered what K1 in 1964 would be worth today? The answer is shocking.

A Journey Back in Time

In 1964, when Zambia gained independence, the currency in use was the Zambian Pound. In 1968, the country switched to the Kwacha, marking a new chapter in its financial history. Since then, inflation has played a significant role in eroding the currency’s value.

Have You Ever Wondered Why Many Tonga Names Start with 'Ha'?

Many people have questioned why the Tonga tribe in Zambia is unique in having many names that begin with the letter 'H'. If you have ever pondered this, you are about to discover an intriguing story behind this linguistic phenomenon.

The Government of Zambia has received a significant boost to its school feeding program following the donation of yellow split peas worth €2.7 million from the French Government. The official handover ceremony was officiated by Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, in response to the ongoing drought crisis affecting over 6.6 million Zambians.

The Zambian government has initiated an independent investigation into the acid spillage in the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers, which occurred on 18 February 2025 in Copperbelt Province. The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment aims to assess the environmental and economic impact and identify measures to prevent future incidents.

In a bid to strengthen economic cooperation, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia held high-level bilateral talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, focusing on trade, investment, and knowledge exchange across key economic sectors.

The discussions underscored Egypt’s advancement in infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and health areas where Zambia aims to leverage Egyptian expertise to drive economic growth. Both leaders emphasized the need for expanded collaboration between public and private sectors, to foster cross-border investment opportunities.

Zambian authorities have issued a flood warning for several regions as a tropical low-pressure system continues to strengthen over the Mozambique Channel, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the southern half of the country.

<p>&nbsp;In a strategic move to enhance fuel security and stabilize pricing, the Zambian government has entered into discussions with Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This potential partnership is expected to reduce fuel costs, strengthen energy security, and stimulate economic growth in Zambia.</p>

The Zambian government has suspended the 15% export duty on gemstones and precious metals but retains key taxes to sustain revenue. A 6% mineral royalty tax, higher than Brazil’s 2% and Colombia’s 2.5%, and a 30% corporate income tax remain in effect.

Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane emphasized Zambia’s role as a top global gemstone exporter. The 15% export duty, introduced in 2019 to encourage local value addition, was suspended in 2020 and remains lifted to maintain industry competitiveness.

A major water contamination incident has disrupted supply in Kitwe and Kalulushi. The pollution, traced to Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited, resulted from a breached tailings dam, releasing acidic effluent with heavy metals into the Mwambashi River.

Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, confirmed that 75% of leach residue entered the river, affecting thousands of residents, damaging crops, and killing fish.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal drug activities, leading to the dismantling of cannabis cultivation networks in North-Western and Northern Provinces.

In a series of operations, DEC officers uncovered substantial amounts of illegally cultivated cannabis, resulting in multiple arrests and drug seizures.

Mopani Copper Mines PLC has dismissed claims made by Kankoyo Constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Heartson Mabeta, regarding a meeting between his office and Mopani Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles Sakanya, over the Mufulira copper slag dump, also known as the Mufulira Black Mountain.

The Zambian government has announced the suspension of export duty on precious stones and metals, a move aimed at stimulating the mining sector and increasing international trade competitiveness. This development follows the issuance of Statutory Instrument No. 4 of 2025, titled The Customs and Excise (Precious Stones and Metals) (Export Duty) (Suspension) Order, 2025.

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has appointed Eng. Collins Mbulo as its new Director General, effective January 22, 2025. This strategic appointment is expected to drive the country’s digital transformation efforts forward.

Eng. Mbulo has an impressive track record with over 17 years of experience in the telecommunications and Information Technology (IT) sector. He has worked in various capacities, spearheading ICT initiatives and providing expert advice to both public and private sector organizations, both locally and internationally.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Electoral Committee has released the list of successful candidates for the upcoming elections, with incumbent Andrew Kamanga standing unopposed for the presidency. The committee has also provided an appeal window for unsuccessful candidates, running from February 17 to February 22, 2025.

FAZ Electoral Committee chairperson Ronald Hatoongo announced the successful candidates, confirming that only two contenders will compete for the vice presidency: incumbent Justin Mumba and challenger Christopher Kasale.

Zambia’s opposition Socialist Party leader, Fred M’membe, has criticized President Hakainde Hichilema’s foreign policy stance, arguing that his alignment with Western powers has not benefited the country.

M’membe’s remarks come in the wake of the Trump administration’s decision to freeze aid to Africa, which he describes as a "wake-up call" for Zambia and the continent. He says the move highlights the need for African nations to focus on self-reliance and prudent management of their own resources.

ZESCO Limited has signed 29 Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to enhance Zambia’s energy security and sustainability. The agreements, signed at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, represent a significant milestone in diversifying the country’s electricity sector and expanding renewable energy generation.

Key Initiatives

These agreements fall under three major initiatives aimed at increasing Zambia’s power generation capacity:

Kamfinsa Member of Parliament, Christopher Kang’ombe, has expressed concerns over the introduction of K200 and K500 banknotes, arguing that the move will not address Zambia’s fundamental economic challenges. In a statement, Kang’ombe emphasized that issuing higher denomination notes does not create real economic value or contribute to growth.

Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu has announced plans to push for the regulation of the hauling services industry in Zambia, a move aimed at addressing the concerns of Yango operators and other stakeholders in the sector.

Dr. Nevers Mumba, President of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), has shared his insights on the persistent issue of tribal voting in Zambia. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the role of tribal affiliations in shaping electoral outcomes, particularly in light of the just ended Petauke by-elections. 

Dr. Mumba acknowledged that tribal affiliations have long influenced Zambia’s political landscape. He emphasized the need for open discussions on the matter, stating, “We must address this issue of voting patterns candidly.” 

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has issued a stern warning to Diamond TV over its failure to maintain professionalism during its Breakfast Show aired earlier today. The program, which featured Mr. Francis Kapwepwe, reportedly included inappropriate language that was not properly moderated, raising concerns from the regulatory body. 

PR Girl Media has launched an exciting reality TV show on Crown TV Zambia, bringing high-energy entertainment to local audiences. Known for events like Lusaka July, PR Girl Media is now stepping into television to showcase Zambia’s vibrant social scene.

The show, expected to feature influential personalities from fashion, music, and business, promises exclusive access to high-profile events, behind-the-scenes drama, and unscripted moments.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent state visit to Japan, from February 3rd to 7th, 2025, has strengthened bilateral ties and secured key investment opportunities for Zambia. The trip, made at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, focused on trade, infrastructure, and renewable energy partnerships.

Family statement by the children of the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia

THE past year and a half have proven to be hard times for our family. Our lives have revolved around family and constantly being invited to the Law Enforcement Agencies. We have endeavored to lead a quiet life after our father left office in August 2021.

The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) that was established to foster broad-based economic empowerment in Zambia. The CEEC offers a variety of funding options for Zambian citizens and businesses, including: