5fm Radio Zambia

15/02/2026

ZAMBIA SEEKS QATAR INVESTMENT IN AGRIC SECTOR

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Max Choombe, has held an initial engagement with Widam Food Company, a leading Qatari meat processing and distribution firm.
Dr. Choombe used the meeting to encourage the Qatari business giant to consider exploring areas of collaboration and investment in Zambia’s livestock value chain and support towards the recently initiated US$1 billion annual beef export initiative.
Widam Food Company, Representatives, Dr. Dafallah Abdelghani, Chadi Eldeheybi and Mossa Ahmad, acknowledged Zambia’s strategy to guarantee and export disease free and halal certified beef.
Both parties agreed on the next steps including technical agreement, and starting cooperation with processed beef products, pending resolution of supply chain logistics, while pursuing follow-ups through diplomatic channels.
Dr. Choombe and his Agriculture counterpart, Ms. Yvonne Mpundu, are scheduled to hold several high-level meetings on the sidelines of the ongoing 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (Agriteq 2026) in Doha.
The Zambian delegation’s focus being on strengthening bilateral relations and attracting strategic investment into the country’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock sectors.
The 2026 Qatar Agriteq Expo is a great opportunity for Zambia to engage in Government-to-Business (G2B) and Business-to-Business (B2B) discussions aimed at fostering public private partnerships, technology transfer and market access.
Other planned engagements include meetings with Hassad Food to explore investment partnerships and export opportunities; the Qatar Fund for Development to discuss potential financing for climate-smart agriculture and resilient food systems; and the Ministry of Municipality’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to examine prospects for a formal framework of cooperation in agriculture and food security.
Additional meetings are planned with the Qatar Chamber of Com

15/02/2026

INDUCTION OF REV. KAREN MUKUWA At UCZ LILANDA CONGREGATION

The United Church of Zambia Lilanda Congregation under the Lusaka Presbytery has inducted Reverend Karen Mukuwa as its new Minister-in-Charge.
The induction ceremony was held under the theme, “The Shift from a Programme-Driven Model to a Relational Outreach Model,” highlighting the Church’s focus on building meaningful relationships within and beyond the congregation.
Acting Presbytery Bishop Reverend Suwilanji D. Silwenga officiated the service and formally inducted Reverend Mukuwa into her new role.
Speaking as Guest of Honour, Matero aspiring parliamentary candidate Mr. Evans Mukobela urged congregants to pray for the nation ahead of the 2026 general elections. He called for peace, unity, and wisdom among leaders and citizens during the electoral period.
In his sermon, Reverend Silwenga encouraged the Church to move beyond structured programmes and embrace relational, Christ-centred ministry rooted in compassion and discipleship.
Reverend Mukuwa, who previously served at UCZ Calvary Congregation for five years, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and pledged to serve with humility and dedication.
The ceremony was marked by prayer, hymns, and messages of goodwill from congregants.

Ends.

15/02/2026

The National Union of Professional Cleaners and Allied Workers (NUPCAW) has embarked on a program to strengthen strong unionism in the cleaning industry.

The Union laments that doing so is one alternative to enlighten its members to fully understand how to fight for better conditions of service in their respective workplaces.

Union President Bernard Mumba says the cleaning industry in Zambia is fast growing and called for a well-underlined strategy to strengthen union leadership that will represent the plight of its members rightly.

Mr. Mumba was speaking on the sidelines of the orientation leadership meeting for NECHEM executive unionized Mamba members.

He further stated that the National Union of Professional Cleaners and Allied Workers will endeavor to see to it that the plight of its members throughout the country is safeguarded.

And Trade Unionist Consultant Bright Sinkala urged participants to always seek to understand the Industrial and Labour Act, Labour Compensation Act, and the Employment Code Act for them to create a good bargaining process for the benefit of its members.

Meanwhile, Union Secretary General Nshingebuka Shamenda urged participants to work towards increasing numbers for unionized members for them to get positive outcomes during negotiations.

Video Credit: Andrew Muchemba

15/02/2026

HANDS OFF ECZ OVER DELIMITATION PROCESS

Governance and Development Advocates Zambia (GODAZA) has urged stakeholders to respect the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), noting that its mandate is firmly rooted in the Constitution.

GODAZA Executive Director Elias Mulenga emphasised that the delimitation process is a constitutional exercise and must not be subjected to political manipulation.

Mr. Mulenga highlighted that ECZ operates under Article 229 of the Constitution, which grants it authority over electoral matters.

He stressed that the delimitation exercise, commencing on 16th February 2026 in all districts, is being conducted in line with Article 230(1) and the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.

Mr. Mulenga underscored that attempts to undermine the ECZ for political gain or social media popularity are unconstitutional.

He reminded citizens that delimitation reports are publicly available and reflect the will of the people.

Mr. Mulenga further urged all Zambians to uphold the rule of law and safeguard constitutional processes.

He appealed to citizens to cooperate and make meaningful submissions during the delimitation exercise, to fulfil constitutional mandates and requirements.

14/02/2026

175 NABBED IN NDOLA CLEAN UP OPERATION; 17 ETHIOPIANS INTERCEPTED IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE

The Ndola Regional Immigration Office on 13th February 2026 apprehended one hundred and seventyfive (175) suspected illegal immigrants during a clean up operation conducted with support from other security agencies.

The operation targeted Hill Crest, Mitengo, George, Kawama, Kansenshi, and Dola Hill areas of Ndola.

Those apprehended comprised eighty four (84) Congolese nationals, twenty six (26) individuals whose nationality is yet to be ascertained, seventeen (17) refugees of Congolese origin, eleven (11) Zimbabweans, eight (8) Kenyans, five (5) Somalis, four (4) Tanzanians, four (4) Dutch nationals, four (4) Chinese nationals, three (3) Indians, two (2) Finnish nationals, two (2) refugees of Eritrean origin, one (1) Eritrean, one (1) American, one (1) Lithuanian, one (1) Ghanaian, and one (1) refugee of Somali origin.

According to Immigration Department Chief Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka, following screening and verification processes, eighty three (83) individuals were released unconditionally after producing documentary proof of lawful presence in Zambia or confirmation of Zambian nationality.

Twenty five (25) individuals were directed to report to the Ndola Regional Immigration Office on 16th February 2026 for further verification, while fifteen (15) refugees of Congolese origin were instructed to self-relocate to Meheba Refugee Settlement in line with established refugee management regulations.

Mr. Nshinka further disclosed that ten (10) Congolese adults, in the company of twenty six (26) undocumented minors, were physically removed from the country through Sakania Border Control.

Six (6) Congolese nationals were served with notices to leave Zambia for engaging in studies without valid study permits. Two (2) Chinese nationals were released after paying for Temporary Permits to regularise their stay.

A Ghanaian national was handed over to the Drug Enforcement Commission for further action.

Seven (7) suspects, two (2) Chinese and five (5) Congolese nationals remain in detention pending further investigations and possible prosecution.

Meanwhile, in Southern Province, the Department between 12th and 13th February 2026 apprehended seventeen (17) Ethiopian nationals for failure to present themselves before the nearest Immigration Officer upon entry into Zambia.

On 13th February 2026, the Sinazongwe Immigration Office apprehended eleven (11) Ethiopian nationals aged between 17 and 36. Six (6) were in possession of valid Ethiopian passports but had no Zambian entry endorsement stamps.

Earlier, on 12th February 2026, the Kalomo Immigration Office apprehended six (6) Ethiopian nationals aged between 19 and 26 five males and one female following a tip off from concerned residents of Kamukeza Village in Zimba District, who suspected the presence of prohibited immigrants in their area.

The information was also shared with the Zambia Army in Mapatizya. Acting on the tip off, Immigration Officers working jointly with the Army apprehended the suspects. The six were found with valid passports except for one individual who was undocumented. Those in possession of passports did not have Zambian entry endorsements and disclosed that they had allegedly been abandoned in the bush by unknown individuals while attempting to transit to South Africa.

14/02/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day to the incredible 5FM Radio family ❤️🎙️ Wishing you all a day filled with love, laughter, and beautiful moments.

Any special plans for Valentine’s Day?

Let’s hear them in the comment section 👇🏿

14/02/2026

GOVT SUSPENDS ALL LIVESTOCK IMPORTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Details 👇🏿

14/02/2026

The Ministry of Health has clarified circumstances surrounding an incident that occurred at Chainda Urban Health Centre Outpatient Department (OPD) on 12th February 2026 between 22:00 and 23:00 hours.
Details 👇🏿

13/02/2026

ZTA HANDS OVER THE MOST PROMISING NEW DESTINATION AWARD TO GOVERNMENT

Zambia Tourism Agency has handed over the prestigious Most Promising New Destination Award 2026 won at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

Zambia scooped the award during the 2026 edition of the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM), one of Asia’s leading travel trade exhibitions, in recognition of its growing visibility and appeal within the fast-expanding Indian outbound travel market.

Speaking during the handover, Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba said the award is a clear endorsement of Zambia’s rising profile on the global tourism stage and reflects the deliberate efforts being made to reposition the sector under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Sikumba noted that the recognition goes beyond celebration, describing it as a validation of the strategic marketing, strengthened destination branding and enhanced collaboration between government and the private sector.

The Minister emphasized that Zambia’s participation at OTM was strategic and aimed at expanding the country’s footprint in emerging long haul markets, attracting quality tourists and unlocking new investment opportunities.

He further stated that the government remains committed to converting such recognition into tangible benefits, including increased tourist arrivals, job creation and inclusive economic growth.

Mr Sikumba encouraged the private sector to take advantage of the growing international confidence in Destination Zambia by developing high quality, market ready tourism products and strengthening partnerships with international tour operators and investors.

He urged industry players to maintain high service standards, innovate continuously, and work closely with the Ministry of Tourism and the Zambia Tourism Agency to sustain the momentum created by the award.

The Minister further commended the Directorate of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, the Zambia Tourism Agency and other stakeholders whose dedication ensured the country’s successful participation.

And Zambia Tourism Agency Acting Chief Executive Officer, Abigail Shansonga, said the award was given to Zambia in recognition of its strategic destination marketing efforts, increased engagement with the Indian travel trade, and the country’s unique and diverse tourism offerings.

Ms Shansonga explained that Zambia stood out among participating destinations due to its authentic wildlife experiences, iconic natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and growing capacity to host international leisure and business travellers.

Speaking on behalf of stakeholders, Zambian Explorer Limited Chief Adventure Officer Vishal Upadhyay said feedback from the OTM exhibition reflected strong interest in Destination Zambia and high engagement at the country’s stand.

He added that Zambia continues to make significant strides in the tourism sector, with growing interest from countries keen to visit and invest.

The Most Promising New Destination Award is expected to boost Zambia’s destination brand, enhance credibility in priority source markets, and support ongoing efforts to diversify the country’s economy through tourism.

13/02/2026

13/02/2026

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has fined Faren Mining in Chingola on the Copperbelt Province K80,000 for failing to issue employment contracts and payslips, and for effecting unauthorised wage deductions.

13/02/2026

ZAMBIA PARTICIPATES IN AGRITEQ 2026 TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT

Zambia is participating in the 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (Agriteq 2026) in Doha, with a focus on strengthening bilateral relations and attracting strategic investment into the country’s agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors.

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary, Dr. Max Choombe, and his Ministry of Agriculture counterpart, Ms. Yvonne Mpundu, are co-leading a delegation of senior government officials and experts from the Zambia Beef Exports Project (ZABEP) at the high-level exhibition being held from 12th to 16th February 2026 at Katara Cultural Village in Doha.

Upon arrival, Dr. Choombe paid a courtesy call on the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Doha, where he met Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Stanley Kachabe and members of staff.

Dr. Choombe commended the Embassy for facilitating Zambia’s participation in Agriteq 2026 and emphasized the critical role of economic diplomacy in attracting strategic investment to support President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of agricultural transformation and economic diversification.

He stated that through the Embassy’s efforts, the delegation is in Doha to promote the US$1 billion annual beef export initiative — a key pillar of Government policy aimed at leveraging economic diplomacy to drive agricultural transformation, job creation, and export-led growth.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kachabe explained that the 2026 Qatar Agriteq Expo has attracted global industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and investors in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, food processing, and agricultural technologies.

He noted that the forum presents Zambia with an opportunity to engage in Government-to-Business (G2B) and Business-to-Business (B2B) discussions focused on fostering public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and improved market access.

Mr. Kachabe further observed that Qatar relies significantly on food imports due to its climatic conditions and continues to seek strategic partnerships to strengthen food security.

He said Zambia’s participation in Agriteq 2026 presents a mutually beneficial opportunity to enhance trade, attract investment, and consolidate the cordial relations between the two countries.

The Chargé d’Affaires added that the Zambian delegation is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with key Qatari institutions and private sector players on the sidelines of the exhibition.

Zambia’s participation in the 2026 Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition marks an important step in deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing the country’s vision of building a diversified, export-oriented, and investment-driven economy.