President HH Expresses Concern Over Cyber Crimes

President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed concern over the rise in cybercrime and cyberbullying, calling the growing number of incidents “a new form of violence against women and girls.”

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri at the Ukusefya Pangwena Traditional Ceremony, President Hichilema also warned about “the escalation and sophistication of scammers using mobile money service” and pledged to reinforce measures “to combat the vice… and create a safe digital space.”

President Hichilema stressed the New Dawn Government’s “zero tolerance to political violence and hate speech,” saying such vices “have no space in our society, not now, not tomorrow and not in the future.” 

Turning to agriculture, the President noted it had “threatened our national food, energy and water security” but said the government was seizing the opportunity to promote alternative energy solutions through tax incentives.

Minister Phiri explained that Northern Province’s maize production rose “by 31.2 percent… driven by an expansion in planted area,” with small and medium-scale farmers contributing “98.8 percent of the total maize output.”

And in a speech read on his behalf by Reuben Kamanga, Chief Gawa Undi said Zambians should be united to fulfil the motto: One Zambia, One Nation.

Mwine Lubemba echoed the Chief Gawa Undi’s calls for harmony, commending “the government for the bumper harvest recorded” and congratulating the people of Lubemba.