K3million allocated to rehabilitate Lusaka Playhouse

The government has allocated about K3 million to begin rehabilitating the Lusaka Playhouse, as part of a phased plan to restore and strengthen its role in developing Zambia’s arts industry.

The move is widely seen as a renewed commitment to investing in cultural infrastructure and supporting local creatives.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times (ZBT), National Arts Council of Zambia Vice President TiVo Shikapwasha ,highlighted the importance of the Playhouse as a cultural platform. He described it as a space where different aspects of Zambian identity are expressed through performance, storytelling, and visual art.

“The revamping of arts infrastructure like the Playhouse offers several benefits for artists,as it creates a hub for artists to share ideas, skills, and cross-pollinate, fostering a stronger artistic community.”

For many artists, access to a functional performance space is directly linked to economic opportunity. By staging plays, exhibitions, and cultural showcases, creatives are able to generate income while reinvesting in their work and communities. He emphasized that improved infrastructure will allow artists to sharpen their craft and expand their reach.

“Providing artists with the necessary infrastructure enables them to hone their skills, collaborate, and express themselves authentically, It also offers a dedicated space for the creation and dissemination of art that reflects the nation’s unique heritage and stories” He said.

Beyond individual benefit, the rehabilitation is expected to contribute to the broader growth of Zambia’s creative economy. A revitalized Playhouse could attract more audiences, encourage partnerships, and elevate the quality of productions within the sector.

Shikapwasha added that the long-term vision is to transform the facility into a sustainable creative hub. By turning the Playhouse into a functional centre, it can generate economic value for artists and contribute meaningfully to the cultural sector.

Article by Catherine Mwansa

The government has allocated about K3 million

Growing concerns over Yo Maps’ controversial “Budget” video

Concerns are mounting over the rise of explicit and controversial content in local music videos, with some stakeholders calling for stricter regulation and greater responsibility among artists who use provocative imagery to gain attention and increase commercial appeal.

Zambian music sensation Yo Maps has once again found himself at the centre of public debate following the release of his latest album, particularly the visuals for the song “Budget.” While the video has generated significant traction online, it has also sparked criticism from sections of the public who question its appropriateness and relevance to the song’s message.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Central Zambia Emmanuel Y Chikoya said Zambia already possesses guiding principles rooted in its identity as a Christian nation, adding that such values should influence both creative expression and public conduct.

“The issues of principles like morals, integrity, and the dignity of the human body must guide us, and we must avoid expressions that are not helpful in promoting positive values,” Bishop Chikoya said.

He noted that while laws and regulations may help address concerns surrounding explicit content in entertainment, legislation alone cannot fully resolve the issue.

“Laws can only go so far. What is needed is a strong sense of conscience and responsibility from individuals who influence society through their work,” he said.

Referencing scripture, Bishop Chikoya added, “What shall it profit a man and a woman to gain the world and lose their soul?” — a reminder, he said, that the pursuit of fame, influence, and financial success should not come at the expense of moral values.

The debate surrounding the “Budget” video has reignited broader discussions on the direction of Zambia’s entertainment industry, particularly as artists increasingly adopt global trends that often prioritise sensational visuals and online engagement.

Critics argue that explicit or controversial content is sometimes included in music videos not to strengthen artistic storytelling, but rather to attract attention, spark online conversations, and drive viewership.

Others, however, maintain that artists should be allowed creative freedom and that audiences ultimately have the power to decide what content they support.

But for Bishop Chikoya, the solution lies in preserving cultural identity and promoting ethical responsibility among creatives.

He stressed the need for artists and content creators to carefully consider the impact of their work on young audiences and society at large, especially in an increasingly globalised media environment where content spreads rapidly through digital platforms.

As conversations continue online, the controversy surrounding Yo Maps’ latest release highlights the growing tension between entertainment, artistic freedom, and societal values in Zambia’s evolving creative industry.

Article by Catherine Mwansa

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Presidential constituency solar project tender cancelled

The talk of diversification of the Zambian economy only becomes heavy when copper prices go down.

There are now fears that since load shedding has now come to an end following good rains, diversification in the electricity generation mix and investments in solar may go slow.

This fear has now been confirmed after it has emerged that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has cancelled procurement proceedings for the ambitious Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative (PCEI).

This is a nationwide solar energy project aimed at constructing 2MW solar power plants in all the initial 156 constituencies with the now added 70 more constituencies across Zambia.

According to a cancellation notice seen by Zambian Business Times-ZBT, issued on April 10, 2026 by Head of Procurement and Supplies Unit Jacob masatunya, the cancelled tender involved the “Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of 2MW Solar PV Plants in 156 Constituencies of Zambia” under tender number MLGRD/PCEI/CDF/001/26

The ministry stated that the cancellation was made in line with Section 69(1)(d) of the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020, although no detailed reasons were provided in the notice.

The decision was communicated and affects several shortlisted bidders, among them were China Energy International Group Co. Ltd (CEEC), Power China, Solar World, Sunshare Limited, Muhanya Solar, Sany Group and other local and international firms.

The Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative was officially approved by Cabinet on November 24, 2025 as part of government’s decentralisation and renewable energy agenda. The project was introduced to establish solar farms in every constituency, with each project expected to generate 2 megawatts of electricity, bringing the total planned national output to 312 megawatts.

Government had projected the initiative as a transformational programme that would turn the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) into an income-generating investment tool for local authorities and communities. Under the arrangement, electricity generated from the solar plants would be sold to ZESCO, allowing constituencies to raise revenue for local development projects.

Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane previously described the initiative as a historic shift in Zambia’s development model, saying it would empower communities through ownership of renewable energy infrastructure.

In January 2026, government and ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc announced the creation of the Zambia National Energy Corporation Limited (ZNEC), a Special Purpose Vehicle established to spearhead implementation of the PCEI. The initiative was estimated at over US$200 million in investment value.

Prior to the cancellation, several municipal and city councils across the country had already begun identifying land and signing agreements linked to the solar project, with some local authorities conducting contractor site visits and preparatory works.

Some critics however stated that the project was grandios and bound to fail as there were limited ways to evacuate the power generated. They argued that the project was too dispersed to achieve critical mass.

Efforts to get a comment for the reasons behind the cancellation from the Ministry of Local Government Principal public relations officer Liseli kanyanga proved futile by publication time as she indicated that the matter was being handled by the permanent secretary for technical services and requested a press query that was still being processed.

Article by Karen Ngulube

The talk of diversification of the Zambian