Mpika Town Council-Zambia

13/06/2026

CDF LOAN TRANSFORMS MPIKA ENTREPRENEUR’S ORGANIC FERTILIZER BUSINESS

MPIKA– What started as a slow-moving venture 12 years ago has grown into a thriving enterprise for Mr. Chileya Chiwenda, Chief Executive Officer of Zochichi Trading based in TAZARA Township, Mpika.

Mr. Chiwenda, who produces organic fertilizer, said his business only became fully active four years ago due to limited capital.

“The business was slow because of lack of money. We had the idea and the skill, but no funds to grow,” he said.

That changed in 2024 when he accessed an K80,000 loan under the Constituency Development Fund [CDF].

“The CDF is not a hoax. I want to appreciate the Head of State, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, for bringing CDF close to the people, especially here in Mpika,” Mr. Chiwenda said.

With the loan, he expanded operations and invested in critical equipment. He purchased seven fermentation vessels used to produce organic fertilizer at a cost of K43,000.

“Out of the same money, I bought the vessels. They are seven in total and they have changed how we work. Production is faster and we can meet demand,” he explained.

Mr. Chiwenda noted that Mpika having two constituencies Mpika North and Mpika South means more people will benefit from CDF empowerment.

“This split means more funding can reach our communities. More youths and women can start businesses like mine,” he added.

He also appealed to beneficiaries to be prudent with public funds.

“Those getting loans must be fully business-aware. CDF is an opportunity, but you must plan, invest wisely, and repay so others can also benefit,” he cautioned.

Zochichi Trading now supplies organic fertilizer to local farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture while creating jobs in TAZARA Township.

Mpika Community Radio Station 89.5Mhz
@

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

🔴 LIVE: Mpika District Agriculture & Commercial Show 2025
We’re live from the Mpika Town Council canteen grounds! Farmers, companies, and innovators are showcasing the best of Mpika. 11–12 June.

10/06/2026

STAKEHOLDERS MOUNT TENTS AHEAD OF MPIKA DISTRICT AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCIAL SHOW

MPIKA– Companies, farmers, and other key stakeholders have begun mounting tents and stands at the Mpika Town Council canteen grounds in readiness for the Mpika District Agriculture and Commercial Show, scheduled for 11th to 12th June.

A spot check today found several institutions already setting up, including the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board, Access Bank, and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority [TAZARA], all of which have erected branded tents and display stands.

Farmers were also seen arranging tables on which they will showcase a variety of agricultural products, ranging from crops to livestock produce and value-added goods.

The annual show provides a platform for exhibitors to market their products and services, share innovations, and foster linkages between producers, agro-dealers, financial institutions, and the general public.

Preparations are progressing well, with more stakeholders expected to finalize their stands in the coming days ahead of the official opening.

📸 By Joseph Lupupa.

09/06/2026

MPIKA TOWN COUNCIL STAFF CONTINUE ICHIMBUYA TRADITION IN HONOUR OF CHIEF MPEZENI IV

MPIKA – Mpika Town Council employees this morning continued to observe Ichimbuya, the longstanding cultural tradition of sprinkling baby powder, as a mark of respect and solidarity following the passing of His Royal Highness, Paramount Chief of the Ngoni people, Chief Mpezeni IV.

The tradition, widely practiced between the Bemba and Ngoni peoples, saw Bemba officers playfully applying baby powder to their Ngoni counterparts as a symbolic gesture of mourning and unity.

At Mpika Town Council, Community Development Officer Mr. Andrew Mbita and Mr. Jimmy Kanekwa led the gesture, sprinkling powder on several colleagues.

Among those who received the powder were Mpika District Education Board Secretary Mr. Rodgers Mtumayo, Mpika District Information Officer Mr. Peter Phiri, Yusufu Radio Programs Manager Ms. Royder Tembo, and Mpika Town Council Water Coordinator Mr. Misheck Manda.

The lighthearted scenes later extended to the District Education Board Secretary’s [DEBS] office, where staff joined in the tradition amid an atmosphere of cultural camaraderie and remembrance.

_Ichimbuya_ reflects the deep cousinship ties between the Bemba and Ngoni peoples, often expressed during times of mourning or celebration as a way of honouring one another.

His Royal Highness, Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, will be laid today, 9th June 2026, and President Hakainde Hichilema has declared the today a period of national mourning.

08/06/2026

MPIKA TOWN COUNCIL EMPLOYEES OBSERVES ICHIMBUYA TRADITION FOLLOWING PASSING OF CHIEF MPEZENI IV

MPIKA– In keeping with longstanding cultural tradition, residents of Mpika this morning took part in Ichimbuya, a nationwide practice of sprinkling baby powder, as a sign of respect and solidarity following the death of His Royal Highness, Paramount Chief of the Ngoni people, Chief Mpezeni IV.

The tradition, commonly observed between the Bemba and Ngoni peoples, saw Bemba officers this morning playfully applying baby powder to their Ngoni counterparts. At Mpika Town Council, Community Development Officer Mr. Andrew Mbita led the gesture, sprinkling powder on Assistant Commercial Manager Mr. Michael Ngambi, Senior Accounts Officer Mr. Richard Katyetye, and other colleagues.

Ichimbuya symbolizes the deep-rooted cousinship ties and mutual respect between the two ethnic groups, often expressed during times of mourning or celebration.

His Royal Highness, Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, will be laid to rest tomorrow, 9th June 2026.

In honour of the late traditional leader, President Hakainde Hichilema has declared tomorrow a day of national mourning.

05/06/2026

ECZ TAKES VOTER EDUCATION TO KAMWANYA AND CHISOWA AHEAD OF AUGUST 13 POLLS.

Residents urged to safeguard voters’ cards, turn out in numbers

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has continued with its public announcements and voter education campaign, with officials today engaging residents of Kamwanya and Chisowa compounds in Mpika District ahead of the General Elections scheduled for 13th August this year.

ECZ officers, working alongside local stakeholders, are moving door-to-door and holding community meetings, mobile announcements to encourage eligible voters to keep their voters’ cards safe and to participate fully in choosing leaders. During the polls, voters will elect a Republican President, Members of Parliament, Council Chairpersons, and Councillors.

Speaking during one of the sensitization activities in Kamwanya, Mpika District Information Officer from ZANIS, Mr. Peter Phiri, urged residents to guard their voters’ cards jealously.

“We are reminding everyone to keep their voters’ cards in a safe place. Do not sell your voters’ card to anyone. Your card is your voice and your power to choose the leaders you want,” Mr. Phiri said.

Mr. Phiri further appealed to residents of Kamwanya and Chisowa to turn out in large numbers on polling day and to maintain peace before, during, and after the elections.

“Democracy works well when people participate in choosing leaders of their own choice,

He also added that peaceful election is everyone’s responsibility.

The Commission has pledged to continue its voter education drives across Mpika District to ensure no eligible voter is left behind.

ENDS//
Mpika Community Radio Station 89.5Mhz

02/06/2026

MPIKA TOWN COUNCIL.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 2nd June 2026.

ECZ HITS THE GROUND RUNNING IN MPIKA AHEAD OF AUGUST 13 POLLS.

Residents urged to safeguard voters’ cards, turn out in numbers

MPIKA– The Electoral Commission of Zambia has intensified voter education in various parts of Mpika District, reminding residents of the General Elections scheduled for 13th August this year.

ECZ officials are moving door-to-door and holding community meetings to encourage eligible voters to keep their voters’ cards safe and participate fully in choosing leaders. Voters will elect a Republican President, Members of Parliament, Council Chairpersons, and Councillors.

Speaking during one of the sensitization activities, Mpika District Information Officer from ZANIS, *Mr. Peter Phiri*, urged residents to guard their voters’ cards jealously.

“We are reminding everyone to keep their voters’ cards in a safe place. Do not sell your voters’ card to anyone. Your card is your voice and your power to choose the leaders you want,” Mr. Phiri said.

He further called on citizens to turn out in large numbers on polling day and to avoid electoral malpractice, including vote buying, voter card trading, and violence.

“These elections are important for the future of our district and the nation. Elect leaders based on their manifestos and track records, not on handouts,” he added.

The ECZ team emphasized that the Commission remains committed to delivering free, fair, credible, and transparent elections.

ENDS//

Mpika Community Radio Station 89.5Mhz
ZANIS
@

19/05/2026

The Mpika District Electoral Office has urged uniformed staff to remain professional and diligent in the ex*****on of their duties before, during, and after the forthcoming general elections.

Mpika District Electoral Officer Samuel Musenga said police officers must be highly alert in maintaining law and order, especially as the country heads towards the general elections.

Mr. Musenga said this during an Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) briefing for uniformed staff at a meeting held at Mpika boys secondary today.

ZANIS
Peter Phiri