ECL Movement is illegal, says Jean Kapata

By BARNABAS ZULU
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) National Chairperson Ms Jean Kapata has declared the recently launched entity calling itself the ECL/PF Movement illegal, dismissing it as a creation of individuals seeking to advance personal and partisan interests under the name of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, Ms Kapata stated that the movement has no legal or political standing within the Patriotic Front and should not be associated with the former Head of State.
“There is only one PF which President Lungu left. The so-called ECL/PF Movement does not exist,” Ms Kapata said.
She warned those behind the movement to stop what she termed “masquerading” and to show respect for the late President, even in death.
“We want to make it very clear that this entity is alien to the Patriotic Front. It was never created by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Those using his name must respect him, even in death, and desist from misleading the public,” she said.
Ms Kapata emphasised that before his demise, President Lungu had left clear guidance on the leadership of the party and the Tonse Alliance.“President Lungu left Hon. Given Lubinda as Acting President of the Patriotic Front and Chairperson of the Tonse Alliance. That position has not changed and will not change outside the provisions of our party constitution,” she said.
She further explained that the Patriotic Front remains the anchor party of the Tonse Alliance and, as such, recognises only one leadership structure.
“As the anchor party of the Tonse Alliance, PF recognises one Chairperson of the Alliance, and that is Given Lubinda, by virtue of being President of the anchor party,” Ms Kapata said.

Zambia to host first continental energy, infrastructure forum outside South Africa
By MUBITA KATETE
ZAMBIA will host the first-ever Continental Energy and Infrastructure Investment Forum (CEIIF) to be held outside South Africa, a development authorities say reflects growing international confidence in the country’s investment climate.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka at the weekend, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General Albert Halwampa said the forum marks a major milestone for Zambia’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
Mr. Halwampa said the country’s selection as host was a direct result of policy reforms and leadership under President Hakainde Hichilema, whose administration has prioritised private sector–led growth and macroeconomic stability.
“This achievement comes under the progressive and visionary leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, whose administration has placed trade, investment and private sector–led growth at the centre of Zambia’s economic transformation agenda,” Mr. Halwampa said.
He noted that the hosting of CEIIF demonstrates growing investor confidence in the country’s reform programme and its commitment to creating a predictable and transparent business environment.
The forum, which will bring together governments, private investors, project developers and development finance institutions from across Africa, will focus on unlocking investment in energy, transport and digital infrastructure sectors, Mr. Halwampa described as critical to industrialisation and regional competitiveness.
“This forum comes at a particularly strategic time for Zambia, as investment in energy and infrastructure is essential to unlocking industrial growth, expanding trade, and strengthening our competitiveness in the region,” he said.
As a co-partner and local host, ZDA will use the forum to showcase the country’s portfolio of bankable projects and facilitate direct engagement between investors and project developers.
“CEIIF presents a major opportunity for Zambia to demonstrate that we are a dependable, reform-oriented and strategic investment destination,” Mr. Halwampa said.