President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia\u2019s commitment to supporting the growth of a vibrant and independent media.<\/p>\n
President Hichilema says government has taken steps to create an environment that enables the press to flourish.<\/p>\n
The Head of State said this in a speech read for him by Minister of Information and Media, Cornlius Mweetwa, during the official opening of the World Press Freedom Day 2026 conference held in Lusaka.<\/p>\n
President Hichilema assured the delegates that government is committed to growing the democratic space in the country so as to allow the fourth estate to thrive.<\/p>\n
He indicated that the state of a media in any given country reflects the state of a democracy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe commit to the growth and expansion of a democratic space in our country in order to allow the fourth estate to thrive as well.\u00a0Because we believe the state of a media reflects the state of a democracy,\u201d the Head of State said.<\/p>\n
President Hichilema stressed that shaping a future at peace, starts with journalists performing their work freely in an ethical manner, professionally and responsibly.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile President Hichilema announced that Zambia is among the founding members of the group of friends on the safety of journalists at the African Union.<\/p>\n
He said that Zambia being part of the countries that are members of the group clearly demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to upholding media freedoms and ensuring the safety of journalists as they discharge their duties.<\/p>\n
President Hichilema disclosed that the group will advance the United Nations plan of action on the safety of journalists and promote freedom of expression through strengthening multilateral cooperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe group will advance the United Nations plan of action on the safety of journalists and promote freedom of expression through strengthening multilateral cooperation,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
And President Hichilema stated that the government has recorded milestones in quests to promote a free press in the country.<\/p>\n
He informed the delegates that the number of media houses has increased from 147 in 2021 to 259 media houses in 2025.<\/p>\n
President Hichilema further revealed that in the last three years government has removed tax on the importation of broadcasting-related equipment so as to enable the media expand their operations for the benefit of the people.<\/p>\n
The Head of State disclosed that government has implemented various reforms aimed at fostering a media landscape that is free, independent and responsible.<\/p>\n
President Hichilema emphasized that the reforms carried out by government are part of efforts aimed at contributing to the broader global agenda, on good governance, human rights, and sustainable development.<\/p>\n
And commenting on the operations of the media in the country, President Hichilema disclosed that since assuming office in 2021, no media houses have been closed by the state.<\/p>\n
He further pointed out that at no time has government intimidated or interfered with the operations of the media as was the case in the past.<\/p>\n
Speaking earlier, Japanese Ambassador, Permanent Delegate to UNESCO and Chair of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) Takehior Kano called for the respecting of freedom of expression and press freedom.<\/p>\n
Mr Kano stressed that freedom of expression and press freedom should be anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile UNESCO Assistant Director-General Communication and Information Mariya Gabriel disclosed that 93 journalists were killed in 2025.<\/p>\n
Ms Gabriel explained that the UNESCO report indicated the death toll is the highest number since 2018<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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