Latest news with #Zambian
The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
(Special for CAFS) Zambia targets 3 mln foreign tourists in 2025
LUSAKA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's tourism sector aims to attract about 3 million international tourists in 2025, driven by ongoing investments and recent growth, an industry official said on Wednesday. During a meeting between tourism stakeholders and President Hakainde Hichilema, Mark O'Donnell, chairperson of Union Gold Group, a Zambian enterprise involved in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and construction, highlighted the positive trajectory of tourism. In 2024, Zambia experienced a sharp increase in international tourist arrivals, rising from 1.3 million in 2023 to 2.2 million, according to the Ministry of Tourism. O'Donnell emphasized that the tourism industry holds "significant" potential to become a major contributor to Zambia's gross domestic product (GDP), provided that existing bottlenecks are addressed. He also called for policy changes to further stimulate growth in the tourism sector. For his part, Hichilema acknowledged the sector's progress and underscored the government's commitment to its continued development. "We may start by tackling issues that are standing in the way so that we open up the sector for more growth," he added.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Heartbreak for African star
Orlando Pirates were forced to send a player that was on trial at the club back home due to injury. The Buccaneers were left impressed with him however due to his injury, a deal is now off the table! Let's take a look at all of the important details below. READ MORE • Orlando Pirates reach agreement to sell superstar for R31 million! READ MORE • Mamelodi Sundowns set to sign former Kaizer Chiefs man! Lethal Zambian striker Enock Sakala Jr's dream move to Orlando Pirates has been called off. The former Chippa United man spent the last month on trial at the Buccaneers. Despite impressing the club's coaching staff, a potential deal is now off the table due to him picking up an injury! 'Enock Sakala Jr. has gone back home to Zambia after picking up an injury while on trial at Orlando Pirates. He was doing well and showing signs of hunger, but the knock proved to be costly,' an insider told Soccer Laduma . 'He is unlikely to get the deal now and it's unclear if he will be getting another opportunity at the club any time soon.' READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs handed golden opportunity to sign Djoumekou! Boitumelo Radiopane, Evidence Makgopa, Tshegofatso Mabasa or Yanele Mbuthuma? Who do you think should be the lead striker for Orlando Pirates next season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates send home trialist after short training stint
Orlando Pirates have reportedly closed the door on Zambian striker Enock Sakala Jr., ending his brief trial with the club following an unfortunate injury blow. The 23-year-old, who previously featured for Chippa United and Egyptian outfit Modern Sport, joined the Buccaneers' pre-season camp in Johannesburg at the start of July, hoping to earn a permanent contract. However, Sakala has now returned to Zambia, with little hope of signing for the Soweto giants ahead of the 2025/2026 season. Sakala impressed early on in training, showing strong intent and sharpness in front of goal. But his progress came to a sudden halt when he sustained an injury that ultimately ended his trial prematurely. 'Enock Sakala Jr. has gone back home to Zambia after picking up an injury while on trial at Pirates. He was doing well and showing signs of hunger, but the knock proved to be costly. He is unlikely to get the deal now and it's unclear if he will be getting another opportunity at the club any time soon,' said a source. The setback not only robbed Sakala of vital momentum but also forced Pirates to reconsider his potential contribution to the squad. Despite Sakala's exit, the Orlando Pirates technical team remains eager to bolster their attack. With a long and competitive season ahead, the club is actively exploring options to find the right striker to strengthen their frontline. The Buccaneers are preparing for a high-stakes campaign, and squad depth in the attacking department remains a key priority. Should a suitable candidate emerge, Pirates are ready to act swiftly in the transfer market. Do Orlando Pirates need another forward? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Over 100 Chinese enterprises target Zambia's premier show to boost business
LUSAKA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- About 100 Chinese companies are expected to exhibit at the 97th Agricultural and Commercial Show to boost business ties, the Zambia Chinese Association (ZCA) revealed on Friday. The enterprises will showcase their products and services under the Chinese Pavilion organized by the ZCA, during the event scheduled to run from July 30 to August 4 in Lusaka, the Zambian capital. This year's show will be themed "Adapting to Climate Change." ZCA General Secretary Wang Chunyan said the delegation will include about 80 enterprises already operating in Zambia, along with around 20 companies from China's Jiangxi Province. "It is a great platform to support China-Zambia economic cooperation and help Chinese companies grow," Wang said. She noted that the association has participated under the Chinese Pavilion for the past three years, a move that has yielded positive results for participating companies and strengthened business cooperation between China and Zambia. Bernard Moonga, president of the Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia Limited, the organizer of the event, commended the ZCA for its sponsorship. According to Moonga, China is among the countries with the largest exhibitors at this year's show. The show presents an opportunity for Chinese enterprises to not only showcase their products but also forge new business relationships in Zambia, he added.
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Eight days to go: Avram Grant: CHAN a launchpad for Zambia's next generation
Zambia head coach Avram Grant believes the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) represents more than just a tournament — it's a strategic platform to fast-track the development of the country's local-based footballers. With Zambia drawn in a challenging Group A alongside co-hosts Kenya, North African heavyweights Morocco, Angola and two-time champions DR Congo, Grant is focusing on internal growth rather than external threats. The former Chelsea and Ghana boss insists that CHAN serves as a critical tool for long-term progress in Zambian football. 'At the moment, we are preparing well because CHAN is very important for us. We don't have many players in Europe like other countries who have lots of their first team players abroad. For us, we mostly use players who play locally, and we have already shown what we can do—like when we beat Ivory Coast,' he said. Grant, who has spent the last year identifying and nurturing talent across the Zambian Premier League, stressed that the CHAN is not just about silverware but also about scouting and shaping the future national team core. 'Normally, this tournament gives us an opportunity to see more players for the first team, which is good for creating competition,' he added. Despite facing strong opposition in the group stage, Grant's approach remains steady — focusing on Zambia's game model and individual player development. 'In this competition, we will concentrate more on our team and its development to see who gets promoted to the first team. Of course, we can only do that when we have a winning mentality like we've shown in the past,' he said. 'For CHAN, I don't think the opponent is important. What's key for us is to play as a team and show that winning mentality.' The Israeli tactician, who took Zambia to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, underlined the vital role CHAN plays in providing exposure to domestic talent. 'CHAN is like a tool for us. Our main national team is composed of local players. We have a tough group, but that will help us grow in such an environment,' he explained. With several young players set to feature in the upcoming tournament, Grant is confident that the experience will be invaluable for their development. 'For the young players, this is a chance to grow and mature. They still need a bit of guidance and polishing, but I'm sure we will achieve a good tournament with them.' Zambia's preparations have been quietly impressive, with the team stringing together a series of strong performances in recent warm-up matches. 'We will do our best because over the last few games, we've shown good football and a lot of improvement. We've kept four clean sheets in a row. Now we are facing a different challenge and want to continue improving these players. This is the target.' Zambia's CHAN campaign, therefore, carries a dual objective — to compete with pride and resilience, and more importantly, to lay the foundation for a stronger Chipolopolo in years to come.
