Percy The Public Administrator

The Kabwe we want

Kabwe, the heart of Zambia in Central Province, is not a forgotten town, it is a sleeping giant waiting for intentional revival. The Kabwe we desire cannot be handed to us; it must be built by us. Over the years, many narratives have emerged; some call it a “ghost town,” others reduce it to a “Sunda station.” Yet history tells a different story. Kabwe was once among the most vibrant economic centers in Zambia, a town that carried the weight of industry, employment, and national pride. It is from this rich past that we must draw inspiration, not discouragement.

Kabwe’s historical significance stretches far beyond symbolic landmarks like the Mukuyu tree or the famous Broken Hill Skull. The town was built on one of Africa’s richest mineral belts, driven by the Broken Hill Mine, which for decades produced lead, zinc, and other minerals that significantly contributed to Zambia’s economy. At its peak, Kabwe was a mining powerhouse, supporting thousands of jobs and feeding into the country’s industrial growth. The mining activities not only generated revenue but also stimulated infrastructure development, trade, and skills transfer among local communities. Kabwe was not just a town it was an economic engine.

The impact of lead and zinc mining in Kabwe cannot be overlooked when discussing Zambia’s economic history. These resources played a critical role in export earnings and industrialization, particularly in the early and mid-20th century. The revenues supported national development and positioned Zambia as a key player in the global minerals market. While the environmental challenges associated with mining, especially lead contamination, must be acknowledged and addressed, the economic contribution remains undeniable. With modern technology and responsible leadership, Kabwe’s mineral wealth can once again be harnessed in a way that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Today, there is renewed hope. The revival of Mulungushi Textiles under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema Hakainde Hichilema is a clear demonstration that Kabwe’s restoration is not just a dream, it is possible. For years, the reopening of Mulungushi Textiles was a promise echoed by many leaders, but it is now becoming a reality. This is more than the reopening of a factory; it is the restoration of dignity, employment, and economic activity in the region. It signals a shift from rhetoric to action.

However, as we celebrate this milestone, there is a pressing need to ensure inclusivity, especially for the youth. Kabwe is home to a vibrant, energetic, and capable young population. These young people are not lacking in potential; they are lacking in opportunity. The operations at Mulungushi Textiles present a chance to empower local youths, equipping them with skills, income, and a renewed sense of purpose. If given the opportunity, Kabwe’s youth can transform this initiative into a model of productivity and excellence.

Jito Kayumba sir Beyond Mulungushi Textiles, there is another sleeping giant, the Kabwe Industrial Fabrics Corporation (KIFCO). Once a key player in industrial production, KIFCO now stands dormant, a shadow of what it once was. The same determination that has revived Mulungushi Textiles can be extended to KIFCO. Reviving this plant would not only create jobs but also stimulate related industries, attract investment, and reposition Kabwe as an industrial hub.
Kabwe’s challenges are real, particularly for its youth, who often face limited opportunities and are forced to look elsewhere for survival. But Kabwe’s potential is even greater. With strategic leadership, investment in industries, and deliberate inclusion of local talent, Kabwe can once again rise to its former glory and even surpass it.

The call is clear: Kabwe must not be defined by its past struggles but by its future possibilities. Economic revival is not a distant dream; it is a responsibility. By harnessing its mineral wealth responsibly, reviving key industries, and empowering its youth, Kabwe can reclaim its position as a pillar of Zambia’s economy.

Kabwe is not a ghost town. Kabwe is a promise. And with the right decisions, that promise can become a powerful reality.

Ministry of Information and Media - Zambia
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development-Zambia
Growing up in Kabwe (Reloaded)

After opening and signing up on the Imisepela App, which was launched by HE President Hakainde Hichilema during the celebrations of International Youth Day, I would first like to applaud the government for introducing such an initiative. Creating a platform meant to bridge the gap of connection between opportunities and young people is a commendable step in the right direction.

However, after signing in, I was expecting to see opportunities that truly target young people, especially graduates and first-time job seekers who often struggle with the barrier of “experience.” To my surprise, most of the opportunities posted appear no different from those found on other job platforms such as Go Zambia Jobs and other job search websites. Many of the listings still require several years of experience, which unfortunately defeats the purpose for many youths who are trying to enter the job market for the first time.

If the government truly wants the Imisepela App to create meaningful opportunities for young people, the platform must be different from traditional job sites. It should intentionally include entry-level opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, mentorship programs, and skill-development placements that do not require years of prior experience. The “experience requirement” has become a major barrier and almost a disease for many graduates who are eager to work but are never given the chance to gain that first experience.

A platform created specifically for youths should therefore prioritize potential, willingness to learn, and talent rather than just past experience. That is how the app can truly empower young people and become a genuine solution rather than simply another job-listing website.

And that's how you win

Let them register first

The recent announcement by the Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) regarding the taxation of content creators has sparked a heated debate across the country. While the initiative aims to broaden the government’s revenue base by capturing income from the fast-growing digital economy, its implementation raises several concerns. In theory, taxing content creators is a commendable idea that recognizes the digital sector as a legitimate source of income and contributes to national development. It also aligns with global trends where governments are seeking to regulate and benefit from online business activities. However, the practicality of enforcing such a tax system in Zambia’s current digital landscape is questionable.

One major disadvantage lies in the fact that most Zambian content creators are not earning directly from social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which are yet to be monetized locally. Unlike in other countries where creators receive payments based on views, ads, or sponsorships, many Zambian influencers rely solely on brand partnerships or personal promotions, which are inconsistent and limited. Imposing taxes on this group could therefore discourage creativity, limit participation in the digital space, and stifle the growth of the emerging creative economy. Furthermore, enforcing such taxes may prove difficult due to the informal nature of most content creation activities and the lack of clear data on creators’ actual earnings.

On the other hand, the potential advantage of this tax lies in its long-term revenue benefits once proper systems are in place. It would encourage formalization within the content creation industry, promote accountability, and enable the government to invest more in digital infrastructure. However, for this to work effectively, certain foundational steps must be taken. The government, in collaboration with ZIM and relevant ministries, should first spearhead the monetization of major social media platforms in Zambia. This would ensure that creators genuinely earn from their content and are in a position to contribute fairly to tax obligations.
In conclusion, while the taxation of content creators is a forward-thinking idea, its success depends on the establishment of a functional digital economy where creators are empowered to earn. Only then can such a policy be both fair and sustainable.
Ministry of Information and Media - Zambia
Maza comedy

Passing through Lusaka City Market and witnessing the tremendous work being done at the new Big Market is truly something worth applauding. The government’s efforts to decongest the Central Business District (CBD) deserve commendation. This development is not only a sign of progress but also a bold step towards restoring order and creating a clean, organized environment in the heart of the city. The Big Market, once completed, will greatly impact street vending by providing traders with a designated and conducive place to conduct their businesses, while freeing up our streets for smooth flow of traffic and pedestrians.

Seeing Simon Mwewa Lane cleared as a result of this initiative is nothing short of a marvel. It shows us what is possible when planning and implementation meet political will and community cooperation. We must applaud such transformative projects that enhance the beauty, safety, and functionality of our city. This is how modern cities grow, and it gives us hope that Lusaka can achieve its vision of becoming a truly smart and orderly capital.

As a citizen, I call on the government to continue implementing more of such developmental activities across the country to give Zambians a conducive environment for doing business. Once the market is fully operational, it will be vital for the Lusaka City Council to enforce strict laws and maintain discipline by ensuring no one returns to street vending. Development requires not just infrastructure but also systems to sustain the order created. Together, we can build a city we are proud to call home.

Society

To the Graduates: How Do You Look at Society? | Percy Phiri To the Graduates: How Do You Look at Society? As you step out of the gates of those institutions into the vast, complex world, one question should linger in your mind: How do i look at society? What does society mean to you, not just in theory, but in the rawness of experience? Let me take you back....

Never let fear hold you back. | Percy Phiri Never let fear hold you back. Fear, often our greatest adversary, should never deter you from seizing opportunities, especially when it comes to job applications. In the realm of job adverts that stipulate experience requirements, remember that potential and determination can outweigh years on a res...

Start your career with Self-Reflection Not a Job Board.

Job boards and LinkedIn postings can feel like a buffet of opportunities tempting, overwhelming, and exciting. But before you polish your resume or hit “easy apply,” button pause a bit because the most transformative career decisions begin with internal clarity(you), not external noise(Family pressure or societal views).

I once chased a “family dream job” only to realize i was confused with family expectations with my own desires. The salaries are great, but I felt empty for it because there was no desire. After that, I started asking harder questions: -What environments energize me?
-What impact do I want to have?

Career paths aren’t just about what your family or society deems fit for you, they’re about being fit, being aligned. And fit starts with knowing yourself. So next time you’re tempted to scroll down for job listings, grab a notebook instead. Ask yourself if Your future self will thrive.

A charcoal burner's child will one day wear a white shirt.

The youth Movement Revolution sounds great and it has made me have sleepless nights. How about we try Mayoral position next year in Kabwe my hometown?

Percy The Public Administrator