The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution to correct world maps, with Zambia among the 164 supporting nations.
The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution, with Zambia casting a yes vote. This Togo-led initiative, supported by all 54 African Union member states, aims to rectify a long-standing cartographic distortion that underrepresents Africa's actual size on global maps. Zambia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Chola Milambo, described the adoption as a historic achievement for Africa and other marginalized regions.
The resolution acknowledges that the widely used Mercator projection distorts the representation of areas, particularly landmasses distant from the equator. This projection leads to Africa appearing only about as large as Greenland, when in reality it is fourteen times larger. The UN body encourages governments, educational institutions, and international organizations to adopt the 2018 Equal Earth projection, an equal-area map that accurately depicts continental sizes without distortion.
Although the resolution is non-binding, it is anticipated to influence the content of textbooks, atlases, and digital mapping platforms worldwide. The adoption signifies a move towards more accurate global representation, addressing historical cartographic inaccuracies. The press statement was issued by Namatama Njekwa, First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations.
Why it mattersThe resolution affects farmers by promoting accurate geographical representation, which could influence land and resource discussions.
Read in ASJ →Zambian champions Power Dynamos conceded a 37th-minute penalty in their CAF Champions League debut, resulting in a 1-0 defeat against Al Merrikh.
Zambian champions Power Dynamos began their CAF Champions League campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to Sudanese club Al Merrikh. The decisive goal came from a penalty in the 37th minute, scored by Abubakar Bangora. The match took place at the Amahoro Stadium on Saturday night, marking the first leg of the preliminary round.
The penalty awarded to the home team proved to be the only difference between the two sides. Power Dynamos were unable to find an equalizer in the remainder of the match. This result puts them at a disadvantage heading into the second leg of the tie.
This defeat marks an unsuccessful start for Power Dynamos in their pursuit of continental glory. The team will need to overcome the deficit in the return fixture to advance in the competition.
Why it mattersFootball fans in Zambia will be disappointed by the team's loss, impacting national sporting pride and the club's performance in a major tournament.
Read in ASJ →Acting Attorney-General Marshal Muchende stated that individuals arrested by police face serious criminal charges, not political detention.
The Office of the Attorney-General has denied allegations of political detention, asserting that individuals recently arrested by police are facing serious criminal charges. Acting Attorney-General Marshal Muchende stated in Lusaka that Zambia has no prisoners of conscience or political prisoners. He clarified that those apprehended have been charged with offenses including treason and terrorism-related crimes, stemming from allegations of sponsoring, aiding, and abetting unlawful paramilitary training and other breaches of Zambian law.
Mr. Muchende emphasized that these cases are now before courts of competent jurisdiction, where the accused will receive due process. He also addressed the recent handover of individuals who had sought refuge at the United Nations House in Lusaka, explaining it was facilitated by the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to allow them to face Zambian authorities. The Acting Attorney-General found no established basis to conclude that these individuals were being persecuted due to their political views or affiliations.
According to Mr. Muchende, the Zambian Constitution does not grant immunity from criminal liability based on political status. He reiterated that no one is above the law, nor is anyone beneath its protection. The statement aimed to counter claims of political persecution by highlighting the legal framework and the nature of the charges brought against the arrested individuals.
Why it mattersIndividuals arrested and charged with treason and terrorism-related crimes are affected by the Attorney-General's statement that they will face due process in Zambian courts.
Read in ASJ →The Industrial Development Corporation will lead the project in Ndola, aiming to boost fuel production and create jobs.
The Zambian government intends to construct a new petroleum refinery adjacent to the existing Indeni site in Ndola, Copperbelt, with an estimated cost of 1.2 billion US dollars. This significant undertaking will be managed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
IDC Chief Executive Officer Cornwell Muleya stated that investors are prepared to finance the project. He highlighted that the new facility will grant the government enhanced control over fuel production, contributing to more affordable fuel prices for citizens. The construction phase is projected to generate 3,000 jobs, with an additional 800 permanent positions expected once the refinery is fully operational.
Beyond job creation, the refinery is anticipated to re-establish Ndola as a key industrial center and stimulate other sectors. By-products like bitumen and polyethylene are slated to support road construction and the plastics manufacturing industry, demonstrating a wider economic impact.
Why it mattersZambians will benefit from potentially more affordable fuel prices and job creation through the construction and operation of the new refinery.
Read in ASJ →Over 1,400 farmers have delivered 6,378.55 metric tonnes of maize to the Food Reserve Agency, with K21.36 million still outstanding.
More than 1,400 small-scale farmers in Milenge District have supplied white maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) during the 2026 crop marketing season. The FRA has purchased 6,378.55 metric tonnes of maize as of September 2nd, valued at over K44.27 million. Ten depots were operationalized across the district to facilitate these purchases and ensure farmer access to buying points.
District Agricultural Coordinator Bright Chota reported that K22.91 million has been disbursed to 681 farmers so far. However, 737 farmers are still awaiting payment for their delivered produce. The FRA is expected to release the remaining K21.36 million owed to these farmers shortly.
The agency's efforts aim to provide a market for the season's maize harvest. While a significant portion of the maize has been bought, the delayed payments for over half of the participating farmers present a challenge for those awaiting funds.
Why it mattersFarmers are affected because over half of those who supplied maize to the FRA have not yet received payment for their crop.
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