Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia, 18 United Nations Avenue, Longacres, Lusaka (2026)

28/01/2026

Statement to Commend the President for Donations to the Churches – IECZ

The Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia (IECZ) would like to extend its heartfelt commendation to His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema, for his recent generosity in support of the churches.

This commendable gesture has been widely recognised and respected across our nation.

We respectfully urge the President to consider extending similar support to the informal economy sector, including market traders, vendors, barbershop owners, welders, carpenters, small‑scale farmers, salon owners, taxi drivers, conductors, and bus station operators, as well as other small and medium-sized enterprises.

These individuals have played a vital role in sustaining their households and contributing to the national economy, even in the face of significant challenges, such as the recent protracted period of load shedding. With the return of stable power supply, targeted support would significantly empower them to recover, expand, and strengthen their businesses.

We further request that the President engage with the leadership of the Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia to discuss this matter and explore viable avenues for actualizing such support.

Through continued dialogue and collaboration, we believe we can identify practical solutions that will meaningfully improve the livelihoods of our members and positively impact the broader informal economy.

We look forward to the opportunity to engage with the President and his team to advance this initiative.

Astone Sakala
Coordinator
Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia (IECZ)

01/01/2026

🎉 New Year, New Possibilities! ✨ Wishing you a prosperous 2026 with growth & success in every endeavour from the Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia (IECZ)! Happy New Year! #2026 🚀🎁

06/11/2025

Yesterday, November 5th, 2025, the leadership of the Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia (IECZ) visited marketeers affected by a fire at the Oxford area in Kitwe and Chiwepala market in Chingola. The leadership sympathized with the affected marketeers, encouraged them to stay strong, and condemned the incident that led to the loss of lives.

The IECZ is appealing to the government of President Hakainde Hichilema and all well-wishers to come forward and help the affected marketeers in Kitwe and Chingola. The organization is also requesting the Chingola Council to enhance security in the markets by working with key stakeholders, including marketeers and bus drivers.

The IECZ coordinator, Mr. Astone Sakala, was accompanied by trustees Mr. George Mulenga, Mr. Kayombo, Mr. Tailoka, and Cephas Chibesha, members of IECZ.

Together, we can develop our markets and bus stations.

Astone Sakala
Coordinator, Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia

04/11/2025

We’re live on Flava FM’s Community Viewpoint this Wednesday, 5th November 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 hrs 🎙️

This week, we’re diving into an important conversation the role of stakeholders in voter registration and verification.

Your host Luckson Mwale will be joined by:

Aston Sakala, IECZ Coordinator
Evans Swaba, Ipusukilo Ward Councillor
Pst Jeff Mwale, Kitwe Pastors Fellowship

Catch the discussion live on:
📻 87.7 FM – Copperbelt
📻 96.9 FM – Lusaka
📻 92.1 FM – Solwezi

Let’s talk civic duty and the power of participation. Don’t miss it! 💬

28/10/2025

Today, October 28th, 2025, the informal economy consortium of Zambia (iecz) was among the invited delegates to the launch of Vision Zero in the transport sector, held in Lusaka at the Ciela Resort International Convention Centre.

It was launched by the guest of honour, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba, Minister of Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zambia and Social Services, and Ministry of Transport Hon. Frank Tayali.

Sadly, Zambia has continued to record a high number of accidents, especially in 2024, whereby more than 35,000 accidents and more than 2,100 deaths were recorded.

We can try to prevent some of these accidents by not speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, etc.

IECZ was represented by Astone Sakala, IECZ coordinator, and Edward Chingamuka, vice treasurer.

Together we can fight this.

28/10/2025

Recap: October 24, 2025, the Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia (IECZ) proudly participated in the Independence Day celebrations in Kitwe. The event was graced by the Copperbelt Minister, Hon. Elisha Matambo, and held under the inspiring theme: "61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia."

Distinguished guests included Kitwe Mayor Ms Mpasa Mwaya, Deputy Mayor Mr Mwango, Kitwe District Commissioner Mr Oncemore Ngonomo, Kitwe Town Clerk, and DAO Mr Mwamba Mulenga, among many other respected individuals.

The IECZ extends its sincere appreciation to our CEO, John Samaras, and everyone who has supported the IECZ. We also give special kudos to all our members, the marketeers and bus drivers, who celebrated this momentous occasion with us.

The IECZ remains committed to improving the lives of our members. Together we can achieve great things!

Astone Sakala
Coordinator
Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia

28/10/2025

The Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFB) is pleased to announce the official launch of the Vision Zero Campaign in the Transport Sector, taking place on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, at the Ciela Resort and Convention Center, Lusaka.

The Vision Zero initiative is a global strategy aimed at achieving zero occupational accidents and diseases through proactive safety measures and a culture of prevention.

This launch underscores our continued commitment, together with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the ILO, and other key partners, to creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable work environment for all.

10/10/2025

Yesterday 9th October, 2025.

The Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia Coordinator Mr Astone Sakala attended the official launch of Zanaco at Gadern Court in Kitwe.

It was officially launched by Deputy Provincial Permanent Secretary Mr Daniel Kamenga,
Her Worship the Mayor Ms. Mpasa Mwaya and Kitwe District Administrative Officer Mr Mwamba Mulenga and many invited guests.

18/09/2025

Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia ( IECZ )
Meeting with Kitwe City Council – 17 September 2025
IECZ held a fruitful meeting with Kitwe City Council management. The resolutions and outcomes are summarized below as they stand now.

Resolutions
New business levy, health, and fire charges (2025) are suspended until January 2026.
Marketeers who paid for 2025 levies will be affected only in 2026. In the interim, marketeers will continue paying the daily levy through December 2025.
Daily levy payments will continue for all marketeers until December 2025.
Business levy payments for 2026 will commence in December 2025.
Chains and locks ban remains in place (to be enforced).
No harassment or intimidation by Council officers.
Receipts required for all payments.
Marketeers must pay levies without intimidation.
Ranges of levies (approximate):
Business levy: K474 to K1,066 (not K2,515)
Health levy: up to K800 (not K1,500)
Fire levy: K600 to K1,500
Marketeers will be sensitized about these levies from now through December 2025.
Notes:

Levy amounts depend on the nature and size of the business or shop.
IECZ recognizes these resolutions as the framework for 2025 and the transition into 2026.
Acknowledgments and appreciation
IECZ would like to express thanks to:

Kitwe Town Clerk, Mr. Patrick Kambita
Director of Finance, Mr. Mwense
The legal team
Kitwe District Commissioner, Mr. Oncemore Ngonomo
Kitwe Mayor, Ms. Mpasa Mwaya
Change Mindset, Mr. Musonda
All supporters who stood with marketeers
The meeting was well attended by eight organizations.

Closing
Thank you to all our members for their solidarity and perseverance. For any issues, please communicate with your local IECZ leaders and continue to comply with the levies. May God bless us all.

IECZ is committed to improving the lives of our members.

Astone Sakala
Coordinator, Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia (IECZ)

15/09/2025

KAPALA MARKET INFERNO VICTIMS RECEIVE COMPENSATION

Today, over 800 marketeers affected by the Kapala Market inferno gathered at the DMMU offices (government stores) to receive compensation. Each trader walked away with K1,000 cash, 5kg of Rice, 5kg of Beans, 1kg of salt and 750ml of Cooking oil

While some marketeers appreciated the gesture, saying it showed the government had not abandoned them, others felt the package was too small compared to the losses they suffered.

Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo directed Kabushi MP Bernard Kanengo to tap into part of the CDF to further support the affected traders, stressing:

“We know this help is not much, but it shows the government stands with those who suffered from this inferno.”

DMMU Assistant Director Gerald Tembo explained that the long wait was due to a verification process to ensure only genuine victims benefited.

Meanwhile, Kabushi MP Bernard Kanengo assured the traders of more engagement to explore additional support.

03/09/2025

Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia IECZ today, 3rd September 2025, had a meeting with Kitwe District Commissioner, Mr Oncemore Ngonomo, to discuss various issues that affect our Marketeers in various markets.

8 market and Bus stations were in attendance for the meeting.

Thank you to our DC for giving an ear to those issues that affect our members in the informal Economy.

IECZ is there to improve the lives.

Astone Sakala
Coordinator
Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia

28/08/2025

Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia lECZ coordinator Mr Astone Sakala today with Hon Elvis Nkandu Minister of sports and youths.

Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia

28/01/2026

01/01/2026

06/11/2025

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28/10/2025

28/10/2025

28/10/2025

10/10/2025

18/09/2025

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28/08/2025

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