Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 25th April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The Ministry of Defence has hailed the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for its critical contribution to stabilizing food prices and advancing national development efforts.
During a courtesy call on Zambia National Service Commander Lieutenant General (Eng.) Maliti Solochi II in Lusaka, Defence Permanent Secretary Mr. Maambo Haamaundu praised ZNS for its proactive measures, particularly the strategic release of Eagle-branded mealie meal onto the market. This move, he said, has been instrumental in maintaining affordable prices and ensuring mealie meal remains accessible to ordinary citizens.
Mr. Haamaundu emphasized that without ZNS’s intervention in the maize supply chain, the cost of mealie meal could have escalated beyond the reach of many Zambians. He further commended ZNS for its strategic investments in milling facilities in Choma, Mpika, and Lusaka, describing the expansion as a visionary step towards strengthening the entire maize value chain.
He encouraged the Service to continue its growth trajectory by investing in enhanced storage infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses and bolster food security efforts.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General (Eng.) Solochi expressed appreciation to the government for its continued support, noting that the elevation of the ZNS leadership position from Commandant to Commander has catalyzed transformation within the institution.
He highlighted ZNS’s diversification into critical sectors such as agriculture, health, research, and infrastructure development, positioning the Service as a key player in both national security and socio-economic growth.
Lt Gen Solochi reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to supporting the government’s development agenda and called for sustained collaboration with the Ministry of Defence to further ZNS’s impact across Zambia.
The Agency.