The article by Mthoniswa Banda discusses the pervasive influence of criminal gangs in Lusaka, Zambia, which extort money from local businesses, control market stalls, and dictate terms to farmers and transport operators. These gangs, known as the Gangs of Lusaka, operate openly and in collusion with officials from the council, police, and government agencies. They charge exorbitant fees for market stalls and bus station operations, often resorting to violence or threats. The article highlights the experiences of farmers and transport operators who suffer under the gangs' control. It also references past government efforts to combat similar gangs and calls for current authorities to take action to dismantle these criminal networks and restore lawful business practices.

Since 2016, the Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board (HELSB) in Zambia has recovered over K28 million from university graduates, reinvesting the funds into loans for current students. The recovery efforts, which began with government-employed graduates, are expanding to the private sector. HELSB, transitioning from the Bursaries Committee, now offers loans to students at multiple universities, including UNZA and CBU, with plans to support 2,000 students per university. The loans cover tuition, accommodation, and project allowances but not meal expenses or transfers between institutions.