Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo, has condemned the riotous behavior of more than 400 Northern Technical College (NORTEC) students who were expelled following the discovery of a forgery syndicate at the institution.
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‎The affected students were expelled after management uncovered forged examination clearance documents bearing an authentic NORTEC date stamp but carrying fake signatures
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‎The falsified documents allowed unqualified students to sit for examinations despite failing to meet the mandatory 75 percent tuition fee requirement.
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‎The media reports that addressing the expelled students at the institution last evening, Mr Matambo said their conduct was unacceptable and misguided.
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‎He emphasised that airing grievances should always be done through lawful and peaceful channels, particularly dialogue, which he said is the most effective way of finding amicable solutions.
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‎The Minister further noted that education remains a top priority on President Hakainde Hichilema’s agenda, adding that students in higher learning institutions must operate in a peaceful and conducive environment to excel.
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‎”The administration of this country’s vision carrier prioritises education, ensuring students in higher learning institutions learn in a peaceful and conducive environment,” he said.
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‎He commended management for allowing the affected students to proceed with their examinations while investigations into the forgery scandal continue.

‎ However, Mr Matambo insisted that the eleven individuals directly involved in the fraudulent scheme must face the law.
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‎Meanwhile, a student representative, Katwisha Chilambe, assured the government that such unrest would not occur again.

He said the students were remorseful and grateful to management for showing leniency by permitting them to sit for their examinations.
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‎“On behalf of all my fellow students here, Minister, we want to apologise for what we did yesterday, it was uncalled for and will never repeat itself,” he said.
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‎And NORTEC Principal, Martin Kasonso, thanked the Minister for taking time to address the students, adding that his presence demonstrated the government’s commitment to the welfare of learners in higher education institutions.

Government has urged COMESA member states that have not yet ratified the three outstanding regulations to do so and speed up implementation of regional integration commitments.

Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga has encouraged member states to embark on an integrated planning and resource mobilisation programme.

The media reports that Mr Mulenga said this in a speech read for him by his Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya during the 46^th COMESA Inter-Governmental Committee Meeting held in Lusaka.

“Member States must accelerate domestication and implementation of instruments adopted by the Tripartite Council of Ministries, he said,

“fully engage in market integration, infrastructure development and industrial development,” he added.

Mr Mulenga also called for stronger collaboration with continental partners, saying the secretariat should work jointly with the three RECs in implementing programmes that support regional integration.

“The Secretariat should seriously work on alternative funding mechanisms,” he said.

Mr Mulenga further appealed to partners to support the upcoming 2026–2030 Medium-Term Strategic Plan once adopted.

He expressed appreciation to cooperating partners for continued support.

“We are grateful to our development and cooperative partners for their steadfast support in funding commercial programmes,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe stressed the importance of digital technologies in deepening regional integration.

“It is both a great honour and a profound privilege to welcome you all,” she said.

 Ms Kapwepwe said the summit theme Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth strikes at the heart of the current ambitions and future aspirations.

She noted that COMESA’s population and economic size provide a strong foundation for digital transformation.

“With a combined GDP of over one trillion United States Dollars and a population of over 680 million, we are well positioned to transform regional trade and investment,” she said.

Highlighting major digital projects, Ms Kapwepwe said the US$2.5 billion COMESA World Bank Digital Acceleration Programme aims to connect 180 million people and deliver digital services to at least 100 million by 2030.

Ms Kapwepwe noted that the meeting is also reviewing progress under the 2021 to 2025 Medium Term Strategy and considering the 2026 to 2030 Medium Term Strategic Plan, which identifies priority value chains across agriculture, agro-processing, tourism and other sectors.

“We must be bold in reform, diligent in implementation and innovative in forging new partnerships,” she said.

Ms Kapwepwe also emphasised the importance of peace and stability, noting that regional progress depends on strengthened collaboration to address ongoing conflicts.

“The future of our region is in our hands. Let us seize this moment to create a digital, competitive, resilient and united COMESA,” she said.

United Party for National Development Ndola District Chairperson, Onesmas Mudenda, says Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a vice that should never be tolerated in society.

The media reports that during a press briefing in Ndola today, Mr Mudenda called on Zambians to end the vice.

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‎He said the fight against GBV is not just a women’s issue, but a human rights concern that affects both men and women.

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‎Mr Mudenda has further called on victims to report GBV cases, regardless of who is involved.

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‎He has also appealed to male victims to speak out, as many are often reluctant to do so because of the fear of discrimination.

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‎Mr Mudenda also noted the need for inclusivity in addressing GBV.

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‎He stressed that ending GBV requires a multifaceted approach, including education, community engagement, and support services for survivors.

Western Province Permanent Secretary, Simomo Akapelwa, has called for the construction of more boarding schools in the province under the World Bank funded project Zambia Education Enhancement Project which is expected to construct 22 Schools at a colossal amount of US$233 Million.

Mr Akapelwa says the province has few boarding schools, a situation he described as detrimental to the quality of education delivery in the area.

The media reports that the Permanent Secretary disclosed that lack of boarding schools in the province has contributed greatly to increased number of school drop-outs as many young girls and boys find it difficult to find accommodations near the school.

Mr Akapelwa said this today when a team of experts from the Ministry of Education and officials from the World Bank paid a courtesy call on him.

Responding to the concern raised by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Assistant Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Planning Directorate, Stephen Zimba, said the Ministry of Education will work with the World Bank to ensure that amongst the 22 schools being built under this initiative are boarding schools.

Mr Zimba said once the pupil accommodation challenge in schools is addressed, the performance of learners is expected to improve in the province.

The World Bank is constructing schools in Mongu, Nalolo, Limulunga and Kalabo Districts and the Ministry of Education is working closely with the bank to ensure that the new schools are built in areas with greater need of school facilities.

Government has launched the Localised Fiscal Decentralisation Training Programme to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery.

Acting Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Alfred Sakwiya, emphasised the country’s long standing commitment to decentralisation.

The media reports that speaking during the launch, Mr Sakwiya highlighted Zambia’s history of decentralisation, noting that leaders have long desired to govern the country from its roots.

He expressed gratitude to the Hague Academy for Local Governance and GIZ for their support in developing the programme.

Mr Sakwiya Indicated that the programme is tailored to the Zambian context and focuses on building practical competences in fiscal decentralisation and local public financial management.

He emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government ‘s commitment to decentralisation.

Mr Sakwiya has since urged participants to approach the training with commitment and openness, stating that the knowledge gained must translate into tangible improvements in governance and service delivery.

He also directed that the baseline data must be collected in order to measure the programme’s effectiveness and impact.

Mr Sakwiya expressed confidence that the programme would improve mobilisation of resource revenues by local authorities, enhance prudent financial management, and strengthen collaboration between central and local government.

Speaking at the same event, Good Financial Governance (GFG) Programme representative, James Kema, expressed pleasure in being part of the official launch of the Localised Fiscal Decentralisation and Local Public Financial Management Training Course.

Mr Kema said the launch is the first specialised training course on fiscal decentralisation and local Public Financial Management to be offered in the country.

“Through this course different actors at all levels with a role to play fiscal decentralisation will have an opportunity to learn about the state of art in the field, ” he said.

Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has launched the Bush2Business project, an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable natural resource management, enhancing livelihoods, and conserving Zambia’s forests.

The project, which is implemented in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF), will focus on strengthening Non Timber Forest Product (NTFP) value chains, supporting producer groups, and facilitating access to local, regional, and international markets.

The media report that speaking at the launch, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba stated that the project is aligned with government’s vision for inclusive economic growth, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.

Mr Chibamba noted that Bush2Business Project is a critical initiative that will contribute to the conservation of our forests, promote sustainable livelihoods, and empower rural communities, particularly women and youth.

“The project will target districts in Zambia, working with local communities to develop sustainable forest-based enterprises, improve market linkages, and enhance value addition to NTFPs such as honey, mushrooms, caterpillars, wild fruits, and herbs, ’he said.

Mr Chibamba also  highlighted the project’s potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and promote environmental sustainability.

Speaking at the same event, the Forestry Department, Principal Forestry Officer Nsofwa Katongo noted the initiative’s potential to support sustainable forest management and improve livelihoods of local communities.

“The Bush2Business project aligns with our efforts to promote sustainable forest management and conservation,” he said.

Mr Katongo stated that the department is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.

Meanwhile, Small, Medium and Enterprise (SMEs) Representative Stafford Hamweemba also expressed support for the project, highlighting its potential to contribute to economic development and job creation.

“We are delighted to see the launch of the Bush2Business Project, which will focus on reinforcing and diversifying forest product and forestry service value chains, ” he added.

The government has taken a step toward securing free education as a legal right, with the Ministry of Education initiating amendments to the Education Act of 2011.

Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, announced that the proposed amendments have been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for fine-tuning. Once enacted, the law would guarantee free education for children from Early Childhood Education through secondary school.

“We have seen the massive benefits that the introduction of free education has brought to the country, and we want to ensure that this policy is backed by law,” Hon. Syakalima said.

The Minister stated that the surge in school enrolments demonstrates the strong demand for education, previously hindered by school fees. He also noted the establishment of the Educational Association for Quality Assurance in Zambia (EAQAZ), which will play a role in monitoring and enhancing the quality of education nationwide.

“As government, we have provided free education, recruited teachers, supplied desks, completed stalled infrastructure projects, and reintroduced meal allowances. Now, what we want is to ensure that the provision of quality education is upheld,” Hon. Syakalima added.

During a courtesy call, EAQAZ president Dr. Chilao Mutesa, accompanied by a four-member delegation, formally introduced the Association to the Minister. Dr. Mutesa highlighted EAQAZ’s mission to promote excellence, foster collaboration, and strengthen capacity in quality assurance across Zambia’s education sector.

Dr. Mutesa explained that EAQAZ is a professional body comprising quality assurance practitioners and higher education institutions. “EAQAZ wishes to convey its support for the recent policy changes, such as the introduction of free education, teacher recruitment, and the revision of the school curriculum, among other positive initiatives,” Dr. Mutesa said.

He further proposed that the free education policy be enshrined in the Constitution to ensure its permanence.