Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima has flagged-off the distribution of 540 000 Syllabi and the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework hard copies worth 271 million Kwacha, to schools in all the districts in the country.

The media reports that speaking during the ceremony in Lusaka, Mr Syakalima indicated that printing of 1.7 million teaching modules which have also been flagged off, is almost completed, adding that distribution will soon commence.

Mr Syakalima also announced that the tender for learner textbooks and teachers’ guides for 2025 and 2026 had closed on November 10, 2025 and is currently under evaluation.

He assured the nation that the procurement process for the 2026 materials is currently underway, adding that the resources are expected to be available by February 2026.

The Minister noted that the current distribution aligns with the aspirations of the 2023 Education Policy, and the 8th National Development Plan, both of which prioritise investment in human capital as the cornerstone of national growth.

Mr Syakalima further emphasised that the distribution of the materials is a step toward ensuring that every learner in Zambia has access to relevant, inclusive, and empowering educational resources.

“My government will ensure that the quality of our educational materials reflects the quality of the Zambia we are building, one that is knowledgeable, skilled, and ready to compete and contribute globally”, he stated.

At the same event, Zambia Education Publishing House (ZEPH) Board Chairperson, Beatrice Chirwa acknowledged the earlier roll-out of soft copies but also noted that digital access remains uneven.

She however expressed happiness with the distribution of hard copies, describing it as a strategic and inclusive step which will ensure learners in rural areas receive the same quality of materials as their urban peers.

Dr Chirwa also noted that the process has re-ignited ZEPH as a vibrant state-owned publishing, printing and distribution enterprise.

“Today’s roll-out is more than a ceremony. It is a symbol of restored confidence in our public institutions and renewed hope in our classrooms”, Dr Chirwa indicated.

And in a vote of thanks, Janet Bwalya a, a learner from the University Teaching Hospital expressed gratitude to the government for the new curriculum which has not left out learners with special needs.

“Thank you for believing in us, supporting our dreams showing that every child matters. We promise to study hard and make you proud’’, she stated.

Government has urged mining companies to accelerate the adoption of modern technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as Zambia pushes toward its target of producing three million tonnes of copper annually by 2030.

The media reports that speaking during a tour of First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Trident Limited in Kalumbila District, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati said advanced digital systems, automation, and data-driven decision-making have the potential to significantly enhance output, safety, and operational efficiency across the mining sector.

Mr Mutati commended FQM Trident for embracing cutting-edge technologies, noting that the mine’s approach has already resulted in improved productivity and strengthened operational outcomes.

He added that increased technology adoption is crucial if Zambia is to position itself as a competitive player in the global minerals market.

Meanwhile, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) Director General Collins Mbulo, who was part of the delegation, also praised FQM Trident’s commitment to digital transformation.

He emphasised the importance of integrating strong ICT infrastructure into mining operations to support innovation, safety, and sustainable development.

Mr Mbulo further assured that ZICTA will continue supporting institutions that contribute to the country’s digital transformation agenda.

“The drive to modernise mining operations is part of broader national efforts to boost copper production and spur economic growth, by harnessing technology and innovation, Zambia aims to advance its development goals and strengthen its position in the global mining industry.

First Quantum Minerals Trident Limited Zambia Director Anthony Mukutuma said the Minister’s visit provided an opportunity to showcase the range of technologies the mine is using.

“The main goal was to show them the technology we are using and engage ZICTA on how they can support the network we run here,” Mr Mukutuma said.

The tour underscored the government’s commitment to working with industry players to leverage technology as a driver of efficiency and growth in the mining sector.

Authorities in Mpulungu have called for collective efforts in raising awareness on the importance of promoting sustainable fisheries management and highlighting the role of fisheries in providing food security.

District Commissioner Gehard Sikazwe says people need to realise the need to ensure that everyone is involved in the reduction of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing.

Mr Sikazwe notes that there is need for enhanced participation in fisheries management and increased fish production and aquaculture.

The media reports that speaking during the commemoration of the Northern Province World Fisheries Day, Mr Sikazwe revealed that illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing has negative effects on the country’s fisheries industry.

The District Commissioner observed that such vices not only deprive government economically but also leads to losses, diminished food security, environmental damage and social conflict.

Mr Sikazwe added that these practices also lead to overfishing, damage marine habitats and also deprive fishing communities of their livelihoods including the declining fish stocks leading to loss of jobs in the fishing industry.

“Government is aware of this fact and that is why it’s been working closely with traditional leaders, cooperating partners, Department of Fisheries and the fishing community by promoting a strengthened capture fishery, conservation and management such as formulation of village management committees among several other interventions,” he explained.

Mr Sikazwe explained that the fisheries sector supports a number of people through fishing, trading, processing, aquaculture, and related value chains as well as contributing significantly to the national food basket.

He said to ensure that the industry is protected, the Government will continue to support and also partner with other cooperating partners to ensure sustainable fisheries management and community participation.

“We want to ensure that we have ordered the fisheries that is needed for both present and future generations, and to achieve this we will continue to work with cooperating partners to protect the fisheries industry,” he said.

He said the government will continue supporting and strengthening law enforcement against destructive fishing methods, providing training and extension service to fish farmers and supporting women and youths in fisheries value chains.

Speaking at the same function, Provincial Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator Gethings Chisule disclosed that the fisheries industry is a backbone of the local economies and if sustainably managed, it can continue to support communities for generations to come.

Mr Chisule revealed that the fisheries industry has continued to face challenges such as overfishing and illegal fishing methods which threatens fish stocks, environmental degradation including pollution and climate change which all affects the breeding grounds.

“Limited compliance with fisheries regulations especially during the annual fish ban undermines sustainability, low adoption of aquaculture reduces our ability to supplement natural fisheries and post-harvest losses remain high due to poor handling, processing and limited access to markets,” Mr Chisule explained.

He has since called on community leaders to support conservation efforts and discourage illegal fishing practices saying the Ministry will continue to enforce the law.

Mr Chisule also called on women and youths to take advantage of opportunities in aquaculture and fish value addition.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Council Secretary Milton Sakala, Social Economic Planner James Chilufya said the commemoration of the World Fisheries Day is a reminder of the shared responsibility and a call for all to protect the fisheries industry.

Mr Sakala has observed that collective stewardship of the fisheries industry, innovative solutions are key to ensuring that the precious resource continues to nourish and support generations to come.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Fisheries Day under the theme,” The Fisheries we want”.

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged citizens to adopt a more disciplined and forward-driven mindset, warning that Zambia cannot afford to repeat behaviours that previously pushed the country into heavy debt and economic setbacks. Speaking during an address on Friday, the President reflected on Zambia’s leadership history and noted that each administration had contributed to different stages of national progress, but the gains were often lost due to recurring habits and poor long-term discipline.

He said the country has a pattern in which major problems are solved, but people quickly forget the lessons and return to actions that undo earlier progress. According to the President, this cycle contributed to Zambia’s return to a high debt burden after the country had once achieved near-relief levels under late President Levy Mwanawasa’s tenure.

He noted that Zambia spent three of the last four years working to secure debt restructuring, a process he said could have been avoided if the country had maintained prudent management after benefiting from earlier debt clearance. The President added that the time invested in repairing the debt situation could have been used to advance development programmes, strengthen services, and expand the economy.

During his address, the President outlined how Zambia’s past leaders had each guided the nation through different phases. He cited former presidents Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, Michael Sata and Edgar Lungu. He said the country’s challenge has been the tendency to rise for a period and later slip back through choices that repeat earlier mistakes. He called on citizens to recognise the weight of such decisions and help the country maintain a consistent upward path.

The President said negative patterns often come from ignoring lessons learned during earlier periods of hardship. He urged the public to pay closer attention to measures being implemented in areas such as digital expansion, education and skills access. He highlighted the introduction of Starlink internet as one example of infrastructure aimed at reducing the gap between rural and urban learners. He said many initiatives have been rolled out to bring more opportunities to communities that had previously been left behind.

He reflected on his own upbringing, saying he grew up in a rural setting with limited access to basic services and had to adapt quickly when he first moved to Lusaka for university. He told young people to appreciate the expanded access they now have to digital tools, schooling and wider exposure. He said these openings can transform communities if used well.

The President said the country must “grow up” and avoid repeating costly mistakes. He added that national unity and a shared sense of purpose are central to reducing economic risks and moving Zambia to a more stable future.

He encouraged citizens to pursue growth, embrace fairness across regions, and use every opportunity available to contribute to national progress. He said the country’s path forward depends on a more responsible mindset anchored on learning from past errors and choosing choices that strengthen the nation rather than weaken it.