Government has in partnership with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, launched the Deepening Democracy Project.

The Project which will run from 2025 to 2027 aims to entrench the principals of democratic governance, promote structural transformation and reinforce institutional capacity in order to foster transparency, accountability and inclusivity in Zambia.

The media reports that speaking during the launch ECZ Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, stressed that through the partnership, the Commission seeks to deliver inclusive, credible and efficient elections in 2026.

She added that the Commission seeks to achieve this through strengthened electoral integrity, independence and enhanced technical as well as logistical capacities.

“The Project presents an opportunity for the Commission to be supported in areas such as communication, gender and inclusivity, voter education, conflict prevention and early warning,” she explained.

The ECZ Chairperson has noted that the Commission has been a beneficiary of the United Nation’s electoral assistance since 2006, further expressing gratitude for the incremental support over the years.

And Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary, Isabel Lembathe, has expressed happiness with the project’s deliberate focus to empower women, the youth and persons with disabilities, among other marginalised groups.

She has indicated that the project aligns with government’s 8th National Development Plan which recognises transparency, accountability and citizens’ participation as vital pillars for sustainable national development.

“By investing in institutional capacity, electoral technology and civic education, we are collectively reinforcing Zambia’s standing as a beacon of democracy in the region,” the Permanent Secretary stated.

Ms Lembathe has since assured of government’s commitment to ensuring the legal and policy environment in the country continues to uphold transparency, accountability and respect for human rights.

And UNDP Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, stated that the project would contribute to electoral integrity by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

He explained that this would be achieved through targeted, on-demand capacity building, improved electoral logistics systems, digital innovation, and the strategic use of data and technology, including artificial intelligence, to promote transparency and voter engagement.

“We will also support training for judges, magistrates, police officers, and conflict management committees, to reinforce professionalism, electoral justice, and respect for human rights throughout the electoral process,” Dr Wakiaga said.

At the same meeting, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali reaffirmed the U. N’s support to Zambia’s democratic governance agenda.

She has also urged Zambians to ensure they register as voters, further calling on stakeholders to support the ECZ’s voter registration campaign.

The School Feeding Programme being implemented by the government in schools has continued seeing more learners attend class, with improved academic performance.

A ZANIS crew visited Kaunda Square Secondary School in Lusaka’s Munali Constituency where the initiative is benefiting over 1,000 pupils.

School Deputy Head teacher, Mashaukwa Matale, has thanked government for the implementation of the programme at the school.

Ms Matale, added that the initiative is worth appreciating as it will benefit children from vulnerable families to highly focus on their respective academic performances, thus boosting the education sector in the country.

“The initiative by the government to distribute free food to schools is a commendable job which just needs consistency henceforth.

“The move is helping boost the academic performances of all vulnerable learners as they are no longer learning on empty stomachs and this is also improving their concentration levels in class, tests and examinations,” she added.

Ms Matale disclosed that government has distributed 74 bags of yellow maize and 54 bags of white beans to the school, while some bags of rice are on transit.

Meanwhile, Kaunda Square Secondary School, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairperson, Reverend Peter Kombe, stated that the school feeding programme is an equaliser in education.

He further called on all stakeholders not to politicise the initiative as it is beneficial to the learners and the country at large.

Rev Kombe revealed that the school has already put up a slab in order to erect a suitable kitchen for all learners to have their meals from.

Dumisani Mulolo, a form 1 pupil at Kaunda Square Secondary School, expressed gratitude to the government for the initiative and urged that more of such programmes be implemented in the future as it will serve a good purpose for generations to come.

Stakeholders in Chinsali district have called for intensified sensitisation of the public ahead of the Muchinga Province constitution amendment sittings.

Basic Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) Deputy Director Maclan Sichone, says it is important that more publicity on the constitution amendment process is intensified before the sittings next week.

Speaking through an interview in Chinsali, Mr Sichone charged that the general public needs to be equipped with enough information for them to make reasonable submissions during the engagement with the Technical Committee.

He stated that the constitution amendment sittings are very important as they give a platform to different stakeholders to make their submissions on the proposed provisions included in the constitution amendment.

“I wish to urge the organisers of these sittings to reach out to the masses in all parts of the province especially in remote areas in order for them to have an idea of what this constitution amendment is,” he added.

Mr Sichone further mentioned that the district is ready to engage with the Technical Committee in a bid to understand and make submissions that will make a more people-driven and responsive constitution.

And Former Mayor of Chinsali Thomas Mutale urged the media in Chinsali and Muchinga at large to publicise the constitution amendment sittings using various digital platforms, stressing that more publicity will guarantee a transparent and interactive engagement.

Mr Mutale observed that through massive sensitisation and publicity, the general public will be able to know the proposed amendments of which they will be able to make informed decisions and submissions.

“As Chinsali, we have received this invitation with both hands and we hope that fruitful submissions and consultations will be made,” he added.

Mr Mutale also appealed to Chinsali residents to take keen interest in participating in the constitution amendment sittings, stating that the constitution is meant for the people and therefore, the need for their participation.

Meanwhile, Chinsali Acting District Commissioner Brenda Silwembe said preparations towards the sittings are moving steadily.

Ms Silwembe stated that announcements of the event is being conducted through the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) public address system to ensure that a multi-section of people participate in the sittings.

She further highlighted that the constitution amendment sittings are important as they shape the development of the country.

The Technical Committee on the amendment of the constitution will commence its sittings in Chinsali from November 3rd to 6th 2025.

The Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) is modernising curricula for training institutions to ensure that skills development aligns with industry needs and supports Zambia’s industrial and national development goals.

TEVETA Director for Development and Research, Phyllis Kasonkomona says curriculum reforms are aimed at aligning training with industry needs.

The media reports that Ms Kasonkomona disclosed this in Kafue district at a media workshop held at the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre, during a presentation on Curriculum Development in TEVET: Enhancing skills for Industry and national development.

She said the authority is committed to producing graduates equipped with practical competencies that meet labour market expectations.

Ms Kasonkomona explained that the authority has further adopted internationally recognised curriculum models, the Develop A Curriculum (DACUM) and Systematic Curriculum as well as Instructional Development (SCID) frameworks to ensure that training programmes offered by institutions are responsive to the ever-changing demands of the industry.

“Our goal is to ensure that TEVETA curricula remain relevant, adaptable, and aligned to real labour market needs.

“We remain committed to building a skilled, competent, and innovative workforce that drives Zambia’s industrialisation and national development,” she said.

She said TEVETA’s Development and Research Division continues to lead in setting occupational standards, developing and reviewing national curricula, designing learning materials, and promoting increased access to quality technical and vocational education.

The Director disclosed that as of April 2025, the Authority had developed and reviewed 460 national curricula at different qualification levels, including diplomas, advanced certificates, and trade qualifications.

And, Ms Kasonkomona stressed that the reviewed curriculum cover key areas such as agriculture, aviation, engineering, hospitality, and information technology among others.

She further highlighted that TEVETA is transitioning to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) an approach that accesses that capability of students as well as lecturers to demonstrate practical skills in real work environments rather than relying solely on theoretical examinations.

“CBET focuses on what learners can do in actual work situations, not just what they know,” she stated.

Ms Kasonkomona revealed that CBET is in line with TEVETA’s

2025 – 2027 Strategic Plan to shift and strengthen collaboration between training institutions and industry players.

She cited that programmes such as plumbing and pipe fitting which are supported by GIZ and Solar Energy supported by Commundo have already transitioned to CBET.

However, Ms Kasonkomona pointed out challenges such as limited funding, inadequate training equipment, over-enrolment, and a shortage of specialised instructors, which hinder effective curriculum implementation in training institutions.

To address these gaps, she recommended increased investment in workshops and learning materials, enhanced instructor training, formal linkages with industry, and regular curriculum reviews informed by research and labour market data.

She further announced that TEVETA will host a National TEVET Conference in 2027 to bring together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to review progress and shape the future of skills development in Zambia.

President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive business environment for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Zambia. 

Speaking when he officiated at the National MSMEs and Cooperatives Indaba in Lusaka today, President Hichilema said the MSMEs are the engine of every economy making them a very important sector.

The Head of State highlighted key initiatives by the government, including inflation reduction, increased access to financing, exchange rate stabilisation, and restoring the rule of law in order to create an enabling trading environment.

He called on the MSMEs to continue improving and investing in their businesses and commending them for improving their packaging to make their products more attractive and marketable.

The media reports that President Hichilema further advised the MSMEs and cooperatives to be more open minded and learn and seek support from others in order to broaden their understanding in their line of businesses.

He also highlighted the importance of the market for MSMEs saying there is a need to utilize the huge African market which is readily available as the consumer demand is very high due to the high population in the continent.

“Understand that you have a huge market in front of you and you may not be able to satisfy it. Africa is rising, disposable income gets to improve, thereby effective demand will improve. And the youthful population makes it more advantageous in terms of its needs,” he explained.

Emphasising on the role that the government is playing in supporting the MSMEs and Cooperative sector, the President revealed that the government is streamlining business procedures in order to make it easy for businesses to register and operate.

He cited decentralisation of issuing licenses and working on reducing the multiplicity of licenses hence reducing the cost of license renewal on business owners as some of the interventions by the government to make the business sector favorable.

President Hichilema further disclosed that the government has driven a policy of positive discrimination of buying Zambian products produced by the MSMEs thereby providing a readily available market.

The head of state called on the MSMEs to checklist and highlight their areas of concern and what support they need from the government thereby making it easier for the government to support them.

In addressing the electricity situation in the country, President Hichilema further emphasized that the government is working tirelessly to improve the electricity sector in the country and assured that it is concerned with the welfare of the people.

He further expressed confidence that with the interventions by the government such as the solar plants, the electricity situation in the country will stabilize in a few years.

And speaking at the same Indaba, Minister of Small, Medium and Enterprises Development, Elias Mubanga highlighted the importance of the MSMEs and Cooperatives in the country saying they continue to significantly contribute to wealth and job creation for the country.

Mr Mubanga thanked the stakeholders for their contribution and support towards the indaba and called for more collaboration between the private sector and government in order to enhance capacity, compatibility and competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat representative, Abibata Mahama reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support the private sector in Zambia by creating a single room space continental market that reduces fragmentation and opens new commercial opportunities across borders.

Ms Mahama urged the MSMEs to continue improving the standard of their products in order to penetrate the international market.

The theme for the second National MSMEs and Cooperatives Indaba was, “Building resilient and competitive MSMEs and Cooperatives for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.”