Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law through the official launch of five key Child Justice Institutional frameworks aimed at strengthening child justice in the country.

Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba, has revealed that the five documents launched include the National Diversion Framework, the Revised National Child Justice Strategy and Action Plan (2022–2026), the Prosecutors’ Handbook on Sexual Violence.

“The documents also include Zambia Police Guidelines on Handling Children in the Criminal Justice System, and the Prosecutors’ Guidelines on the Management of Children in the Criminal Justice System,” she disclosed.

Ms Mwamba explained that the frameworks are more than just policies they represent a commitment to protect vulnerable children and to reform systems that have long required transformation.

In a speech read on her behalf by Minister of Youth Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu during the joint launch of the Child Justice Institutional Framework and the Child Justice week in Lusaka, Ms Mwamba highlighted the National Diversion Framework as a major milestone, noting that it reflects a bold shift towards restorative justice.

She emphasized that children in conflict with the law should not be punished but guided, rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

The framework promotes alternatives to prosecution such as mediation, counselling, skills training and community-based solutions to help restore dignity and reduce stigma.

ZANIS reports that the Minister has since called on justice professionals, prosecutors, police officers, social welfare officers, and adjudicators to use these documents as their guide to strengthen their work and service to the people of Zambia.

Inspector General of Police Michael Musonda noted that the new framework seeks to promote rehabilitation over punishment, diversion over detention and compassion over condemnation when handling children who come into contact with the law.

In a speech read on his behalf by Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Chanda, Mr Musonda outlined three key focus areas under the new framework promoting diversionary measures that keep children out of cells and courtrooms.

“Fostering collaboration with prosecutors, social workers, and community leaders, and upholding the principles of the Children’s Code Act and international standards such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,” he said.

Meanwhile National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri noted that while the documents differ in focus, they share a common objective to strengthen prosecutorial practice by equipping prosecutors with clear principles, tools, and guidance for handling cases involving children, whether as victims, witnesses, or offenders.

The DPP emphasized that the frameworks represent a collective commitment to justice reform that places the best interests of the child at the centre of prosecution and judicial processes.

And Chief Mazdimawe of the Ngoni speaking people of Eastern province has emphasized the crucial role of traditional leaders and communities in safeguarding children’s rights and advancing child justice reforms in Zambia.

Chief Mazdimawe said traditional leaders play a central role in protecting children from harm and ensuring that justice processes reflect compassion, inclusion, and dignity.

He highlighted three key pillars necessary for an effective child justice system participation, prevention, and restorative reintegration.

Central Province Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe, has disclosed that the government is in discussions with Zesco to address the challenge of load shedding affecting water pump houses.

The discussions are aimed at ensuring a sustainable water supply across the province.

Dr Mwanakampwe said adequate water supply is vital for maintaining hygiene and sanitation among residents of Central Province.

He said this when he met the newly appointed board of the Lukanga Water and Sanitation Company (LgWSC) in Kabwe today.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised the need for the water utility company to prioritise the replacement of obsolete infrastructure, which he said has continued to hamper efficient water delivery in the region.

Dr Mwanakampwe further urged the new board to provide the necessary leadership and oversight to help the company meet public expectations for consistent and reliable water services.

And LgWSC Board Chairperson, Bhakes Desai, pledged the board’s commitment to aligning its strategic goals with those of the government to ensure effective service delivery.

Mr Desai added that the board is determined to improve the company’s operations in the provision of water and sanitation services, acknowledging that the task ahead is challenging but achievable through teamwork and dedication.

Botswana’s Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe has called for deeper continental cooperation and bold national reforms to drive Africa’s digital transformation.

Speaking at the Africa Digital Summit being held at the Ciela Resort in Lusaka, Mr Gaolathe said time for isolated progress was over and urged countries to harmonise laws, co-invest in infrastructure, and build federated digital systems to unlock Africa’s collective digital potential.

Mr Gaolathe said these were not merely technical topics but the foundation of a more integrated, prosperous, and equitable Africa.

“It is clear that our discussions today have moved beyond ideas to action. We have spoken of secure digital identities, resilient infrastructure, and regional cooperation. “he said.

He outlined Botswana’s own digital transformation journey, which he described as critical for reducing dependence on diamonds and diversifying the economy.

He pointed out that through its Economic Transformation Programme and national blueprint, Botswana aims to become a “digitally empowered, export-driven, and economically diversified nation.

Mr Gaolathe called for accelerated collaboration across African borders.

He urged countries to harmonise policies on data protection, e-signatures, and digital identity laws, and to establish cross-border trust frameworks.

Mr Gaolathe also proposed shared investment in regional data centres and internet exchange points to increase resilience and reduce costs continent-wide.

“Our digital transformation is not just a national agenda, it is a continental mission, Africa’s digital destiny will be written through collaboration, or we must forget it.” The Vice President said.

And speaking earlier Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu said Zambia was intensifying its digital transformation efforts with the aim of delivering every public service online by 2027.

Mr Mwiimbu revealed that Zambia has already digitised most of its national ID and civil registration records through the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS), which uses biometric data to give citizens easier access to services like healthcare, education, and social protection.

“Our next priority is full interoperability across government systems, by 2027, we aim to ensure every government service is just a click away for every Zambian.” Mr Mwiimbu said.

Mr Mwiimbu said the INRIS project, launched in 2024, is already improving lives. He cited examples such as farmers receiving agricultural subsidies and students enrolling in school through a single digital ID.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security was also using digital identity tools to enhance border security and streamline immigration services adding that a biometric pilot project at one border post has helped reduce smuggling and facilitate legitimate trade.

“By integrating digital identity with immigration systems, Zambia will verify travelers securely, prevent identity fraud, and strengthen collaboration with regional security frameworks,” Mwiimbu said.

Mr Mwiimbu said to ensure inclusivity, the Ministry plans to deploy more mobile registration kits to rural areas by the end of 2026, expand digital literacy campaigns, and implement a new Data Protection Act to safeguard citizens’ personal information.

He further said Zambia was also working with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community to develop cross-border digital ID verification, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for a digitally integrated continent.

The Digital Government Summit which was opened by President Hakainde Hichilema on 7th October runs from October 7 to 9 with different regional leaders, government officials, and tech experts in attendance to discuss the future of e-government in Africa.

President Hakainde Hichilema has praised the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) for promoting unity among its members and for its ongoing commitment to delivering healthcare services country wide.

President Hichilema notes that saving humanity and providing quality health for all, is the government’s priority, adding that the unity exhibited should not only be deepened but also protected.

He states that CHAZ is a trusted partner of the government that demonstrates sustainability and consistent support by complementing the government’s health efforts.

The Head of State made these remarks during the CHAZ’s 47th General Council meeting held in Lusaka yesterday.

President Hichilema has since underscored the importance of government and CHAZ working together to ensure that drugs in health facilities are not pilfered.

He further called for the harmonisation of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) and CHAZ systems to foster medicine availability in health institutions, citing that stealing drugs will not be condoned.

President Hichilema further reiterated the government’s open-door policy of dialogue for resolving issues, citing that through dialogue issues pertaining to the wellbeing of the will can be sorted.

And Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima disclosed that through government’s commitment, President Hichilema directed the placement of the 254 classified health workers, recognising CHAZ in fostering health services.

Dr Muchima also reiterated the government’s position in ensuring that medicines are not stolen, adding that progress is often hindered by people.

Meanwhile, the World Council of Churches Representative , Nomonde Mqhayi-Mbambo reiterated the role of faith based health institutions such as CHAZ in fostering assistance especially through health care services to far flung areas.

Dr Mqhayi-Mbambo called on the church to add their voices in the establishment of health policies.

And Representative Churches Forum (RCF) Chairperson, Evans Chinyemba re-echoed the government’s commitment to being a partner of the church.

Bishop Chinyemba, noted that the Church has been providing health care services by complimenting the government’s efforts.

Earlier, CHAZ Board Chairperson, Justin Matepa, commended the government for considering his institution’s request to place 254 classified employees from its member institutions into the government payroll.

Fr Matepa highlighted that this demonstrates the government’s recognition of the important role the church health facilities play in delivering health services.

In her welcoming remarks, CHAZ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Karen Sichali-Sichinga expressed gratitude to the government adding that the institution mostly depends on government support.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, has attended the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) 20th Meeting for Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi, Kenya.

The meeting focused on reviewing the peace and security situation in the COMESA region and finding ways of promoting peace and democracy, as well as encouraging dialogue in conflict resolution.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS shortly after the meeting, Mr Haimbe said various issues were discussed in order to seek lasting solutions to conflicts that are ongoing in some parts of the region.

He added that the focus was also aimed at ensuring that the region resolves such matters collectively.

“This was an important undertaking where we discussed areas around peace and security within the COMESA region, and various issues were discussed, of course we are all aware that within the region we have certain conflicts that are ongoing in DRC for example and in Sudan.

“And our focus was to say there is need for these matters to be addressed by us collectively as COMESA because it feeds directly into our objective, ultimately of integration and of increased investment and trade amongst us,” he stated.

The Minister further said it is important that the security situation in the region is addressed, adding that for Zambia, the meeting spoke directly to the country’s foreign policy which anchors on peace and security, and on economic diplomacy.

“And so, it is critical that the security situation within the COMESA region is addressed and these are some of the interventions that have been put in place as a collective.

“For us as Zambia, it speaks directly to our foreign policy objectives which borders on peace and security and economic diplomacy,” Mr Haimbe stressed.

And Mr Haimbe said Zambia will continue to take part in platforms such as the COMESA meeting in order to add value and a voice to issues surrounding the region.

“We continue as Zambia to participate in these forums and add value, add our voice to the particular issues we have talked about in accordance with her policy position as espoused by President Hakainde Hichilema over and over again,” he noted.

Mr Haimbe further explained that the meeting also brought out issues of global financing architecture and the need for African countries and COMESA member states to actualise their potential of self sustainability.

“Another perspective that came out is the issue of global financing architecture and the need for us as African countries and of course as member states of COMESA to actualise what we have determined for ourselves, the Africa credit rating agency, and of course our efforts towards finding that finance which will support our development in our respective countries,” he said.

Mr Haimbe is tomorrow expected to represent President Hakainde Hichilema at the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government in Nairobi.