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.

Five children believed to be victims of human trafficking have been intercepted in Kazungula District, a border town that has increasingly become a hotspot for transnational trafficking activities.

 Kazungula District Social Welfare Officer Bryson Mweemba said the five victims include two Ugandan nationals, two Congolese, and one Malawian national, who were being transported through Kazungula to unknown destinations.

Mr Mweemba explained that the children who were earlier placed under the care of relevant welfare authorities have since been repatriated back to their countries of origin.

He noted that the interception of the children by law enforcement officers in the area is believed to have occurred between July and September this year.

Mr Mweemba stated that following the incident, a stakeholders’ meeting convened in Kazungula to deliberate on ways to curb the growing trend of human trafficking in the area.

He said the town’s geographical position as a major entry and exit point, makes it vulnerable to trafficking syndicates.

Mr Mweemba noted that most cases recorded involve children who are trafficked for labour, sexual exploitation, or transit to other countries in the region.

“Kazungula has continued to experience worrying cases of human trafficking, especially involving minors. We need stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies and community awareness to protect vulnerable children,” Mr Mweemba said.

The meeting has brought together representatives from key institutions including the Judiciary, National Prosecution Authority (NPA), Zambia Police Service, Department of Immigration, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Social Welfare Department, and the media.
Stakeholders at the meeting have since called for enhanced border surveillance, improved information sharing among agencies, and sensitisation campaigns targeting local communities to help identify and report suspected trafficking activities.

The meeting will also seek to strengthen the district’s response mechanisms through closer collaboration between security agencies, social welfare officers, and the judiciary to ensure that perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.

Human trafficking remains a major challenge in Southern Province, with Kazungula and Livingstone identified as key transit points owing  to their proximity to neighboring countries.

Cabinet has approved Zambia’s accession to the amended International Sugar Agreement (ISA 1992) to foster efficient global sugar trade. The country has been a signatory since December 1992 and a ratified member since June 21, 2000.

This is according to a press statement released to the media by Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa.

Mr Mweetwa stated that the 19th Cabinet Meeting was held at State House on Monday, October 6, 2025, chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema where they focused on policy and legislative matters aimed at enhancing national development.

He added that cabinet approved the ratification of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Employment and Labour to promote inclusive employment, labour standards, and sustainable enterprises.

Mr Mweetwa further said that cabinet approved the introduction of Local Content Regulations in the mining sector to increase participation of Zambians in the mining value chain, accelerate job creation, and poverty reduction.

“Cabinet has also approved the issuance of the Animal Identification and Traceability (Cattle) Regulations, 2025, to establish a comprehensive framework for livestock management and trade,” he said.

Mr Mweetwa added that cabinet approved amendments to the Civil Aviation Authority Act and Civil Aviation Act to align with international best practices and standards and approved statutory instruments to operationalise the Social Workers Association of Zambia (SWAZ) Act of 2022.

“Zambia will host the Poultry Futures Forum 2025 on November 25-26, 2025, to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth in the poultry sector,” Mr Mweetwa added

Mr Mweetwa stated that Zambia will host the 18th Africa Leather Value Chain Forum from November 24-28, 2025, to reaffirm its strong partnership with the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute and will also host the 26th WaterNet/Water Research Fund for Southern Africa/Global Water Partnership Southern Africa Symposium from October 29-31, 2025.

“Cabinet reflected on the importance of the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development between Zambia and China, signed on June 12, 2025, which aims to deepen commercial relations and strengthen economic cooperation,” he added.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, says the 24th Heads of State and Government Common Market for Southern and Eastern Africa (COMESA) slated for Thursday, October 9, 2025, is an important undertaking as it will highlight aspects of sustainable development in the region, among other things.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Nairobi, Mr Haimbe, who will represent Present Hakainde Hichilema at the Summit, notes that with the ever changing environment, African countries must concentrate more on where to add value in terms of trade and investment.

He stressed that African countries must ensure that interactions during such events has a direct benefit for the people in the COMESA region.

The Minister noted that the theme for the summit dubbed ‘Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth’ speaks to key issues such as digitisation and its impact on the development agenda and sustainable growth building value chains amongst African countries.

“So this is why we are here, for us as Zambia to participate in this very important meeting and to bring out those aspects,” he stated.

Mr Haimbe further noted that through such interactions, Africa is able to bring out value and the vast potential within COMESA for countries to become self-sustaining.

“It is so diverse, as COMESA, we are talking of countries that are more industrialised, we can talk about Egypt, we can bring value through our interactions with them.

“And on the other hand, we have ourselves to offer, we have other countries of course our host, Kenya, Burundi, Somalia, Sudan, you name them. There is vast potential within COMESA for us to now start being self-sustaining as countries and for Zambia that is a keen interest because we also want to look at how we can get to leverage on what we all bring to the table to ensure that we address the key concerns that we as Zambia has expressed at many platforms including the AU and here as well,” explained the Minister.

And, Mr Haimbe hinted that Zambia will express matters relating to global financial architecture as well as the country’s capital needs to be able to raise financing for the various projects that need to be undertaken.

“We all know that infrastructural projects are amongst the key drivers for development.

So this is all encompassing but also of key importance.

“We need to ask questions like what does digitalisation bring to the table? What does it offer for us as countries? Where do we leverage this modern phenomenon to ensure that our interactions are productive for the good of achieving sustainable development goals. I’m sure there will be eye opening positions here,” he said.

Mr Haimbe, who arrived in Nairobi, Kenya today, is tomorrow expected to attend the COMESA 20th Meeting for Ministers of Foreign Affairs at the Jomo Kenyatta Conference Centre.

The Lusaka High Court has today heard that fingerprints lifted from the vehicle of murdered Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director General Guntila Muleya matched those of one of the suspects, Samuel Dokowe.

This is according to scenes from Crime Officer Victor Shamapango, who testified before Judge Vincent Siloka that the vehicle in question, which was abandoned, is a brown Toyota Prado, registration number BAL 5763.

Mr Shamapango narrated that on July 26th, 2024, he was assigned by his supervisor to go to Chawama compound where there was an abandoned vehicle at G and SOS garage.

Mr Shamapango testified that he took photos of the vehicle and collected fingerprints from the door handles, windows and steering wheel using specialised equipment and powder, then saved the images on a memory card and sent the samples to a lab for analysis.

He stated that forensic analysis confirmed a match between the lifted fingerprints and those of accused Samuel Dokowe.

Mr Shamapango notified the Investigating Officer, who subsequently arrested four suspects, including Dokowe, in connection with the case.

This was during a continued trial today.

This is a case where four men are accused of killing Mr Muleya on July 23, 2024, a day before he was reported missing.

The suspects are police officers M’thusani Dokowe, Alex Zulu, Samuel Dokowe and IBA accountant Francis Chipyoka.

Mr Muleya was found dead in Njolwe area, Chongwe, on July 24, 2024 by a passer-by.