A Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-funded electrification project valued at K8.5 million has been launched in Kaphinde and Kazimule areas of Luangeni Constituency in Eastern Province, bringing electricity to schools, health facilities, trading centres and surrounding villages.

Luangeni Constituency Member of Parliament Moses Moyo praised the effective utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), saying the initiative is delivering meaningful development to rural communities.

Speaking during the commissioning of the electrification project, Mr Moyo described the connection of the two communities to the national electricity grid as a major milestone that was already creating economic opportunities for local residents.

The project has connected schools, rural health posts, agriculture camp houses, trading centres and several villages to electricity.

Mr Moyo said the development had long been awaited, as residents previously travelled more than 10 kilometres to access essential services such as hammer mills and sunflower oil processing machines.

He noted that community members have already started opening businesses including welding shops, barbershops, salons, bars and retail stores following the electrification of the area.

Mr Moyo, who also serves as Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, commended President Hakainde Hichilema for increasing the CDF allocation, saying the move has enabled resources to reach rural communities and empowered citizens to identify their own development priorities.

Meanwhile, Langamu Chifunda said the electrification project will help Zesco Ltd expand its customer base while contributing to increased revenue generation.

Mr Chifunda said the project will improve living standards and create opportunities for economic growth and social development in Luangeni Constituency.

He further urged residents to observe electricity safety measures by avoiding illegal power connections, unsafe wiring and constructing structures close to power lines.

“As ZESCO, we are urging the people here to avoid illegal electricity connections, unsafe wiring and constructing structures close to or under power lines,” he said.

And Helminnah Phiri commended government and the area Member of Parliament for ensuring the project became a reality.

Ms Phiri said electricity will greatly improve administrative operations at Kaphinde Primary School, which has an enrolment of 732 pupils.

She explained that teachers previously relied on writing examination questions on classroom boards due to the lack of printing facilities.

“Pupils will now each have examination question papers because we will be able to make photocopies for them during examinations,” she said.

Meanwhile, local entrepreneur Kelvin Longwe said the electrification project was expected to stimulate business growth in the area.

Mr Longwe, who operates a welding business, said residents previously travelled between five and 10 kilometres to access welding services.

“This development will help us grow our businesses and improve our livelihoods,” he said.

A former Catholic priest accused of stealing a church vehicle has appeared before the Petauke Magistrate’s Court where he has denied the charge.

Simon Tembo, 42, is alleged to have stolen a Toyota Hilux registration number CAA 7255 ZM valued at K700,000 belonging to the Chipata Diocese Catholic Church in Ukwimi area of Lusangazi District.

Tembo, who is said to be a mechanic by profession, is charged with theft of a motor vehicle contrary to Sections 281(a) and 272 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that the offence occurred on October 30, 2025, in Lusangazi District.

When the matter came up for plea before Magistrate Misozi Banda, Tembo pleaded not guilty and immediately applied for bail.

“I plead not guilty, Your Honour, and I would like to apply for bail,” he said.

However, State Advocate Christopher Nyambe told the court that the prosecution needed to bring a witness before responding to the bail application.

“We wish to bring one witness before the court responds to the bail application, but the witness is currently in Chipata, “he said.

And Magistrate Banda later adjourned the matter to May 28, 2026, for possible commencement of trial and for the State’s response on the bail application.

The accused has since been remanded in custody pending the next court appearance.

Government says there is need to invest in young people as they are key in the national development agenda.

Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Principal for Creative Arts Industries and Research Development, Nicholas Goma, says youths remain one of Zambia’s greatest national assets because of their active participation in different sectors of the economy and society.

Speaking at the launch of the human capital Insights report, organised by Zanga African Metrics in partnership with BongHive Consult in Lusaka, Mr Goma said the creative arts and sports sectors possess enormous potential to stimulate economic growth.

He said strengthening human capital especially among young people is essential for the country’s long-term development and prosperity.

Mr Goma said the launch of the data report by Zanga African Metrics will enhance the calibre of people, especially young ones.

He further praised Zanga African Metrics and BongHive Consult for introducing and launching the report, saying it is expected to spark discussion on how Zambia and Africa can better develop and utilise human capital.

Mr Goma observed that the report comes at an important time as it addresses issues such as leadership, entrepreneurship, workplace culture, business performance and human capital development among others.

“The interest of the ministry is to see this report by Zanga in collaboration with BongHive Consult to add particular value in the development pathways of our young people.

“Our mandate is directly connected to youth empowerment, skills development in the areas of sports and creative Arts enterprises, leadership participation and creation of opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

He added that the information contained in the report will serve as a useful resource in shaping deliberate strategies aimed at preparing young people for leadership, entrepreneurship and social contribution.

Mr Goma also encouraged parents and guardians to nurture children’s talents, creativity and skills from an early age.

Meanwhile, Zanga African Metrics Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Nankhonde Kasonde said the organisation supports companies and institutions in recognising employees as central to productivity and profitability.

Ms Kasonde explained that the organisation’s data tools have been utilised in 20 African countries across sectors such as mining, aviation and telecommunications.

“This report has never existed before globally, there is no report that publishes data on human capital competencies with a population that has a majority of Africa’s face, human capital development is critical for Zambia and Africa at large, hence this report launch,” she said.

And co-founder and Director of Entrepreneurship at BongHive Consult, Simunza Muyangana said people are the backbone of every economy stating that investing in human capital is necessary for organisations to succeed.

Mr Muyangana said the newly launched report serves as a reminder to organisations and industry leaders that people are the key drivers of value creation and productivity.

Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima has officially launched the National Education Policy 2025, describing it as a transformative roadmap aimed at reshaping Zambia’s education system to meet modern global demands and ensure no learner is left behind.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka today, Dr Syakalima said the policy marks the first comprehensive review of Zambia’s education framework in nearly three decades, replacing the 1996 education policy “Educating Our Future.”

 Dr Syakalima said the new policy which is under theme, “Shaping Tomorrow’s Future” responds to changing economic, technological and social realities by promoting quality, inclusive and lifelong education anchored on skills development and innovation.

“Our education system must evolve in step with new realities. The National Education Policy 2025 responds directly to these realities with a clear vision of quality, inclusive and relevant lifelong education and skills training that will empower society,” he said.

The minister also launched the Competence-Based Assessment Tools developed by the Examination Council of Zambia, including Assessment Schemes and School-Based Assessment Guidelines for primary and secondary schools.

Dr Syakalima explained that the tools are designed to strengthen critical thinking, collaboration, digital literacy and practical problem-solving skills among learners while supporting the effective implementation of the competence-based curriculum.

He highlighted major milestones recorded in the education sector since 2022, among them the recruitment of over 30,000 teachers, expansion of classroom infrastructure, increased access to bursaries and student loans, the introduction of free education and the construction of Early Childhood Education Centres in more than 127 schools.

Dr Syakalima said government’s decision to legally anchor free education demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding access to learning for future generations and ensuring that financial barriers do not deny children an education.

“For 33 years, people spoke about free education and questioned where the money would come from. Today, free education has become law because government made deliberate and prudent decisions to invest in the future of our children,” Dr Syakalima stated.

He noted that the free education policy has contributed to increased school enrolment, with more than 2.5 million learners benefiting from the initiative, while the Catch-Up Programme has gained international recognition as a model for learning recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Syakalima further revealed that countries such as Rwanda, Mozambique and Seychelles have expressed interest in recruiting Zambian teachers due to the quality and professionalism associated with Zambia’s education system.

“If countries like Rwanda and Seychelles want Zambian teachers, it tells you the quality of education and professionalism our teachers possess. These are human resources that Zambia is proudly exporting to the region,” he said.

He added that the new policy introduces reforms focused on universal access, equity and inclusion, curriculum relevance, digital transformation and improved system efficiency through the revised 6-4-2 education structure.

Dr Syakalima also disclosed that the newly launched School-Based Assessment Guidelines will be distributed to schools beginning in the second term of the 2026 school calendar.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Educational Services, Noriana Muneku, said the launch of the National Education Policy 2025 marks a major milestone in Zambia’s efforts to build a more inclusive, responsive and future-oriented education system.

She said the policy and the Competence-Based Assessment Tools will strengthen the implementation of the competence-based curriculum and improve learning outcomes across the country.

And Examinations Council of Zambia Executive Director, Michael Chilala described the launch as a historic turning point in Zambia’s education transformation agenda.

Dr Chilala said the reforms spearheaded under Dr Syakalima’s leadership have accelerated progress towards competency-based learning, improved learner performance and positioned Zambia as a continental leader in educational assessment and foundational learning.

Chief Chibale of the Senga Speaking People in Chama District, has appealed to Government to speed up the completion of Chibale Boarding Secondary School.

The Traditional Ruler says the project is critical to improving access to quality education and ensuring the safety of learners, especially girls.

Speaking when Chama District Commissioner Yobe Goma paid a courtesy call on him at his palace, Chief Chibale said the school project has stalled for several years despite its importance to the district.

He said that once completed, the boarding school will provide accommodation and proper learning facilities for pupils who currently travel long distances to access education or rent rooms within the community.

Chief Chibale expressed concern over the increasing number of female learners renting private accommodation while attending classes at the nearby day secondary school.

The Traditional Leader said the situation exposes the young girls to various social risks and negatively affects their academic performance.

Chief Chibale said the boarding facility will not only improve learner retention but also benefit pupils from across his chiefdom and surrounding areas as well as reducing the financial burden on parents and guardians.

He further called on the Ministry of Education and the contractor handling the project to urgently complete the remaining works, including dormitories, classrooms, and sanitation facilities.

And Chama District Commissioner Yobe Goma assured the traditional leader that government was actively following up on the delayed project to ensure that the school becomes operational soon.

Mr Goma said the Ministry of Education was aware of the delays and was engaging the contractor and relevant departments to facilitate the completion of the works.