The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Stanbic Bank over a two-year programme that is aimed at supporting youths through skills development, employment pathways, and volunteerism that connect directly to economic demand.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lusaka, Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mwindwa Siakalima, said that the partnership is also aimed at supporting the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Hub at the University of Zambia.

Mr Siakalima added that the memorandum of understanding is critical in providing more access to Finance for small and medium enterprises SME’s), by offering tailored financial solutions that focus on collateral free loans and self-securing asset financing.

“It positions young people and institutions to participate meaningfully in a technology enabled economy, while ensuring innovation remains practical and inclusive,” added Mr Siakalima.

UNDP Resident Representative, James Wakiaga added that the partnership aligns with Zambia’s development moment where economic reform, public finance discipline, and private sector led growth must translate into jobs, enterprise growth, and inclusive prosperity.

Mr Wakiaga added that the partnership is a strong and deliberate focus on small-and medium-sized enterprises operating in the agribusiness and mining sectors as mining

remains Zambia’s primary foreign exchange earner.

He said that the partnership makes a decisive investment in the national skills architecture required to deliver local content at scale, in alignment with the Government’s Local Content agenda.

He also said that embedding artificial intelligence within the national development agenda, advances Zambia’s ambitions under the 8th National Development Plan and the emerging AI Strategy that ensures that innovation directly contributes to productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive growth.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security has disclosed that the Zambian government is engaging with Tanzanian authorities following the recent mob killing of a Zambian truck driver near the Tunduma border post.

The victim, Philip Zimindo, was killed by a mob after being accused of stealing someone’s private parts through witchcraft.

Ministry Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo told the media that discussions are ongoing with the Tanzanian embassy to find a lasting solution and prevent the situation from escalating.

He urged the public to refrain from mob action and instead act as a “brother’s keeper.”

Mr. Matembo cautioned against acting on rumors or taking the law into one’s own hands, stating that any suspect should be handed over to the police to allow legal processes to take their course.

He emphasised that cross-border collaboration is critical to ensuring the safety of citizens and maintaining law and order, particularly in border areas where misunderstandings and misinformation can quickly escalate.

United Party for National Development (UPND) Chairperson for Elections Likando Mufalali says the ruling party delayed holding its general conference because it was mobilising resources.

Mufalali said the party “delayed a bit” as it worked to put together the necessary resources for the convention.

He also stated that the law will catch up with two individuals making what he described as “unfounded” claims against the party.

The ruling United Party for National Development has recently found itself in the midst of internal disputes, with reports of alleged divisions among some members over the timing and conduct of the general conference.

Mufalali reassured supporters that the party remains committed to holding a credible and lawful convention, and that preparations are ongoing to ensure full participation by members across the country.

He also emphasised that the party leadership is focused on strengthening internal structures and maintaining unity as it continues to implement its political agenda.

“The UPND remains steadfast in its mission to serve Zambians. Any attempts to misrepresent the party’s actions will be addressed through the proper legal channels,” Mufalali said.

Party insiders indicate that once resources are fully mobilised, the UPND general conference will proceed, providing a platform for the election of new leadership and ratification of key party decisions.

Two pilots aboard a Corporate Air Company aircraft survived an emergency landing after the plane developed a fault near the Department of National Parks and Wildlife offices in Kangono National Park, Nangoma Constituency.

Blue Lagoon Wildlife Officer-in-Charge, Fred Kapopo, confirmed that both pilots sustained head injuries but are in stable condition.

MR Kapopo said the two have since been evacuated to Lusaka for medical treatment.

When the incident occurred  National Parks and Wildlife officers responded swiftly and securing the aircraft.

Meanwhile, Nangoma Member of Parliament, Collins Nzovu, visited the scene and urged the surrounding community to remain calm.

The media reports that the aircraft, which was transporting African Parks workers to Kafue National Park, lost control midair and will soon be transported back to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.

This year’s commemorations held   under the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew,” brought together diplomats, government officials, and representatives from international organisations, all reflecting on one of the darkest chapters in modern history in which more than one million people were killed within 100 days.

Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary (PS) Douty Chibamba, who was the guest of honour warned against the dangers of preaching hate speech and social divisions.

Dr Chibamba urged government institutions and the media to play an active role in promoting tolerance, truth and accountability.

He said the commemoration serves both as a tribute to the victims and a reminder of the need for continued vigilance.

The PS paid tribute to the resilience of survivors, noting that their strength and determination have been central to Rwanda’s recovery and transformation.

He also acknowledged individuals who risked their lives to save others during the genocide, describing their actions as a powerful example of humanity in the face of extreme violence.

“If we’re to prevent such tragedies in the future, we must learn from the failures of the past and act decisively against all forms of discrimination and incitement,” he said.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zambia, Emmanuel Bujingo, regretted the loss of 1 million people within a short period of time and that should serve as a lesson for global leaders.

He noted that the April 1994 mass killings locally known as ‘(Kwibuka in Rwandese)’ has helped to transform the country to being one of the most peaceful nations in the world.

The Envoy said after the genocide, Rwanda embarked on a long and complex process of rebuilding, focusing on national unity, reconciliation, and inclusive governance.

“These processes required immense courage and sacrifice, particularly from survivors, who had to confront painful memories in the pursuit of justice and healing,” he said.

Mr Bugingo expressed gratitude that Rwanda has since made notable progress with the 2024 Peace Index standing at 95.3 percent in rebuilding its social fabric and economy.

“Genocide does not happen overnight. It is a process that develops over time, often fuelled by indifference. We must remain alert and proactive in confronting these dangers,” he warned.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Coordinator for Zambia, James Wakiaga, emphasised that remembrance must go beyond symbolic acts and translate into concrete efforts to prevent future atrocities.

Dr Wakiaga said the United Nations has been actively promoting education and awareness through its outreach programme on the genocide, established by the UN General Assembly in 2005 to mobilise global action around remembrance and prevention.

“Education remains one of the most powerful tools in combating hatred. It ensures that the truth is preserved, denial is challenged, and future generations understand the consequences of division,” he said.

Dr Wakiaga called on all countries to fully implement the Genocide Convention and strengthen institutional frameworks aimed at preventing mass atrocities, stressing that protecting human dignity is a shared global responsibility.

Northmead Assemblies of God Overseer, Joshua Banda called for a renewed global commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity, warning that rising violence and indifference threaten humanity’s moral conscience.

Bishop Banda said the event was not only a time to honour victims but also a moment for reflection and action.

“We gather here not only to remember, but to renew our collective commitment to life, dignity, and peace,” the clergy said.

The commemoration held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, brought together faith leaders, civil society representatives, government officials and members of the public to reflect on the lessons of the 1994 genocide and reinforce the call for lasting peace.