Government Commissions Zambia Red Cross Resource Centre to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness

By Alain kabinda

LUSAKA – Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa commissioned the Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) Resource Centre, describing the facility as a strategic investment that will significantly strengthen Zambia's disaster preparedness, emergency response capacity and humanitarian training.

Speaking during the official commissioning ceremony, Mr. Kangwa said the Resource Centre comes at a critical time when climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of disasters, placing greater demands on emergency response systems.

He said the new facility aligns with the aspirations of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) by enhancing skills development for emergency responders and improving the country's overall disaster preparedness.

"The Resource Centre is a timely investment that will strengthen Zambia's capacity to train emergency responders while enhancing disaster preparedness in line with the objectives of the Eighth National Development Plan," Mr. Kangwa said.

He noted that beyond training, the centre will contribute to resource mobilisation for humanitarian programmes and urged the Zambia Red Cross Society to develop a sustainable financing model by diversifying its income sources instead of depending primarily on donor support.

Mr. Kangwa said building financial sustainability would enable the organisation to continue delivering critical humanitarian services even in times of increasing emergencies.

Speaking at the same event, Zambia Red Cross Society National President Martin Ng'onga described the commissioning of the K7.6 million Resource Centre as a landmark achievement in the Society's history.

Mr. Ng'onga said the facility represents the first phase of a broader vision to transform the Zambia Red Cross Society into a resilient and self-sustaining humanitarian organisation through diversified resource mobilisation.

He said the centre has been designed to serve as a centre of excellence for first aid and humanitarian training, providing high-quality instruction for volunteers, emergency responders and other stakeholders involved in disaster management.

Mr. Ng'onga expressed gratitude to the Government of Zambia for its continued collaboration and support, while also acknowledging the contribution of the Netherlands Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), whose partnership made the project possible.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Risk Management Division National Coordinator Norman Chipakupaku commended the Zambia Red Cross Society for its longstanding partnership with Government in disaster risk management, humanitarian assistance, emergency response and community resilience.

Mr. Chipakupaku announced that the Disaster Risk Management Division intends to utilise the newly commissioned Resource Centre to train officers who have not yet received First Aid training, ensuring they are equipped with essential life-saving emergency response skills.

He said strengthening the capacity of emergency personnel is critical to improving the country's readiness to respond to disasters and other humanitarian emergencies.

The commissioning of the Resource Centre marks a significant milestone in Zambia's efforts to build stronger institutions for disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness and humanitarian response, while reinforcing collaboration between Government and humanitarian partners in safeguarding vulnerable communities.

 Understanding Today, Securing Tomorrow: Zambia Launches 2026 Pensions Awareness Week

By Alain Kabinda,

Retirement may seem like a distant reality for many young people, but government officials are urging Zambians to begin planning for it today rather than waiting until it is too late.

That was the central message during the official launch of the 2026 Pensions Awareness Week, where the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Mr. Zachariah Lubinga called on workers, employers and students alike to take an active interest in understanding pensions as a foundation for a secure and dignified future.

Held under the theme, "Understand Your Pension, Secure Your Retirement," the week-long campaign marks its eighth year of promoting financial literacy and retirement preparedness across Zambia.

Addressing stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary described the campaign as more than an annual event, saying it is an important national initiative aimed at helping citizens make informed financial decisions throughout their working lives.

"A dignified retirement does not happen by chance," he said. "It requires informed decision-making, careful financial planning and consistent preparation throughout one's working life."

He noted that many retirees only begin questioning their pension benefits after leaving employment, often returning to former employers years later seeking unpaid allowances or disputing benefit calculations. Such experiences, he said, highlight the need for workers to understand their pension contributions long before retirement.

He urged employees to regularly monitor both their own contributions and those made by employers, warning that failure to do so can lead to unpleasant surprises when retirement finally arrives.

Mr Lubinga also challenged young people to develop a culture of saving early in life. He commended students participating in the awareness campaign, describing them as future leaders who have an opportunity to build stronger financial habits than previous generations.

Retirement, he stressed, should be viewed not as the end of productivity but as a transition into another phase of contributing to society.

"It is not retirement; it is redeployment," he said, encouraging workers to embrace retirement with confidence rather than fear.

He also highlighted recent reforms aimed at strengthening Zambia's pension system. Government has enacted new legislation to modernise pension administration, improve governance and better protect workers' retirement benefits. Officials said the reforms reinforce government's commitment to providing comprehensive social protection while expanding pension coverage across the country. 

Mr. Lubinga further explained that Zambia's retirement protection framework now rests on four key pillars: mandatory contributory pension schemes, non-contributory social assistance, voluntary occupational and private pension arrangements, and complementary social support such as healthcare services for older persons.

However, legislation alone will not guarantee financial security, he cautioned.

"What is equally important is ensuring that every worker understands how the pension system works and appreciates the value of saving consistently for retirement."

The government is also pursuing broader financial inclusion as part of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy. Officials noted that access to financial services has grown significantly in recent years, driven by digital financial innovations and collaboration among government, regulators and financial institutions.

According to the latest financial inclusion survey, overall financial inclusion increased from 69.4 percent in 2020 to 80.1 percent in 2025. The gains have been recorded among both men and women, reflecting progress towards a more inclusive financial system.

The pensions sector has also shown encouraging growth, with pension coverage increasing from 8.2 percent in 2020 to 14.6 percent in 2025. While describing the improvement as encouraging, officials acknowledged that much more remains to be done.

Despite the progress, only about one-quarter of Zambia's workforce is employed in the formal sector and actively participating in pension schemes. The remaining majority, largely employed in the informal economy, remain vulnerable to poverty in old age.

With Zambia's population estimated at 22.5 million and life expectancy continuing to rise, officials said expanding pension coverage has become increasingly urgent.

Longer life expectancy means more citizens will require reliable income after retirement, making pension awareness and financial planning critical components of national development.

Government believes that increasing pension participation will not only improve the welfare of retirees but also strengthen household resilience, reduce dependence on social assistance programmes and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

As the 2026 Pensions Awareness Week gets underway, citizens are being encouraged to understand their pension rights, monitor their contributions and begin saving early.

For many, retirement may appear to be decades away. Yet the message from this year's campaign is simple: the decisions made today will determine whether tomorrow's retirement is marked by uncertainty or by dignity, security and peace of mind.

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The Future Cannot Wait: Zambia Calls for a New Pension Mindset

By Alain Kabinda,

For many workers, retirement feels like a distant destination—a stage of life that will only become important when the final working day arrives.

But pension experts, government officials and industry leaders are warning that waiting until retirement to think about financial security could leave many citizens facing difficult realities when their income stops.

This message took centre stage during the launch of the 8th Annual Pensions Awareness Week, held under the theme “Understand Your Pension, Secure Your Retirement.”

The campaign, organised by the Zambia Association of Pension Funds (ZAPF) with support from the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA), brought together government officials, regulators, pension fund managers, employers, students and other stakeholders to promote a culture of early planning and responsible financial decision-making.

The theme, speakers said, is not simply a statement for public awareness—it is a call for every Zambian to take personal responsibility for their future.

The Chairperson of the Zambia Association of Pension Funds Ms. Collina Halwampa said understanding pensions requires more than knowing that deductions are made from salaries. 

It requires workers to understand how contributions are managed, the benefits they are entitled to, the role of investments and the decisions that influence the quality of life they will experience after employment.

“Understanding your pension means knowing how it works, what you contribute, what benefits you receive and how your savings grow,” She said.

She further explained that securing retirement requires early planning, consistent saving and informed decisions throughout one's working life.

Ms Halwampa added, has become an important platform for supporting national efforts to improve financial literacy and encourage long-term savings.

This year's programme includes awareness campaigns, engagement with pupils and students, retirement preparation workshops, a Human Resources Symposium aimed at encouraging employers to establish occupational pension schemes, and digital campaigns focusing on pension rights and responsibilities.

And Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA) Mrs. Namakau Ntini said retirement planning should not be viewed as a concern only for older people.

                                  (Mrs. Namakau Ntini)

She challenged young people, including learners, to begin developing financial discipline early.

While retirement age may appear far away to students, she said the habits formed when one receives their first income can determine financial wellbeing decades later.

She also questioned whether many people truly understand pensions or whether they simply know the word “pension.”

“We often think we understand something, but when we reflect deeply, do we understand it enough to make informed decisions?” she asked.

According to her, knowledge only becomes valuable when it influences action.

Mrs Ntini added that the Authority continues to receive complaints from retirees who only begin examining their pension records after leaving employment.

Some question benefit calculations, while others raise concerns about missing contributions or unpaid obligations.

She highlighted the need for workers to actively monitor their pension information throughout their careers.

“An informed consumer is an empowered consumer,” she said, emphasising the importance of financial education in helping citizens protect their retirement future.

Although Zambia's pension sector has recorded growth, officials acknowledged that a significant challenge remains—expanding coverage, especially among workers outside formal employment.

Many people in the informal economy, including farmers, traders and self-employed individuals, have irregular income patterns that make traditional monthly pension contributions difficult.

Mrs. Ntini noted that pension solutions must reflect these realities.

A farmer who earns income after harvesting, for example, may need a different savings arrangement from a salaried employee who receives a monthly income.

This has strengthened calls for innovative products such as micro-pensions, which are expected to make retirement savings more accessible to informal sector workers and other underserved groups.

The proposed pension reforms are also expected to promote greater flexibility, improve governance and strengthen protection for pension members.

Technology is expected to play a major role in this transformation through digital registration platforms, mobile contribution systems and improved data management.

The private occupational pension sector has shown encouraging growth, with pension assets increasing from K20.8 billion in 2024 to K26.9 billion in 2025, representing a 29 percent increase.

Membership in registered occupational pension schemes also increased from 165,000 to 175,000 during the same period.

The growth reflects increased confidence in pension schemes and the important role they play in mobilising long-term savings.

However, officials cautioned that these gains must be matched by broader inclusion to ensure more citizens, particularly those in the informal economy, benefit from retirement savings.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Mr. Zachariah Lubinga said retirement should never arrive as a financial shock.

Mr. Lubinga said, requires preparation, informed choices and consistent planning throughout a person's working life.

He warned that many workers only become interested in their pension arrangements after retirement, when it may be too late to correct issues that could have been addressed earlier.

“A pension is not simply a deduction from one's income,” he said. “It is a financial tool designed to provide security, independence and dignity during retirement.”

Mr.Lubinga added, remains committed to strengthening Zambia's pension framework through reforms aimed at improving administration, expanding coverage and protecting workers' retirement benefits.

He also highlighted Zambia's changing demographics as a reason why pension planning has become increasingly important.

With a growing population and increasing life expectancy, more citizens will spend longer periods in retirement and require reliable financial support.

Mr. Lubinga also reminded workers that retirement is unavoidable and should not be feared.

While many people associate retirement with the end of productivity, he described it as a transition into another phase of contribution to society.

“Retirement is not the end,” he said. “It is a redeployment—a chance to continue serving in different ways.”

As Zambia marks the 2026 Pensions Awareness Week, the message from stakeholders is clear: retirement security is built long before the last day at work.

The choices people make today—saving early, understanding their benefits, monitoring contributions and making informed financial decisions—will determine the quality of life they experience tomorrow.

For Zambia's pension future to become stronger, awareness must become action, and planning must begin long before retirement arrives.

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 In a Digital World, Zambia's Young Writers Are Rediscovering the Power of the Pen

By Alain Kabinda

For a generation that has grown up with smartphones, instant messaging and social media, receiving a handwritten letter is becoming an increasingly rare experience.

Communication today is measured in seconds. Conversations disappear after a few taps on a screen, while emojis and abbreviations have become the language of everyday interaction.

Yet, amid this digital revolution, a simple competition organised by the Zambia Postal Services Corporation (Zampost) is proving that the written letter still has the power to inspire, connect and transform lives.

At the 2026 Zampost Letter Writing Competition Prize-Giving Ceremony held at the Ministry of Education in Lusaka, the spotlight was not on technology but on imagination, creativity and the timeless art of writing.

The event celebrated three exceptional learners whose letters stood out among hundreds of entries submitted by pupils from across Zambia under the theme: "Write a Letter to a Friend About Why Human Connection Matters in a Digital World."

For educators, the competition represents far more than an annual contest.

It has become an important platform for nurturing literacy, encouraging critical thinking and reminding young people that meaningful communication is built not only on speed but also on sincerity.

Speaking during the ceremony,Permanent Secretary DR. KELVIN MAMBWE commended Zampost for taking the competition into schools across the country, describing the initiative as a valuable contribution to Zambia's education sector.

He said the competition had created an opportunity for learners to discover the enduring power of the written word at a time when digital communication dominates daily life.

"This year's theme could not be more timely," he said.

"Our children are growing up in a world of instant messages, social media and digital communication. These technologies have transformed the way we connect, but they should never replace the thoughtfulness, empathy and reflection that come with writing a letter."

He observed that unlike digital messages, which are often written in haste, a letter encourages reflection.

"It invites us to pause, choose our words carefully and connect with others in a deeply personal way," he said.

The enthusiastic participation of schools from across Zambia underscored the importance of literacy as one of the Ministry of Education's strategic priorities.

Officials noted that literacy extends beyond reading and writing.

It also equips learners with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and express ideas confidently—skills that remain essential regardless of technological advances.

Every letter submitted, they said, represented a learner strengthening abilities that would serve them throughout their education and professional lives.

Education experts have long argued that creative writing competitions complement classroom learning by giving pupils an opportunity to apply language skills in meaningful and practical ways.

While the competition celebrated writing, it also reintroduced many learners to Zambia's postal service.

For many young participants, posting a handwritten letter was a completely new experience.

Although communication technologies have evolved rapidly, the postal service continues to play a vital role in connecting communities, particularly in areas where digital infrastructure remains limited.

He added that such initiatives as the Letter Writing Competition help preserve appreciation for postal services while demonstrating that traditional and digital communication can complement one another.

The ceremony honoured three learners whose entries impressed judges with their originality, clarity and emotional depth.

Milika Miti of Dominican Convent School in Ndola received the third prize.

Lavina Chindombe Mukunga of Kikombe Secondary School in Solwezi was awarded second prize.

The top honour went to Temwani Kanyimbi of Libala Secondary School in Lusaka, whose winning letter will now represent Zambia at the international level under the Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter-Writing Competition.

Congratulating the winners, he encouraged them to continue writing and using their voices to educate, inspire and unite communities.

He also praised every learner who participated, noting that the courage to express one's thoughts through writing is an achievement in itself.

The celebrations also marked the official launch of Phase Two of the Zampost Letter Writing Competition.

Following the success of the inaugural phase, the competition will now expand nationwide, giving schools across all ten provinces the opportunity to participate.

Provincial and District Education Offices have been encouraged to work closely with Zampost to ensure that no learner is left behind.

Organisers also announced that entries from the expanded competition will feature in a television programme to be aired on Thrive Television, giving young writers an even broader platform to showcase their talent.

And speaking on behalf of Postmaster General Lydia Simakando Lubobya, Mr. Chris Shimunika Nyirongo Zampost reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education, literacy and youth development.

Mr Nyirongo described the competition as one of the Universal Postal Union's flagship global initiatives, aimed at encouraging young people to develop writing skills while reflecting on issues affecting society.

He also acknowledged the vital role played by teachers, parents and guardians in mentoring learners and encouraging them to participate.

The corporation expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education for its continued partnership in promoting literacy and creative learning.

In an age where messages can be sent across continents in seconds, the Zampost Letter Writing Competition reminds society that communication is about more than convenience.

A handwritten letter carries emotion, thought and intention in ways that technology sometimes struggles to replicate.

As Zambia embraces digital transformation, initiatives such as this demonstrate that traditional skills remain relevant.

For the young writers honoured this year, the competition was not simply about winning awards.

It was about discovering the power of words to comfort, inspire and connect people across distances.

And perhaps that is the greatest lesson of all—that while technology will continue to evolve, the human need to communicate with sincerity, empathy and purpose will never go out of style.

 Beyond the Ballot: How Morgan Munda Is Turning Political Setback into Community Service

By Alain Kabinda

In politics, defeat often signals retreat.

For many aspiring leaders, failing to secure adoption as a party candidate is followed by silence. Campaign teams disband, community visits become infrequent and development pledges are quietly shelved as attention shifts to the next election cycle.

But in Monze District, one politician appears determined to chart a different course.

Despite missing out on adoption during the United Party for National Development (UPND) adoption process ahead of the 2026 General Election, businessman and philanthropist Morgan Munda has continued investing in community development, insisting that public service should not be defined by political office.

His latest gesture—a donation of  more than K20,000 to complete church construction, clothing and blankets to Nteme Seventh-day Adventist Church—has reignited debate about what leadership should look like beyond electoral politics.

Standing before congregants at Nteme SDA Church, Mr. Munda's message was simple: being left out of the adoption process does not mean abandoning the people.

Instead of viewing political disappointment as the end of his public role, he has chosen to continue supporting community initiatives using his personal resources.

The donation is expected to accelerate the construction of the church while also providing clothing and blankets to vulnerable members of the community.

For many residents, however, the significance of the gesture extends far beyond the monetary value of the donation.

It reflects a leadership philosophy that places service above political position.

In Zambia's political landscape, community donations are often associated with election campaigns.

Yet Mr. Munda's contribution comes after, rather than before, the party's adoption process.

Political observers say such actions inevitably attract attention because they challenge the perception that community engagement is driven solely by electoral ambition.

While political office offers opportunities to influence policy and mobilise public resources, acts of philanthropy financed through personal means suggest another dimension of leadership—one rooted in voluntary community service.

Residents who gathered during the handover described the donation as evidence that leadership should be measured not only by electoral success but also by a sustained commitment to improving people's lives.

Political setbacks often reveal how leaders respond when ambition collides with disappointment.

For some, exclusion from party structures results in disengagement or even political migration.

Others remain active within their communities, waiting for another opportunity while continuing to build public trust.

Mr. Munda appears to have chosen the latter path.

Rather than allowing the outcome of the adoption process to define his public identity, he continues to support churches, vulnerable households and community initiatives.

Whether this approach strengthens his long-term political prospects remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that it has earned him recognition among sections of the local community.

The donation also highlights the growing role that individual philanthropy plays in local development.

Faith-based institutions remain important centres of worship, education, youth mentorship and humanitarian support.

By contributing towards the construction of Nteme SDA Church, Mr. Munda is supporting infrastructure that will serve the wider community long after the building is completed.

The clothing and blankets donated alongside the construction materials will provide immediate relief to vulnerable families, particularly during the cold season.

Such interventions demonstrate how community development can continue outside formal government programmes.

As Zambia prepares for another electoral cycle, voters are increasingly scrutinising not only campaign promises but also the consistency of leaders' engagement with their communities.

Political analysts have often argued that sustainable leadership is built over years of service rather than during election periods alone.

For residents of Monze, Mr. Munda's continued community work presents an example of a politician seeking to remain relevant through action rather than rhetoric.

Whether viewed as philanthropy, civic responsibility or long-term political investment, the impact of the donation is already visible in a community whose church project has received a significant boost.

For Morgan Munda, missing out on adoption may have closed one political door, but it has not ended his engagement with the people he sought to represent.

His latest donation sends a message that leadership does not necessarily begin with election victory or end with political disappointment.

Instead, it can be demonstrated through consistent acts of service, personal sacrifice and investment in community wellbeing.

As the walls of Nteme Seventh-day Adventist Church continue to rise, so too does a broader conversation about the nature of political leadership in Zambia.

For many in Monze, the question is no longer simply who wins political office, but who continues to serve when the campaign is over.

  

Building Faith, Restoring Hope: Morgan Munda's Gift Breathes New Life into Nteme SDA Church

By Alain Kabinda

In the quiet community of Nteme Constituency in Monze District, Southern Province, a generous act of giving is doing more than raising the walls of a church—it is strengthening hope, inspiring unity and reminding residents that compassion remains a powerful force for community development.

Businessman and UPND member Mr.. Morgan Munda has donated more than K20,000 to complete the construction of SDA church, together with clothing and blankets, to the Nteme Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in a gesture that has been warmly received by congregants and community members alike.

While the cost will help accelerate the construction of the church, the clothing and blankets will provide much-needed comfort to vulnerable families, demonstrating that the donation extends beyond infrastructure to touching lives.

For many residents, the contribution comes at a time when communities continue to face economic challenges, making acts of generosity even more meaningful.

Church leaders described the donation as timely, noting that the congregation has been working tirelessly to complete the construction of its worship centre despite limited financial resources.

They said that this will significantly reduce construction costs and enable the church to continue building a place that will serve not only as a centre of worship but also as a venue for community meetings, youth programmes and social outreach activities.

Beyond the physical structure, the church plays an important role in promoting moral values, supporting vulnerable households and fostering social cohesion within the community.

The donation of clothing and blankets is expected to benefit families in need, particularly during the cold season, when many struggle to keep warm.

And one of the Community members Moses Hamwiimbu added that such acts of kindness demonstrate the importance of giving back to society and supporting initiatives that improve people's lives.

Across Zambia, faith-based organisations continue to complement government efforts by providing spiritual guidance, humanitarian assistance and community development programmes. Many churches also serve as centres for education, counselling, disaster response and youth empowerment.

Support from individuals and the private sector has become increasingly important in enabling these institutions to expand their outreach and respond to the needs of vulnerable communities.

Mr. Munda's contribution reflects the growing role of philanthropy in supporting grassroots development, where relatively modest investments can have a lasting impact on communities.

By helping complete the church building while also meeting the immediate needs of disadvantaged families, the donation illustrates how giving can strengthen both physical infrastructure and human dignity.

For the members of Nteme SDA Church, the donation of the Cost for the construction that will help complete a long-held dream.

For the families receiving clothing and blankets, they represent warmth, comfort and renewed hope.

And for the wider community, the gesture stands as a reminder that lasting development is built not only through public investment but also through the generosity of individuals who choose to make a difference.

As construction continues and the church moves closer to completion, the impact of Morgan Munda's donation will be measured not simply in the value of the materials provided, but in the strengthened faith, unity and resilience of a community determined to build a brighter future together.

 How Zambia's Cosmetology Industry Could Transform Jobs and Entrepreneurship

By Alain Kabinda

On any given Saturday morning in Lusaka, the chairs in neighbourhood salons are rarely empty.

Young women patiently wait to have their hair braided. Men queue for fresh haircuts before weekend events. Nail technicians perfect manicures while makeup artists prepare brides for their special day. Shelves are stocked with locally made shampoos, lotions and hair products as beauty entrepreneurs work tirelessly to meet the growing demand for personal care.

Yet behind the mirrors, hair dryers and styling chairs lies an industry with enormous untapped potential—one that experts believe could become a powerful engine for job creation, entrepreneurship and economic growth if supported by the right policies.

That message took centre stage during the recent Cosmetology Expo organised by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development at ZCAS University in Lusaka. While the event celebrated innovation, creativity and talent in the beauty industry, it also sparked an important national conversation: Is Zambia overlooking one of its most promising sectors for economic transformation?

Cosmetology is often associated with glamour and fashion, but industry players argue that it is, above all, a business built on skills, entrepreneurship and livelihoods.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily News, Business Development and Marketing Expert and Co-Founder of CNC360 Consulting, Mr. James Chiwala, said cosmetology encompasses a broad spectrum of professional services, including hairdressing, barbering, skincare, makeup artistry, nail technology, spa treatments and other beauty and wellness services.

"Every hairstyle, manicure or facial represents more than a beauty service," Mr. Chiwala said. "It represents income for a small business owner, wages for an employee and spending that ripples through the wider economy."

One of the industry's greatest strengths, he explained, is its ability to generate repeat business.

Unlike many enterprises that struggle to retain customers, salons and barbershops enjoy consistent demand, with many clients returning every two or three weeks for hair care, grooming and beauty treatments. This provides business owners with a dependable source of income, enabling many salons to remain viable even during difficult economic periods.

"Beauty is not simply about appearance," Mr. Chiwala said. "It is about livelihoods. It is about giving people the opportunity to earn an income through skills they already possess."

He described cosmetology as one of the most accessible sectors for aspiring entrepreneurs because it requires relatively little start-up capital.

"Unlike manufacturing plants or large retail businesses that require millions of kwacha to establish, a salon can begin with something as simple as one chair, one wash basin and a few essential tools," he said.

From such modest beginnings, many entrepreneurs have grown their businesses into thriving enterprises employing several workers.

                                             (Mr. James Chiwala and one of the Participates)

"For thousands of young Zambians who are unable to secure formal employment, cosmetology provides a practical pathway into entrepreneurship," Mr. Chiwala said.

Instead of waiting for scarce salaried jobs, many young people are creating their own opportunities by cutting hair, braiding, applying makeup, offering nail services or operating mobile beauty businesses. The flexibility of the industry also allows entrepreneurs to expand gradually by reinvesting profits into their businesses.

Across urban centres and rural communities, women own and manage thousands of salons, beauty parlours and cosmetic businesses. For many, cosmetology has become a pathway to financial independence, enabling them to support their families, educate their children and create employment within their communities.

"As Zambia pursues inclusive economic growth, supporting women-owned beauty businesses could deliver significant social and economic returns," Mr. Chiwala said.

Every bottle of shampoo sold has been manufactured, packaged, labelled and transported. Beauty products pass through manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and marketers before reaching consumers. Printing companies produce promotional materials, packaging firms manufacture bottles and containers, while photographers, fashion designers and bridal service providers all benefit from the industry's value chain.

Mr. Chiwala noted that an increasing number of Zambian entrepreneurs are now producing shampoos, lotions, soaps, hair oils and skincare products locally, reducing dependence on imports while creating new employment opportunities.

"Each link strengthens a growing value chain that supports multiple sectors of the economy," he said.

Despite its growing contribution, however, the industry remains largely informal.

Thousands of salons and beauty businesses operate successfully across the country, yet there is no comprehensive national policy framework governing professional standards, business development or regulation.

As a result, policymakers are unable to accurately measure the sector's size or its contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"Reliable data on industry revenues, employment levels and contribution to GDP remains limited because the sector is fragmented," Mr. Chiwala said.

He said the lack of reliable data also makes it difficult for the industry to attract investment, influence public policy or access specialised financing.

According to Mr. Chiwala, formalising the industry would improve standards while unlocking significant opportunities for growth.

He believes Zambia has the potential to transform cosmetology into one of its strongest small and medium enterprise sectors, provided coordinated interventions are implemented.

These include developing a comprehensive national policy framework, introducing professional standards and certification, expanding skills training programmes, improving access to affordable financing and supporting local manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products.

Mr. Chiwala also said, would complement government efforts to promote industrialisation, entrepreneurship and youth employment.

Perhaps the greatest misconception surrounding cosmetology, Mr. Chiwala observed, is that it is simply about beauty.

"In reality, it is about confidence, dignity and economic empowerment," he said.

"It is about the young barber supporting a family through his craft. It is about the salon owner who started with one chair and now employs several stylists. It is about the woman manufacturing locally made hair products that compete with imported brands. Above all, it is about thousands of small businesses quietly contributing to Zambia's economy every day." Mr. Chiwala said.

The recent Cosmetology Expo demonstrated that Zambia possesses the creativity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit needed to build a globally competitive beauty industry.

The challenge now is to provide the policy support, investment and recognition required to unlock its full potential.

If that happens, cosmetology will no longer be viewed merely as an industry that helps people look good. It will be recognised as a strategic sector capable of creating jobs, empowering communities and contributing meaningfully to Zambia's economic transformation.