Zambia Hosts Regional Qualifications Framework Workshop to Advance Skills Mobility and Recognition

 By Alain Kabinda 

Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation on qualifications recognition and skills mobility as stakeholders from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) gathered in Lusaka for a three-day engagement on the implementation of the revised SADC Qualifications Framework (SADCQF).

 The workshop, hosted by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA), brings together representatives of the SADC Secretariat, qualifications authorities, quality assurance bodies, education and training institutions, experts and government officials from member states.

 Speaking during the official Opening the meeting, ZAQA Director General Mrs. Mercy Ngoma welcomed delegates to Zambia and emphasized the importance of translating the revised SADCQF policy and guidelines into practical implementation.

                       (Mrs. Mercy Ngoma)

 She noted that the meeting comes at a critical stage in the regional qualifications journey, following the validation of the revised SADCQF Policy and Guidelines by the Technical Committee on Certification and Accreditation in Johannesburg in June. 

“Attention must now turn to preparing for effective implementation and sustaining momentum as the regional approval process advances,” she said. 

Mrs. Ngoma stressed that successful implementation would require the participation of all parts of Zambia's education and training system. 

Their involvement, she said, is intended to ensure that Zambia contributes an integrated national perspective to the development and implementation of the regional framework. 

“The practical experience of institutions working within each sector is essential to producing regional instruments that are technically sound, inclusive and capable of being implemented,” she noted.

 Mrs. Ngoma said the ultimate strength of the SADCQF would depend on collective ownership by member states 

Mrs. Ngoma assured delegates that ZAQA stands ready to support the workshop and contribute to its successful outcomes. 

In the next three days, delegates are expected to review the SADCQF programme of activities for 2026 and 2027, share developments from member states and advance regional guidance on qualifications referencing. Discussions will also cover governance and funding, as well as emerging areas such as micro-credentials and green skills. 

At the heart of the workshop is a challenge that affects students, graduates and workers across the region: the difficulty of having qualifications recognized when people move between SADC countries. 

And ZAQA Board Chairperson Professor Victor Zulu said the regional framework should ultimately make it easier for qualifications and workers to move across borders.

 He highlighted on his experience in the veterinary sector, explaining that Zambia's universities receive students from several countries in the region, including Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

 Prof Zulu also said that these students may successfully complete their studies in Zambia, some encounter difficulties when they return home because their qualifications are not automatically recognized. In some cases, graduates are required to undergo additional examinations or practical assessments before being allowed to practice. 

He further said that this should contribute to a system in which qualifications are more readily understood and recognized across borders, allowing skilled people to pursue employment and professional opportunities without unnecessary barriers. 

ZAQA deliberately extended invitations to institutions responsible for general education, technical and vocational education and training, and higher education, including the Examinations Council of Zambia, TEVETA and the Higher Education Authority. 

And Mr. Philip Tshabalala in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) South Africa, said the country's participation reflected its commitment to strengthening cooperation within the region and across the continent. 

He reaffirmed South Africa's support for the work of the SADCQF and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration on mutual recognition arrangements. 

The South African delegation includes officials from basic education, higher education and training, and the country's quality assurance structures. 

A regional qualifications framework can provide common reference points that help countries understand how qualifications from different national systems compare. This has implications not only for education institutions, but also for employers, professional bodies, regulators and individuals seeking to study or work across borders. 

While countries have different education and training systems, she observed that they share a common interest in qualifications that are credible, understandable and portable across the region. 

The challenge, therefore, is to balance regional coherence with national realities and ensure that agreements reached at regional level translate into practical action within individual countries. 

The framework is expected to support learners pursuing education across borders, help employers understand the value of qualifications obtained in other SADC countries and enable competent authorities to make fairer and more informed recognition decisions. 

Rather than treating education sectors as isolated systems, stakeholders are advocating for greater alignment between general education, technical and vocational education and training, higher education and occupational standards. 

This integrated approach is particularly important as economies change and new forms of learning emerge. The development of guidelines on micro-credentials and green skills, alongside qualifications referencing, reflects the region's effort to ensure that its qualifications systems remain responsive to changing labour-market needs. 

For Zambia, hosting the workshop provides an opportunity not only to support the regional process but also to strengthen dialogue among its own education and training institutions. 

As delegates begin their deliberations, the message from Lusaka is clear: regional qualifications cooperation is ultimately about more than frameworks, policies and guidelines. It is about creating opportunities for people to learn, work and contribute across borders. 

The success of the revised SADCQF will therefore be measured not only by its adoption, but by whether it helps turn qualifications into genuine pathways for mobility, opportunity and regional integration.

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 Bishop’s Council Condemns Militia Activity and Urges Political Reconciliation in Zambia

By Alain Kabinda 

LUSAKA, Zambia 

The Bishop’s Council of Zambia, led by Bishop Martin Silwimba, has condemned alleged militia activity and calls for violence against President Hakainde Hichilema, while urging political leaders and their supporters to accept electoral outcomes and work toward national development.

In a statement issued to Daily News Bishop Martin Silwimba said it was concerned by recent law-enforcement operations that reportedly resulted in the arrest of suspected militia members and the seizure of illegal weapons and other materials allegedly linked to plans to destabilise the country.

                          (Bishop Martin Silwimba)

He condemned armed rebellion, political violence and extra-judicial activities, saying no individual or group should take up arms against a democratically elected government.

At the same time, he called on authorities to ensure that suspects are treated fairly and that due process is followed.

“We commend our security agencies for their vigilance and professionalism in upholding the rule of law,” Bishop Silwimba said, while stressing the need for fairness and transparency in the handling of those arrested.

The Council also expressed concern over alleged activities by some Zambians living abroad who it said had sponsored or called for violent action against President Hichilema, including alleged calls for his death.

The Bishop strongly rejected such statements and warned against what it described as external interference and attempts to destabilise Zambia.

Bishop Silwimba also said Zambia should not become a platform for violent political campaigns or activities that could threaten national security.

On the country's political situation, the bishops appealed to candidates who lost in the recent general elections and their supporters to accept the decisions of the Electoral Commission and put national interests ahead of political ambitions.

He has further called on opposition leaders to work with the government of the day on issues affecting ordinary Zambians, including poverty reduction, infrastructure, healthcare, education and employment.

The Council also appealed to political leaders on both sides of the political divide to demonstrate humility and statesmanship and to contribute to national reconciliation.

Zambia Must Begin a New Chapter of Peace, Unity and Inclusive Development- Mr. Blake Mulala 

By Alain Kabinda 

LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambia must begin a new chapter anchored on peace, unity, social dialogue and inclusive economic development, with political leaders, workers, employers, traditional leaders, the church, civil society and the media playing a collective role in safeguarding the country’s stability.

Speaking on the country’s future, Zambia Congress Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Mr. Blake Mulala called on Zambians to protect the peace for which the country has long been recognised, warning that political differences should never be allowed to destroy relationships within communities or undermine national unity.

Mr. Mulala also urged the media to help spread messages of reconciliation and unity, saying the country’s peace should be treated as a national responsibility rather than the responsibility of political leaders alone.

He also drew attention to the devastating consequences of conflict in other countries, recalling the experience of colleagues who became stranded after civil war disrupted their country and closed its airport.

“Without peace,” Mr. Mulala warned, families can be separated, livelihoods destroyed and citizens forced to flee their homes and urged Zambians to learn from such experiences and reject actions that could threaten the country’s stability.

The call for unity was accompanied by a broad labour and economic agenda for the next five years, including stronger protection of workers’ rights, greater employment opportunities, improved social protection and increased economic participation by Zambians.

The labour movement called for employers, particularly in the private sector, to respect workers’ freedom to organise and join trade unions without intimidation or unnecessary restrictions.

Mr. Mulala also demanded improvements in working conditions, including payment of overtime, access to leave when due, appropriate transport arrangements for workers who work late, lunch provisions where required, and opportunities for career advancement.

He further argued that workers cannot be adequately motivated when they remain in acting positions for years without progression or when they work additional hours without receiving appropriate compensation.

Mr. Mulala further called for stronger social dialogue between government, employers and trade unions, saying cooperation among the three groups could accelerate reforms and improve the welfare of workers.

On economic development, the labour movement advocated for increased production, economic growth and the creation of more jobs in both the public and private sectors.

Particular emphasis was placed on local participation in mining, transportation and other sectors of the economy. The president called for greater opportunities for Zambian businesses and contractors, arguing that strengthening local enterprises would help retain more wealth within the country and create additional employment.

The address also called for greater accountability in public institutions and an end to alleged informal payments associated with employment, promotions and other administrative processes.

Mr. President urged government to appoint capable men and women to public positions based on competence and the national interest rather than personal interests.

He further welcomed efforts to expand employment in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, accounting and other professions, saying increased employment would strengthen households while also expanding the membership and financial base of trade unions.

The labour movement further called for improved public services, particularly in health and other essential institutions, urging workers to remain focused on their responsibilities and to minimise distractions that could compromise service delivery.

Zambians were urged to accept elected leaders regardless of political affiliation and to avoid resentment based on electoral outcomes. The speakers said elections should not permanently divide citizens because, once elections are concluded, the country remains one nation.

“Political differences must not destroy our relationships, our communities and our country,” He added.

Mr. Mulala further called on citizens to hold elected leaders accountable while also supporting constructive engagement with government on employment, labour rights, social protection and economic development.

Swala Pilu Urges Zambians to Prioritise Mental Health After Elections

By Alain kabinda

 LUSAKA — Swala Pilu (Hold Your Heart) has urged Zambians to prioritise their mental and emotional wellbeing following the August 13, 2026 General Elections.

Swala Pilu Executive Director and Founder Ms. Mary Kufanga says the post-election period could have significant mental health implications for citizens, particularly candidates, their families, financiers and supporters who were deeply invested in the electoral outcome.

                                                               (Ms. Mary Kufanga)

Speaking during a media engagement in Lusaka,Ms. Kufanga said anxiety had increased during the period when the country was waiting for election results, particularly amid concerns over the pace at which results were being announced.

She said the uncertainty created serious emotional pressure for candidates and their supporters.

“The current moment is very critical to the emotional and mental well-being of every citizen of this country,” Ms. Kufanga said.

She called on families, workplaces and communities to pay attention to people who may be struggling to cope with the election outcome.

Ms. Kufanga said warning signs could include difficulty concentrating on simple tasks, physical tension, lack of motivation and withdrawal from normal daily activities.

She urged Zambians to check on colleagues, friends and family members rather than assuming that changes in behaviour were simply part of normal post-election reactions.

Ms. Kufanga said Swala Pilu deployed members to monitor the August 13 elections because electoral processes can have a significant impact on the mental wellbeing of citizens.

She said the organisation monitored voting, counting and the announcement of results across all ten constituencies of Lusaka Province.

The organisation initially intended to accredit more than 100 monitors and observers but managed to accredit fewer due to challenges encountered during the accreditation process.

Ms. Kufanga said some members spent between two and three days queuing at Nakatindi Hall before being accredited.

She recommended that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) either provide more days for accreditation in future elections or increase the number of personnel handling the process.

Despite the challenges, she said the organisation managed to reach its targeted polling stations through collaboration with other election monitoring organisations.

And Ms. Kufanga said Swala Pilu’s overall assessment was that the elections were conducted peacefully and that arrangements were generally satisfactory, despite isolated incidents of violence reported in areas such as Matero, Chawama and Kitwe.

She congratulated the ECZ, election participants and winners for their role in the electoral process.

Ms.  Kufanga has also appealed to political leaders and communicators to exercise responsibility when discussing election results.

She said political leaders should provide messages of hope and avoid statements that could intensify feelings of fear, anger or betrayal among supporters.

She also urged media practitioners and other communicators not to use election results to provoke or harm political opponents.

“We need to immediately become ambassadors of mental health,” Ms. Kufanga said.

She advised citizens to seek balanced sources of information and avoid excessive exposure to election-related coverage if it was increasing anxiety.

Ms. Kufanga further encouraged those disappointed by the results to acknowledge their emotions while accepting the outcome as part of the democratic process.

She said democracy should not be treated simply as a contest where winners gain everything and losers lose everything, but as a process that allows citizens to remain engaged beyond election day.

Ms. Kufanga reminded Zambians that life continues after the announcement of election results.

“Your preferred election candidate may have won or lost but you will need your mental health to process what happens next,” she said.

She called on families and communities to support people experiencing mental health challenges and avoid isolating those who may need help.

Ms. Kufanga further said that Swala Pilu remains committed to providing support to individuals requiring post-election mental health assistance.

“And perhaps most importantly, remember that there is life after the final election results. The election matters. But it is not the entirety of your life,” Ms. Kufanga said.

She concluded by wishing Zambians peace and congratulating President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election.

 New ZCSA Office to Boost Cyber Incident Response

By Alain kabinda

LUSAKA — In an increasingly connected Zambia, the battle to protect citizens, businesses and government institutions is no longer confined to physical borders. It is also being fought across computers, mobile phones, networks and digital platforms.

It is against this changing security landscape that the Zambia Cyber Security Agency (ZCSA) has opened a new office in Lusaka, signalling a renewed effort to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats.

Speaking during the official opening of the ZCSA’s offices in Lusaka, ZCSA Director General Dr. Schmidt Shilukobo Chintu, stated that the new premises represent more than just a change of address. They provide the Agency with an opportunity to bring its different functions together, improve coordination and respond more effectively to incidents in cyberspace.

Dr. Chintu said, ZCSA had previously been operating from government offices owned by the Smart Zambia Institute. While the arrangement provided accommodation, the available space could not adequately accommodate all the Agency’s staff and functions.

He expressed gratitude to the sister organisation Smart Zambia for providing the temporary accommodation as ZCSA worked towards establishing its own operational space.

The new office now gives the Agency an opportunity to operate as a full team from a single location.

For an institution tasked with responding to cyber incidents, this physical coordination could prove important.

Cyber threats do not necessarily occur according to office hours or organisational boundaries. A compromised system, fraudulent transaction or cyberattack can require rapid communication between technical teams and other stakeholders.

Dr. Chintu believes the new facility will help remove some of the constraints that previously affected the Agency’s operations.

He also said having a clear physical address would make it easier for members of the public and organisations to locate ZCSA and report cyber incidents.

One of the important aspects of ZCSA’s mandate is that cybersecurity is not only a government concern.

The Agency serves government institutions, private companies and individual users who increasingly depend on digital platforms for communication, commerce, financial transactions and access to services.

Dr. Chintu describes this interconnected digital environment as an ecosystem.

“Just as a natural ecosystem requires the right conditions for different forms of life to grow, he argues that the digital ecosystem must also be secure if Zambia is to fully benefit from technology,” Dr. Chintu said.

He also stated that Businesses can transact online with greater confidence. Government can expand digital services. Individuals can use technology without constantly fearing that their information or resources will be compromised.

But without adequate protection, the same digital platforms that create opportunities can also expose users to fraud, identity theft, cyberattacks and other forms of online abuse.

While ZCSA is strengthening its institutional capacity, the Agency says the public also has an important role to play in protecting Zambia’s cyberspace.

Dr. Chintu has urged citizens to become more knowledgeable about common cyber threats and to avoid being easily deceived online.

The message comes as scammers continue to exploit people’s desire for quick financial gains through suspicious online offers, messages and links.

A promise of making large amounts of money with little effort can sometimes be the beginning of a much bigger problem.

ZCSA is therefore encouraging individuals to think carefully before sharing personal information, clicking suspicious links, sending money or responding to unsolicited online offers.

The Agency believes that a more informed public can prevent many incidents before they reach the point where intervention becomes necessary.

The opening of the new office also comes with a broader recognition that cybersecurity is increasingly linked to national security.

Government institutions, businesses and citizens now depend heavily on digital systems. As Zambia advances its digital transformation agenda, the potential impact of attacks against critical information infrastructure also grows.

And meanwhile Mr. Guota Suresh, who confirmed the official handover of the office to ZCSA, said the development demonstrated government’s commitment to treating cybersecurity as part of national security.

“This office space is given to ZCSA to start operating. It is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to prioritise cyber security as part of national security,” he said.

The statement places the new facility within a much larger national agenda: securing the systems upon which Zambia’s digital future increasingly depends.

For ZCSA, the new office is ultimately about creating a safer environment in which technology can deliver its promised benefits.

The Agency wants citizens to be able to use digital services, businesses to innovate and government institutions to provide services online without exposing users to unnecessary risks.

It requires skilled personnel, effective coordination, public awareness, responsible digital behaviour and cooperation between government, businesses, security institutions and ordinary users.

The new Lusaka office provides ZCSA with a stronger operational base. The bigger challenge, however, remains ensuring that Zambia’s expanding digital ecosystem grows securely.

As more services move online and more people become connected, cybersecurity will increasingly become a shared responsibility.

For ZCSA, the message is clear: protecting Zambia’s digital future will require not only stronger institutions, but also a more informed and vigilant digital citizenry.

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 UN Clarifies It Has No Electoral Observation Mandate in Zambia

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA, 15 August 2026 – The United Nations (UN) in Zambia has denied reports circulating on social media that its observers congratulated a presidential candidate following the 13 August 2026 general elections.

The UN says it did not deploy election observers for the elections and has no electoral observation mandate in Zambia.

In a statement issued to Daily News in Lusaka, the UN said claims suggesting that the organisation or its representatives had endorsed, congratulated or commented on any candidate or electoral outcome were false and misleading.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia Beatrice Mutali said the UN only observes national electoral processes when specifically mandated to do so by the General Assembly or the Security Council.

"The United Nations does not observe national electoral processes unless mandated by the General Assembly or the Security Council," Mutali said.

She explained that although the UN supports Member States in strengthening democratic institutions and encourages compliance with international obligations and commitments, it does not pronounce itself on the validity of an electoral process or the legitimacy of electoral outcomes.

The clarification follows the circulation of alleged information on social media purporting to show UN involvement in the country's electoral process.

The UN has strongly condemned the alleged inappropriate and unlawful use of its emblems and urged the public and media organisations to exercise caution when consuming and sharing election-related information.

The organisation has called on members of the public and media houses to verify information through official UN communication channels before sharing or publishing it.

The UN warned that the circulation of unverified information could contribute to misinformation and disinformation, particularly during the sensitive period following the elections.

Meanwhile, the UN has appealed for dialogue among political stakeholders to help defuse tensions as the country awaits the official announcement of election results.

It has further urged political leaders to uphold the political parties' peace pledge and called on their supporters to reject any form of violence.

The UN's statement comes as Zambia awaits the official conclusion of the electoral process, with stakeholders being urged to remain peaceful and rely on verified information from authorised institutions.

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 ZCTU Warns Employers Against Blocking Workers From Voting on Election Day 

By Alain Kabinda 

The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has urged employers across the country to respect Thursday, 13 August 2026, as a public holiday and ensure workers are given sufficient opportunity to participate in the electoral process. 

ZCTU President Blake Mulala said workers should not be forced to choose between reporting for duty and exercising their constitutional right to vote. 

                                                                     (Mr. Blake Mulala)

Mr Mulala particularly called on private-sector employers not to compel workers to report for normal duties where doing so could prevent or interfere with their ability to cast their ballots.

 “The declaration of 13th August 2026 as a public holiday must be respected by every employer,” Mr Mulala said. “Workers are citizens first, and they have an equal right to participate in choosing the leadership of this country.” 

He said employers operating essential services and other critical operations that require workers to remain on duty should put practical arrangements in place to ensure affected employees have sufficient time to vote.

 Mr Mulala warned that the labour movement would oppose any attempts to intimidate or victimise workers for exercising their democratic rights.

 He said workers should not face threats of dismissal, loss of pay, disciplinary action or other forms of victimisation because they want to participate in the electoral process. 

The ZCTU President also called on the Government and relevant authorities to ensure the public holiday is respected and that workers are protected from intimidation, discrimination and victimisation linked to their participation in the election. 

He encouraged all eligible workers to turn out in large numbers, vote peacefully and exercise their civic responsibility.

 “The ballot belongs to every citizen, including the working people of Zambia. Let no worker be left behind because of work obligations. Every worker must have the opportunity to vote,” Mr Mulala said. 

The ZCTU said it would remain committed to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that working people can participate fully in decisions affecting their lives, livelihoods and the future of Zambia.