Communities Must Shape the Lobito Corridor, Not Just Watch It Happen - CSOs

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — The signing pens moved quietly across the pages, but the message from the room was unmistakable: development along the Lobito Corridor must be built with communities, not simply around them.

In a significant step toward strengthening citizen participation in one of Southern Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure and economic corridors, People in Need (PIN) and several Zambian civil society organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Corridor Voices Initiative in Lusaka.

The agreement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at promoting coordinated civil society engagement in the sustainable, inclusive and accountable development of the Lobito Corridor.

Representatives from civil society organisations, community structures and development partners gathered with a shared conviction that communities affected by corridor investments should not be passive beneficiaries but active participants in shaping decisions that affect their lives.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, People in Need Zambia Country Director Ms. Stefanie Lagonigro said the initiative is founded on the principle that lasting development requires informed and active community participation.

“The Corridor Voices Initiative is built on the belief that development is most sustainable when communities are informed, consulted and actively involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives,” Ms. Lagonigro said.

“Today’s signing demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring that civil society speaks with a stronger, coordinated voice in promoting inclusive and accountable development.”

The MoU establishes a collaborative platform through which participating organisations will work together to promote meaningful community participation, evidence-based advocacy and inclusive dialogue around investments taking place along the corridor.

The partnership also formalises cooperation among organisations working in areas such as community development, governance, environmental sustainability, livelihoods, gender equality, youth engagement and human rights.

Stretching across key mining and transport routes, the Lobito Corridor is expected to unlock major economic opportunities. Yet many communities along the route have expressed concern that large-scale projects often proceed with limited consultation and insufficient attention to local priorities.

The Corridor Voices Initiative seeks to address that gap by amplifying the voices of affected communities and strengthening engagement between citizens, government institutions, development partners and the private sector.

Partners have committed to sharing knowledge, coordinating advocacy efforts, generating evidence from communities and engaging constructively with decision-makers.

The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among civil society organisations, promote inclusive advocacy, foster constructive dialogue and support development that is socially inclusive, environmentally responsible and economically beneficial for local populations.

For organisations working directly with communities, the partnership represents an opportunity to ensure that local experiences influence national and regional development decisions.

Kawama Widows and Orphans Project Director said communities in North-Western Province witness daily how infrastructure and mining investments reshape local lives.

“As civil society organisations working closely with communities in North-Western Province, we see every day how infrastructure and mining investments reshape local lives,” the director said.

“Corridor Voices Initiative gives our communities a platform to be heard, to influence decisions and to ensure that development along the Lobito Corridor is fair, inclusive and responsive to the realities on the ground.”

The remarks reflected a broader concern that development must be measured not only by roads, railways and investments, but also by whether local people experience tangible improvements in their livelihoods and wellbeing. 

And speaking at signing ceremony Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) Executive Director Mr. Mundia Paul Hakoola said infrastructure development must be guided by environmental justice and transparency.

“The Continental Leadership Research Institute believes that sustainable infrastructure development must be guided by environmental justice, transparency and meaningful community participation,” Mr. Hakoola said.

“Through the Corridor Voices Initiative, we are proud to partner with like-minded organisations to ensure that the voices of affected communities inform development decisions, helping to safeguard both people and the environment for present and future generations.”

And meanwhile Zambian Governance Foundation (ZGF) Chief Executive Officer Ms. Engwase Banda Mwale, who argued that the traditional model of development must change.

                                    (Ms. Engwase B. Mwale signing and Ms. Stefanie Lagonigro)

“Development is not made for communities; it is actually made with communities,” Ms. Mwale said.

“That is what brings all of us together.”

Her remarks captured the spirit of the initiative: communities should not simply receive development; they should help define it.

Ms. Mwale said civil society organisations see themselves not as substitutes for community voices but as bridges connecting communities with government, investors and other stakeholders involved in the corridor.

“We are not just carriers of community voices,” she said. “We are going to be part and parcel of the process to ensure that communities are not only participating, but are fully active in the activities and programmes that will be implemented.”

The atmosphere in the conference hall was marked by optimism and a sense of shared purpose. Representatives from different organisations spoke as collaborators in a common effort rather than as separate institutions pursuing individual agendas.

“It is actually quite a happy moment for all of us,” Ms. Mwale said. “We are looking forward to making this work.”

As the ceremony concluded, conversations continued about livelihoods, environmental protection, youth opportunities and the importance of local ownership of development processes.

Those discussions reflected the deeper significance of the MoU: the belief that infrastructure corridors can become corridors of opportunity only when the people who live along them are genuinely heard.

The organizations which participated in the signing agreement were, Keepers Zambia Foundation (KZF), Center for Trade and Policy Development (CTPD), Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection (JCTR), MUSIKA, FAWEZA, Zambia Governance Foundation, Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ), PWYP Zambia and Kawama Widows, Zambia National Women’s Lobby.

For the partners behind the Corridor Voices Initiative, the signatures placed on paper in Lusaka are only the beginning. The real test will come in villages, towns and settlements along the Lobito Corridor, where communities are waiting not merely to be consulted, but to be recognised as co-authors of their own development story.

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 From Silence to the Classroom: A Survivor’s Journey Back to School

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — Every morning, children across Zambia walk through school gates carrying books, uniforms and hopes for a better future. Yet for many girls, another burden travels with them is fear.

Fear of violence at home. Fear of harassment in the community. Fear of being forced into marriage before completing school. Fear of speaking out.

Health experts and education advocates say these fears are not isolated experiences but part of a wider crisis that is quietly undermining Zambia’s development agenda.

Speaking to Daily News in Lusaka through an interview, Dr. Malizgani Paul Chavula, a Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Community and Family Medicine at the University of Zambia’s School of Public Health, said that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of the country’s most serious social and public health challenges.

                                                         (Dr. Malizgani Paul Chavula)

“Gender-Based Violence remains a serious challenge in Zambia, affecting the wellbeing, safety and future of women, girls and entire communities,” Dr. Chavula said.

He explained that the impact of GBV extends far beyond individual survivors, affecting education, health and economic development.

“GBV contributes to school absenteeism, dropout, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, poor academic performance and reduced participation in educational programmes,” he said. “Many learners, especially girls, fail to reach their full potential because violence and fear create barriers to education and personal development.”

For many girls, the effects of violence appear first in small ways — missed lessons, declining grades, withdrawal from friends and reduced participation in school activities.

Child-protection workers report that girls who experience violence frequently struggle with emotional trauma, stigma and economic hardship, making it difficult to continue their education even when schools remain open to them.

When a girl leaves school because of violence, the consequences are not limited to one child. Communities lose future teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs and leaders.

Dr. Chavula argues that addressing GBV requires a much broader response than police action or court proceedings.

“Addressing GBV requires collaborative governance and collective action involving government ministries, schools, churches, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, parents, youth and community structures,” he said.

“No single institution can solve this problem alone.”

He said churches can help promote messages of respect, dignity and non-violence, while traditional leaders can challenge harmful cultural norms that perpetuate abuse and discrimination.

Schools, he added, have a responsibility to strengthen child-protection systems and ensure that learners know where to seek help.

Communities also play a critical role by supporting survivors rather than silencing them.

Across Zambia, organisations working in education and child protection are increasingly focusing on prevention.

Awareness campaigns are encouraging parents to keep girls in school, report abuse early and speak openly about violence. Youth groups are also emerging as important voices in promoting gender equality and challenging harmful social norms.

Advocates say changing attitudes is just as important as changing laws.

“When communities begin to reject violence, children become safer,” one civil society representative said during a recent child-protection discussion.

Supporters of stronger GBV prevention efforts say the goal is not only to protect survivors from immediate harm but also to ensure they can continue learning, growing and participating fully in society.

This requires access to counselling, healthcare, legal assistance and safe spaces where survivors can seek help without fear.

For many girls, timely support can mean the difference between returning to school and dropping out permanently.

Increasingly, experts are framing GBV as a national development issue rather than a private family matter.

So far Zambia has invested heavily in education, youth empowerment and gender equality programmes. Yet those investments cannot achieve their full impact if violence continues to force learners out of school.

“A country cannot build strong human capital while many of its girls are denied safety and opportunity,” Dr. Chavula said.

He stressed that protecting women and girls is inseparable from protecting education, health and economic development.

“GBV has no place in our homes, schools, churches or communities,” he said. “Protecting women and girls protects education, health and development.”

As the school day ends and children head home carrying homework and ambitions for tomorrow, whether those ambitions survive often depends on what awaits them beyond the school gate: a home free from violence, a community that values girls’ education, a church that teaches respect, a traditional leader who rejects harmful practices and a school that protects every learner.

And Daily News took an advantage during a election campaign in Monze Southern Province Zambia, by interviewing a  17-year-old Mary (not her real name) sits in her classroom, she often looks at the chalkboard for a moment before opening her exercise book. It is a quiet reminder that there was a time when she thought she would never be a pupil again.

Mary grew up in a low-income community of Nteme Constituency in Monze District. She was known among her teachers as a bright learner who loved English and dreamed of becoming a teacher.

“I used to tell my friends that one day I would stand in front of a class and teach children,” she said.

But that dream began to fade when she experienced Gender-Based Violence at home.

The abuse left her frightened and emotionally exhausted. She struggled to concentrate in class and began missing lessons frequently. Eventually, she stopped attending school altogether.

“I felt like my life had ended,” Mary recalled. “I stayed indoors most of the time. When I saw other girls going to school, I would cry.”

Months turned into a year. Her textbooks gathered dust while she helped with household chores and avoided former classmates.

“I thought people would laugh at me,” Mary Stated. “I thought I had failed.”

Mary’s turning point came when a community social worker visited her family after hearing that she had dropped out of school. The social worker encouraged her to speak openly about what had happened and linked her to counselling services.

“She told me that what happened was not my fault,” Mary said. “That sentence changed me.”

The counsellor worked with Mary to rebuild her confidence, while local community leaders encouraged her family to support her return to school. Her former head teacher also visited and assured her that the school would welcome her back.

“I was still afraid,” Mary admits. “I thought everyone would know my story.”

To ease her transition, the school arranged regular meetings with a guidance teacher and paired her with a supportive classmate.

“My hands were shaking when I entered the classroom,” she said. “I sat at the back and did not speak.”

During the first weeks, she avoided answering questions even when she knew the answers. Slowly, with encouragement from teachers and classmates, she began participating again.

One day, she volunteered to read aloud during an English lesson.

“When I finished reading and the teacher said, ‘Well done, Mary,’ I felt like I belonged there again,” she said.

Today, Mary is in Grade 11. She is one of the most active members of the school’s peer-support club, where learners discuss issues such as bullying, violence and mental health.

She now speaks to younger girls about the importance of reporting abuse and seeking help.

“I do not want another girl to suffer in silence,” she said. “There are people who can help.”

Mary’s academic performance has also improved steadily. She recently passed her end-of-term examinations and says she is preparing seriously for her final secondary school exams. Mary Explained.

Mary’s experience highlights the importance of coordinated support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence. Counselling, school support, family involvement and community acceptance can make the difference between permanent dropout and successful reintegration into education.

For Mary, returning to school was not only about resuming classes; it was about reclaiming her future.

“I learned that surviving violence is not the end of the story,” she added. “The next chapter can still be beautiful.”

Asked what she would say to another girl who has left school because of violence, Mary pauses before answering.

“I would tell her this: what happened to you does not define you,” she urged. “You are still worthy of education, respect and a future. Do not give up on yourself.”

Every step she takes in her school uniform is proof that violence did not destroy her dream — and that with support, courage and opportunity, a survivor can become a student again, a leader again and a symbol of hope for others.

Those small acts of protection, repeated across thousands of homes and communities, can shape the future of a nation.

Dr. Chavula believes the path forward lies in collective responsibility.

“Let us work together to prevent violence, support survivors, promote gender equality and create safe learning environments for every child in Zambia,” he said.

For Zambia, the fight against GBV is ultimately more than a campaign against violence. It is a fight for the classroom, for the girl child and for the country’s future.

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 More Than a Building: Luangwa Skills Centre Offers Hope to Young People" 

By Alain Kabinda 

For many young people in Luangwa District, the dream of acquiring vocational skills has often meant travelling long distances in search of training opportunities. Today, that reality is beginning to change. 

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and the Luangwa Child Development Agency has marked a significant milestone in securing the future of the Luangwa Skills Training Centre—a facility expected to transform the lives of young people through practical skills development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. 

The Centre was Constructed at a cost of approximately K9.7 million, the centre was made possible through financial support from the Government of New Zealand and ChildFund New Zealand, working in partnership with the Government of Zambia and local stakeholders. While the buildings now stand complete, stakeholders say the true measure of success will be seen in the lives changed through the training offered within its walls. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, ChildFund Zambia Acting Director Ms. Mwaka Namwinga said the centre was established to address the long-standing challenge of limited access to vocational and skills training in Luangwa District. 

Ms. Namwinga noted that the investment goes beyond infrastructure. 

"It will be found in the young person who acquires a practical skill and finds an opportunity to earn a living. It will be found in the graduate who starts a small business, and in the many young people whose futures will be brighter because this centre exists," Ms. Namwinga said. 

Ms. Namwinga reaffirmed that its approach to development focuses on strengthening government institutions rather than creating parallel systems, describing the MoU as a foundation for sustainable collaboration. 

She also expressed confidence that, under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the facility would evolve into a vibrant hub for technical training, entrepreneurship, innovation and employability.

She further stressed that infrastructure alone cannot deliver meaningful outcomes. It called for continued investment in qualified instructors, relevant training programmes, modern equipment, strong institutional leadership and partnerships with industry to ensure graduates acquire skills that respond to labour market demands. 

And speaking at the same ceremony Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts Permanent Secretary for Youth, Sport and Arts Kangwa Cheleshi described the centre as more than a training institution. 

"The Luangwa Skills Training Centre stands as a symbol of hope and opportunity for the people of Luangwa District," he said. "It is a strategic investment in the future of our young people and in the socio-economic development of our country." Mr Kanagwa said. 

He added that the facility will provide market-driven technical and vocational skills that will enable young women and men to secure decent jobs, establish businesses and contribute meaningfully to national development. 

According to Mr. Cheleshi, the centre will also stimulate local economic growth by producing a skilled workforce capable of supporting sectors such as agriculture, tourism, construction and manufacturing within Luangwa District. 

He further announced that Treasury Authority had approved the recruitment of 260 additional staff members for youth resource centres across Zambia, describing the move as evidence of government's commitment to equipping young people with practical skills. 

"For us as a ministry, youth resource centres are game changers as far as youth empowerment is concerned," he said. 

He explained that unlike financial empowerment programmes that sometimes face poor loan repayment, skills training provides young people with lifelong opportunities to earn an income. 

"When we give young people a graduation kit, we are assured that they have acquired a skill that can sustain them for the rest of their lives," he said. 

Mr. Chelesh also challenged the perception that meaningful opportunities exist only in Lusaka. 

"Life is not just in Lusaka," he said, encouraging young people to enrol at skills centres in districts such as Luangwa before returning to establish businesses wherever they choose. 

He further appealed to the private sector to strengthen partnerships with government, noting that organisations such as Smart Zambia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have already contributed internet connectivity, computers and digital infrastructure to youth resource centres across the country. 

Mr Kanagwa urged traditional leaders and local authorities and communities to safeguard the Luangwa Skills Training Centre and ensure it remains a centre of excellence for future generations. 

He confirmed that staff have already been deployed to operationalise the facility, fulfilling government's commitment to the people of Luangwa. 

As pens were put to paper to formalize the partnership, the ceremony represented more than the signing of an agreement. It symbolized a shared commitment to creating opportunities for Zambia's young people through education, practical skills and enterprise. 

For the youth of Luangwa, the new skills training centre is not simply another public building—it is a gateway to employment, entrepreneurship and a more hopeful future.

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 Media Key to Zambia's Development Story, Says Outgoing UN Coordinator

 By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA, 4 August 2026 — United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms. Beatrice Mutali, has commended the country's media for its critical role in promoting development, accountability and public awareness, describing journalists as indispensable partners in Zambia's development journey. 

Speaking during a UN Media Breakfast in Lusaka, Ms. Mutali said the gathering has provided an opportunity to share highlights of the United Nations' 2025 Annual Results Report while also recognizing the contribution of journalists in communicating the UN's support to the people of Zambia. 

She noted that the media has played a vital role in amplifying development messages, raising awareness of national priorities and helping citizens understand how the United Nations contributes to national development. 

"The media informs, amplifies unheard voices, promotes accountability and fosters constructive dialogue. By bridging policy and people, it helps citizens understand developments, their significance and their impact on communities and national progress," she said. 

Ms. Mutali praised journalists, bloggers, columnists and media houses for highlighting stories of progress in areas such as health, education, women's and youth empowerment, climate resilience, food security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

She said the UN's 2025 Annual Results Report demonstrates that meaningful progress is achieved through strong partnerships involving government, development partners, civil society, the private sector, communities and the media. 

"The achievements we present today are not the work of the United Nations alone. They are the result of partnerships grounded in a shared commitment to improving the lives of people in Zambia, leaving no one behind," she said. 

The event also marked a moment of personal reflection for Ms. Mutali as she prepares to conclude her tenure as United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia at the end of August 2026. 

Describing her service in Zambia as both a privilege and an inspiration, she said she had witnessed the resilience, determination and optimism of the Zambian people while working alongside government, traditional leaders, civil society, development partners, the private sector and communities across the country. 

She highlighted the importance of collective action in responding to climate-related shocks, supporting vulnerable communities, strengthening human capital development, promoting social inclusion and expanding opportunities for women and young people.

 Ms. Mutali expressed pride in the way the UN Country Team had worked as one in support of Zambia's national development priorities, bringing together expertise, resources and partnerships to deliver tangible benefits for communities while strengthening national institutions. 

She emphasized that sustainable development requires inclusive approaches that invest in women and girls, empower young people, address inequalities and ensure that no one is left behind. 

Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Mutali said development is ultimately about improving people's lives through access to quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

 "Behind every statistic is a human story, and those stories continue to inspire our work," she said. 

She also expressed gratitude to Zambia's media fraternity for its professionalism, commitment to factual reporting and constructive engagement, noting that credible journalism is increasingly important in an era of rapid information flows and misinformation. 

Ms. Mutali said the partnership between the United Nations and the media has helped bring complex development issues closer to the public while ensuring important stories receive the attention they deserve. 

She expressed confidence that the relationship between the UN and Zambia's media would continue to grow stronger and encouraged journalists to share their perspectives on how collaboration could be further strengthened. 

Ms. Mutali concluded by thanking journalists for their partnership throughout her tenure and said she leaves Zambia with deep appreciation for the friendships, collaboration and lessons the country has offered her.

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 Christian Nation Advocates Urge Peace, Unity and Integrity Ahead of Zambia's Elections

By Alain Kabinda 

As Zambia approaches a crucial election, advocates of the country's Christian Nation Declaration have called on political leaders, institutions and citizens to safeguard peace, uphold democratic principles and remain faithful to the values they say have shaped the nation's identity since independence.

Speaking during a public address, Bishop Billy Mfula reflected on Zambia's Christian heritage, tracing its roots to the country's founding years and the prayers of early leaders who sought God's guidance during the transition to independence.

He also referenced the historic prayer attributed to missionary David Livingstone and the 1991 declaration by former President Frederick Chiluba that Zambia is a Christian Nation, describing both as defining moments in the country's spiritual journey.

According to Bishop Mfula, the annual commemoration of the declaration serves as a reminder that Zambia's national identity is founded on faith and that public leadership should be exercised with integrity, justice and accountability.

With the country preparing for the August 13 general elections, Bishop Mfula appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to conduct the electoral process with fairness, transparency and professionalism. He said credible elections would strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforce the country's commitment to peaceful governance.

The bishop also urged political parties to place national interests above partisan competition.

"Before we belong to any political party, we are first and foremost Zambians," he said, stressing that governments and political parties change while the nation remains.

Throughout his address, Bishop Mfula repeatedly called for patriotism, warning against political violence and divisions that could outlast election campaigns. He encouraged citizens to maintain peace before, during and after voting, regardless of the outcome.

He further appealed to both the ruling party and the opposition to accept the election results should they lose, describing acceptance of the people's verdict as a demonstration of political maturity and democratic integrity.

Bishop Mfula said former presidents should continue serving the nation as elder statesmen, offering guidance and counsel to those who assume leadership. Such a culture, he argued, would encourage peaceful transfers of power and strengthen democratic governance across Africa.

In addition, he recommended that future presidents surround themselves with respected spiritual leaders who can provide prayer, moral guidance and counsel throughout their tenure.

Bishop Mfula reaffirmed support for maintaining Zambia's Christian Nation Declaration, noting that successive presidents have publicly recognised the country's Christian identity. He urged future administrations to continue promoting national prayer, Christian values and unity as part of governance.

Bishop Mfula has further calls for Zambians to remain united beyond political differences, emphasising that the country's future depends on citizens choosing peace over conflict and national unity over partisan interests.

As election day draws nearer, the message from the Christian Nation advocates was clear: democratic competition should never come at the expense of peace, and every Zambian has a responsibility to protect the country's stability, regardless of political affiliation.

 Mother-to-Mother Support Groups Give Zambia’s Breastfeeding Campaign a Community Lifeline

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — For many mothers, the decision to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months can be influenced by more than personal choice. Knowledge gaps, economic pressures, workplace demands and food insecurity often determine whether a mother is able to provide the recommended nutrition for her child.

To address these challenges, Action Against Hunger Zambia is strengthening community-based interventions aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding through Mother-to-Mother Support Groups under its European Union-funded humanitarian programme.

Speaking on the sidelines of activities promoting breastfeeding, Linda Nyelechi, ECHO Project Lead Coordinator at Action Against Hunger Zambia, said the ECHO Funded Health and Nutrition project in Mantapala refugee settlement and the host community in Nchelenge District is working directly with communities to improve knowledge and support systems for mothers to promote exclusive breastfeeding as a way of “strengthening something that works”.

                                                          (Ms. Linda Nyelechi)

She explained that that through the ECHO funded health and Nutrition project, the program is encouraging mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months and timely introduction of complementary feeding after six months.

“We are promoting what we are calling Mother-to-Mother Support Groups, where we encourage mothers on exclusive breastfeeding within the first six months and complementary feeding after six months,” Nyelechi said.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with districts health office and targets communities, including host communities and refugee settlement.

Nyelechi identified lack of information as one of the biggest barriers affecting exclusive breastfeeding practices.

“The major challenge that we see is knowledge. We are dealing with communities where knowledge issues come in and play a major role,” she said.

Through Mother-to-Mother Support Groups, Action Against Hunger provides awareness sessions aimed at helping mothers understand the importance of breastfeeding and child nutrition.

The project also screens children and mothers for nutrition-related challenges and links vulnerable cases to appropriate support services.

She said the programme targets different groups of women, including housewives, working mothers and women living in both host communities and refugee settlements.

“In those communities you find different kinds of women — you find housewives, especially in host communities, and you also find working mothers,” she explained.

She said the project works with mothers to develop practical plans that help them continue breastfeeding while managing daily responsibilities.

The programme also welcomed efforts by labour authorities to promote breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, including measures that allow working mothers to breastfeed their children.

Nyelechi warned that failing to practice exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months can expose children to serious health risks, particularly malnutrition.

“The risk of not doing exclusive breastfeeding, especially in the first six months, is that you expose the child to malnutrition,” she said.

She explained that breast milk contains essential nutrients and protection needed for a baby’s early development.

“Introducing any other feeding apart from breast milk at that stage endangers the child’s health,” she said.

Beyond knowledge and workplace barriers, Nyelechi noted that household Food security and livelihoods also affect breastfeeding and child nutrition outcomes.

She said challenges such as drought and disrupted livelihoods can place additional pressure on breastfeeding mothers and families.

“We cannot ignore the part that Food Security and livelihoods affected by a number of factors, especially drought, can affect the mother who is breastfeeding,” she said.

To address these challenges, Action Against Hunger is working with other stakeholders like Caritas Mansa to complement food security and livelihood interventions that support health and nutrition programmes.

Through Mother-to-Mother Support Groups, Action Against Hunger believes communities can become stronger partners in improving child health outcomes.

Nyelechi said empowering mothers with knowledge, peer support and practical solutions is essential to ensuring that children receive the best possible start in life.

For Action Against Hunger, breastfeeding promotion is not only about encouraging a feeding practice — it is about protecting children from malnutrition, strengthening families and building healthier communities.

As Zambia continues to promote breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Week 2026, community-based programmes such as these are helping bridge the gap between policy commitments and the everyday realities faced by mothers.

 Breastfeeding: Zambia’s First Investment in a Healthier Generation

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — In the quiet hours before sunrise, when most of the city is still asleep, millions of mothers across Zambia begin a daily routine that carries consequences far beyond the walls of their homes.

A mother gently holds her newborn child, providing the first source of nutrition, protection and comfort. In hospitals, nurses guide new mothers through the first hours of breastfeeding. In communities, families make decisions that can influence the health and development of children for years to come.

Though often unseen, health experts say these moments represent one of the country’s most important investments in human development.

As Zambia commemorated World Breastfeeding Week 2026 under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” stakeholders highlighted breastfeeding as more than a maternal responsibility — describing it as a national priority linked to child survival, economic development and social wellbeing.

The campaign focused on strengthening proven interventions that support mothers and infants, including breastfeeding counselling, supportive workplaces, Baby-Friendly health facilities and community involvement.

For generations, breastfeeding has been a natural part of motherhood. But health experts say its importance goes beyond tradition.

Breast milk provides essential nutrients required for a child’s early growth, strengthens immunity and protects infants against common illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia.

For mothers, breastfeeding contributes to recovery after childbirth and reduces the risk of certain health conditions.

However, speakers at the World Breastfeeding Week launch in Lusaka said breastfeeding must not be viewed only as a personal choice between a mother and her child.

“Breastfeeding is not merely a personal choice. It is a public health imperative, a social justice issue, and a cornerstone of sustainable development,” Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Mr. Zechariah Luhanga said.

He said strengthening breastfeeding requires coordinated action from government, employers, families, health workers and communities.

Recent national data indicate that about 70 percent of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed — a rate regarded as one of the highest in Africa.

The achievement has been attributed to years of investment in maternal and child health programmes, community engagement, policy interventions and partnerships between government and cooperating partners.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have cautioned that changing lifestyles, economic pressures and increased exposure to commercial marketing threaten breastfeeding gains in many countries.

For many mothers, the decision to continue breastfeeding becomes more difficult when maternity leave ends.

A woman may leave the hospital committed to exclusive breastfeeding, but returning to work can create challenges if she lacks time, privacy or support.

Some mothers struggle to find safe spaces to express breast milk, while others face workplaces that do not provide flexible arrangements.

He added that Zambia’s labour laws provide important protections through maternity leave provisions, nursing breaks and protection against discrimination related to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Mr. Luhanga urged employers to implement these measures fully and establish breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.

He encouraged institutions to create designated lactation spaces and adopt policies that allow mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

For women in informal employment, the challenge is often greater because many depend on daily income and have limited workplace protection.

Health advocates at the launch challenged society to move away from the belief that breastfeeding is only a mother’s responsibility.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, speaking at the World Breastfeeding Week launch, added that breastfeeding remains one of the most cost-effective interventions for improving child health and reducing preventable illnesses.

He emphasized that strengthening breastfeeding requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders, including government institutions, health workers, communities and families.

Dr. Lishimpi noted that while Zambia has made significant progress in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, continued efforts are needed to address emerging challenges such as inadequate workplace support, misinformation and barriers that prevent some mothers from accessing the guidance and support they need.

He said creating an enabling environment for breastfeeding mothers is essential to ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.

“Breastfeeding is not only a health issue; it is an investment in Zambia’s human capital,” Dr. Lishimpi said, stressing the need for collective responsibility in protecting and promoting breastfeeding practices.

Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Karen Sichali Sichinga said successful breastfeeding requires collective support.

“The success of breastfeeding does not rest with mothers alone,” she said. “It requires supportive families, supportive fathers, supportive employers, supportive health workers and supportive communities.”

She explained that a supportive environment can determine whether mothers continue breastfeeding successfully.

A father assisting with household duties, a grandmother encouraging breastfeeding, a health worker providing accurate information and an employer creating supportive conditions all contribute to better outcomes for children.

While Zambia continues to address traditional barriers, health authorities have identified a new challenge — the growing influence of digital marketing.

Experts say many mothers now seek parenting information online, where commercial advertisements can sometimes compete with medical advice.

WHO and UNICEF warned that evolving marketing strategies for breast-milk substitutes, especially through digital platforms, require stronger monitoring and enforcement.

They called for increased protection of families from misleading information and urged stakeholders to ensure mothers receive accurate guidance.

UNICEF Zambia Representative Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah said breastfeeding remains central to child survival, nutrition and development.

“Every child deserves the best start in life, and breastfeeding is the foundation,” Dr. Abdullah said.

She added that breastfeeding represents “love, health and protection” for children.

Beyond its health benefits, breastfeeding is increasingly being recognised as an economic investment.

WHO and UNICEF estimate that every US$1 invested in breastfeeding generates about US$35 in returns through reduced healthcare costs, improved education outcomes and increased productivity.

Experts say healthier children are more likely to perform better in school and become productive adults, while healthier mothers face fewer health complications.

In Zambia, WHO and UNICEF have supported breastfeeding promotion through programmes including the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, training of nearly 2,000 frontline health workers and community volunteers in infant and young child feeding counselling, and strengthening newborn care services such as Kangaroo Mother Care.

As the World Breastfeeding Week celebrations ended, stakeholders renewed calls for stronger commitment from all sectors of society.

Government institutions, employers, fathers, families, health workers, community leaders and the media were urged to help create an environment where every mother has the opportunity to breastfeed successfully.

 HRC Raises Alarm Over Political Violence and Hate Speech Ahead of August Elections

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has raised serious concerns over political violence, intimidation and hate speech ahead of Zambia’s 13 August 2026 General Election, warning that such incidents threaten constitutional rights and the credibility of the electoral process.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, HRC Chairperson Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo said the Commission has observed isolated incidents of violence, inflammatory rhetoric and political intolerance involving political actors and their supporters.

                                              (Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo)

“Violence and threats of violence undermine fundamental human rights and freedoms, including the right to life, security of the person, freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, and the right to participate in public affairs without fear or intimidation,” Dr. Sambo said.

The Commission expressed particular concern over reported incidents that resulted in loss of life during the pre-election period. Dr. Sambo cited the deaths of Mr. Nelson Chikumbi in Lusaka, Mr. Stanley Sakala of Chivuna Village in Magoye East Constituency, and Mr. Humphrey Lwisha of Kaputa District as examples that underscore the need for accountability.

“Every life lost during an electoral period is one life too many,” she said, extending condolences to the bereaved families and calling for thorough, impartial and timely investigations.

The HRC said it will continue to monitor the incidents and conduct independent investigations in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

The Commission also condemned a reported incident in Mtendere Compound in Lusaka, where a girl was injured during a police crowd-control operation following a political campaign activity. Reports indicate that she was struck on the leg by a pellet discharged from a tear-gas canister.

Dr. Sambo said the incident raises serious concerns about the protection of children during political activities and security operations. The Commission has launched investigations into the matter.

Beyond physical violence, the HRC warned against the growing use of hate speech, threatening language and online abuse, particularly on social media platforms during the campaign period.

Dr. Sambo said. “The language used during elections can either promote peaceful coexistence or deepen divisions within communities.”

She stressed that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it must be exercised responsibly and with respect for the rights and dignity of others.

The Commission further expressed concern over the continued low participation of women in elective politics. According to the HRC, women account for only 12.5 percent of parliamentary candidates, 10.9 percent of mayoral and council chairperson candidates, and 8.5 percent of ward councillor candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Dr. Sambo said the figures reveal a significant gender imbalance and urged political parties to adopt deliberate measures to increase women’s participation in public affairs.

The HRC also warned that the spread of misinformation and disinformation could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and inflame tensions during the election period.

The Commission called on citizens, political parties and the media to verify information before sharing it and to promote responsible public discourse.

Dr. Sambo acknowledged efforts by the Electoral Commission of Zambia and the Zambia Police Service to address electoral tensions, but emphasized that all actions taken during the electoral period must respect constitutional rights, due process and human dignity.

As the country enters the final phase of campaigning, the HRC appealed to all political actors and citizens to reject violence, respect divergent views and ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful and rights-respecting environment.

“Elections are not merely a contest for political office,” Dr. Sambo said. “They are about people, their rights and freedoms, and their aspirations for the future.”

The Commission said it will continue monitoring the electoral environment through its Early Warning and Early Response mechanism and encouraged members of the public to report threats, intimidation and other human rights violations through its toll-free line, 8181.