Sustainable debt management key to adequate education financing

African governments must increase spending on the sector to meet increasing education needs on the continent.

By Daily News Reporter

African governments with international partners must aim to sustainably manage debt and promote the right to education amid the continent’s escalating debt crisis, Amnesty International said today as the world marks the International Day of Education.

Education is the African Union’s (AU) theme for 2024 and, given its importance to the AU's development blueprint, Agenda 2063. African governments must increase spending on the sector to meet increasing education needs on the continent.

A harsh combination of multiple crises: debt, the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change have pushed many African governments to implement austerity measures and reduce social spending including, in the case of education, removing subsidies which enabled poorer children to access learning. At the same time, the attempt to raise revenue for debt repayment has led to tax increases on basic items, including on school related supplies. These policies have undermined public investment in education whilst increasing costs for learners.

“As the world marks the International Day of Education, African governments must allocate greater funding to educate our continent’s children and youth,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

“International partners must also support African countries in their efforts to protect the right to education by offering sustained debt restructuring and relief, which would ease the pressure on authorities seeking to enhance support for schooling.”

Massive debts and corruption undermining investment in education.

On average, African countries have a debt to GDP ratio of 60% The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that nearly 57% of Africans live in countries that spend more on debt repayments than education and health combined. It is estimated that Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, and Kenya spend at least a quarter of their budgets on debt repayments, leaving very little money for investment in education. This is further exacerbated by corruption.

“At the same time as struggling with debt African countries are also facing huge challenges with widespread corruption. Governments must ensure that budgets are not embezzled or mismanaged. Debt repayment strategies must therefore broaden revenue bases through progressive tax reform whilst reducing corruption instead of just cutting budgets for education and other social services,” said Tigere Chagutah.

Given the educational failings across Africa, especially in conflict-affected regions and following the disruption to education caused by COVID-19 African governments must not just meet but go beyond the minimum budget thresholds established by the Dakar and Incheon declarations if they are to ensure that the right to education is fully protected and promoted. Currently, the continent spends just about 5% of their GDP on education, falling below the Dakar declaration.  

African governments must prioritize education in their development planning and allocate sufficient resources in line with regional and international commitments, including the Incheon Declaration Doing so would require increasing education budgets as well as utilizing partnerships through international cooperation and assistance to ensure that education in the region not only responds to Africa's development needs but also aligns with international human rights law and standards.

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 NATIONAL REFUGEE POLICY LAUNCHED TO ALLEVIATE CHALLENGES IN MANAGING REFUGEES-MWIIMBU

“This policy and implementation plan will improve refugee reception, admission and management systems and it will strengthen the civil registration and documentation system for refugees children born in Zambia,”

By Daily News Reporter

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu says the National Refugee Policy and Implementation Plan will help alleviate the challenges faced in managing refugees and Persons of Concern (POCs).

Mr Mwiimbu said the government will continue to make strides in contributing to the fight against forced displacements and its causes.

The government has started engaging financial institutions to help refugees with capital for them to facilitate various economic and productive activities.

And a good number of refugees are currently contributing to Zambia’s economic affairs through their businesses which have also employed some Zambians.

He has also disclosed that the government is considering incorporating some refugees into the farmer input support program-FISP as well as providing other social security services as they integrate with their host communities.

He was speaking in Lusaka at the launch of the first ever National Refugee Policy and Implementation Plan.

He added that the country had a history of hosting refugees as far back as the 1940s and since then, the country has maintained an open door policy and has seen a steady increase in refugees entering the country seeking asylum.

“It is only suitable then that this increase in refugees as well as the maintenance of the open door policy has a comprehensive legal system in place to support the provision of quality essential services and protection to displaced persons,” he added.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that refugees and other POCs have equitable access to quality services and protection.

“The country is a party to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees and its 1967 Protocol, the 1969 Convention governing the specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa, the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants of 2016 and the Global Compact on Refugees,” Mwiimbu said.

He said it is important that the country puts in place a policy framework that actualizes international commitments and best practices to adequately assist refugees.

And speaking at the same event, Commissioner for Refugees Professor Prosper Ng'andu said the objective of the policy is to promote coexistence of POCs and the host community, to strengthen access to durable solutions among others.

“This policy and implementation plan will improve refugee reception, admission and management systems. It will strengthen the civil registration and documentation system for refugees, improve the access of POCs and refugees to justice and reduce the risk of statelessness, especially among refugee children born in Zambia,” Prof. Ng'andu added.

Meanwhile, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Country Representative Preeta Law said the National Refugee Policy reflects the hospitality and generosity that Zambia has long provided to refugees and POCs.

“Through this policy, Zambia is making a big contribution to the global effort to implement the approach affirmed by United Nations member states in the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR),” Ms. Law added.

Ms. Law also said Zambia's new policy is a reflection of the concerted will of the government to create an enabling protection environment for refugees to attain solutions, flourish and fully contribute to Zambian society.

She further disclosed that UNHCR will support the government to harmonize the regulatory framework as early as possible to remove the barriers affecting forcibly displaced persons that have been identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, and its stakeholders.

Zambia currently hosts over 95, 500 refugees and other forcibly displaced persons in Maheba, Mayukwayukwa, and Mantalapala refuge settlements as well as in urban areas like Lusaka.

 200 STARLINK SATELLITE KITS ARRIVE IN THE COUNTRY

"This will enhance internet speed in public service institutions...….."KAWANA

By Daily News Reporter

The Ministry of Information and Media (MIM) Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana says the 200 starlink satellite kits that the Government has received under Smart Zambia which have arrived in the country will enhance internet speed in public service institutions.

Mr Kawana said that the government has partnered with Space X's starline team, a United States of America (USA) based institution to explore the provision of affordable and reliable internet services in the country.

And Speaking when receiving the first consignment of Starlink satellite kits at KK international Airports in Lusaka, Mr Kawana said that the government will ensure that all public service sites have access to the internet.

"The government will target remote borders and towns as sites for the installation of the satellite kits," Kawana said.

Smart Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama also said the Starlink satellite kits will improve internet connectivity and enhance economic growth and business opportunities in the country.

 Airtel Zambia Donates K1million towards the Cholera fight

By Daily News Reporter

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has donated K1 million (One Million) to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) through the Ministry of Health as part of the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility in the fight against Cholera.

Airtel’s Human Resources Director, Ms Bwembya Barbara Chikonde speaking on behalf of the Interim Managing Director, Mr. Hussam Baday, expressed concern and sadness at the emergence of Cholera and the loss of lives.

Ms. Chikonde who was flanked by Airtel Money Country Director, Mr. Andrew Chuma and Sales and Distribution Director, Mr. Francis Simfukwe, said her company was joining in the fight against the pandemic that has affected almost all the provinces of Zambia. She also conveyed best wishes to the Minister from the Airtel Africa CEO Mr. Segun Ogunsanya.

“Today, we announce our support for Zambia’s fight against Cholera through a contribution of K1 million which we hope will go a long way in helping you feed the patients at the Treatment centre that is stationed here. As part of the private sector we believe it is only right for us to mobilize resources, alongside the Government, to fight the raging pandemic,” Ms. Chikonde said.

Hon. Masebo who was also flanked by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Gary Nkombo thanked Airtel for always being proactive in partnering with the Government in various causes and commended the Company for being an all weather friend.

“Airtel has always been an all weather friend as they have always come on board in good times and in bad times. We commend you and hope other companies can emulate your gesture. This donation of K1m will ensure that the patients are fed well as they recover, “ Masebo said.

 8 ENERGY COMPANIES FINED FOR BREACHING LICENCE CONDITIONS-Namukolo Kasumpa

By Daily News Reporter

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has fined Eight (08) energy companies a total of K408, 000 for their failure to comply with prescribed licence conditions as mandated by the provisions outlined in the Energy Regulation Act.

Manager - Public Relations Namukolo Kasumpa says the penalties were imposed following enforcement hearings, at which the offending licensees were accorded an opportunity to be duly heard.

Mrs Kasumpa however, says the ERB subsequently found the licensees wanting and warranted appropriate punitive measures, to ensure compliance and uphold regulatory standards.

She says the two companies were levied a fine of K75,000 each for operating without the necessary licence, contrary to the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019.

"The Licensees are WWWInvestment Limited for operating without a license to transport petroleum products and Chingases Company Limited for engaging in the retail of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)without a licence.In addition, Total Energies Zambia and Admire Energy Limited where fined K45, 000 each with Vivo Energy Zambia being fined K24,000 all for operating with retail service stock outs without written notification to the ERB," she said.

"Mount Meru Petroleum Limited was fined K45, 000 for failure to conduct licensed activity in accordance with the conditions, standards, and regulations as well as failure to comply with a directive of the ERB. Further, North-Western Energy Corporation (NWEC) was fined K30, 000 for failure to resolve compliance anomalies in accordance with the ERB Directive, with Minegases Company Limited being fined K45,000 for failure to comply with regulations, standards, guidelines and procedures relating to quality and reliability of supply and service as well as failure to comply with a directive of the ERB." said Kasumpa.

Mrs Kasumpa said the imposition of these fines underscores ERB’s commitment to enforcing licence conditions and maintaining regulatory standards.

'It serves to discourage non-compliant behavior and promotes an efficient and transparent energy sector that ensures public safety and protects consumer interests. The ERB has since directed all licensed companies operating in the energy sector to ensure that they always adhere to their licence conditions and set regulatory standards," she added.

"The ERB will continue to proactively monitor licensees and will not hesitate to institute enforcement action against any erring licensee(s) to ensure provision of sustainable and reliable energy services and products," Kasumpa said.

 MINISTRY OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE LAUNCHES FIVE POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

 "promotes ethical behavior, accountability, transparency within the rank and file of the Ministry as they act as key ingredients to fostering the conducive environment for sustainable institutional growth and trust," KALABO. 

By Daily News Reporter

The launched policies and strategies include the Conflict of Interest, Gift and Benefits,Whistleblower Protection. Others are the Entrepreneurship Development Strategy and Open and Distance Flexible Learning Strategies.

Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Administration) Dr. Oliver Kalabo stated that this is a remarkable worth celebrating the first launch and unveiling of two strategies and three institutional policies as this demonstrates the Ministry’s proactive alignment with both the National Legislation and Developmental outcomes laid out in the Eighth National Development Plan (8th NDP) and as a commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and National progress.

Speaking during the launch of the five policies in Lusaka Dr. Kalabo stated that the institutional policy collectively contributes to a framework that promotes ethical behavior, accountability, transparency within the rank and file of the Ministry as they act as key ingredients to fostering the conducive environment for sustainable institutional growth and trust. He called on all Government Ministries to take a leaf from the Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTs) to develop and implement similar policies.

Dr. Kalabo noted that the Transparent International Zambia (TIZ) 2022 corruption perception index record shows that Zambia is ranked One Hundred and Sixteenth least corrupt Nation out of the One Hundred and Eighty Countries hence status requires to change. 

Dr. Kalabo added that the fight against corruption is a priority and on top of the agenda of the New Dawn Administration through the Leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema who has constantly emphasized with a reminder in his speeches and keep calling for the prudent utilization of resources.

Dr. Kalabo said there is need to implement efficiency of procurement of goods and services so at leave up to Zero – Tolerance to corruption so that in the work environment where we have own human failings acknowledged there is hence the need to set supreme standards to uphold of integrity, transparency, and accountability ethical conduct and compliance in the delivery for the people of Zambia but also crucial to foster a culture of transparency and responsibility to support and protecting WhistleBlowers to contribute to an environment where ethical concerns are addressed proactively and symmetrically.

He further said that  the set standard of the policies by the Ministry (MoTS) will help to address and manage potential conflicts and compromise, objectivity and unfairness hence mitigate risks associated with fraud, corruption, and other malpractices.

And speaking at the same event the Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu also stated that this institutional policies and strategies will serve as a guide to improve the performance and integrity of the executed functions of the Ministry in discharging duties and remain key to all the citizenry for the economic development of the Country.

"We have seen that the Conflict of Interest, Gift and Benefits and WhistleBlower Protection policy spell out guidelines to the staff and board members presiding over the Ministry and its institutions to embrace the preserved content and act in the best interest of the Ministry," Habeenzu said. 

He added that the institutional policies also provide mechanisms that address any misconduct hence providing a leeway for anyone to come forth with information from any retaliation.

Dr. Habeenzu further indicated that the policy documents also reflect the Ministry’s commitment amongst its staff to uphold the highest standard of ethics and credibility and transparency.

On the developed strategies Dr. Habeenzu said the Entrepreneurship Development Strategy Policy provides for a comprehensive plan to foster and support entrepreneurship of Vocational Education and Training to create a conducive environment for vocational and economic growth aimed to provide knowledge and resources amongst the youths and women so as to grow their businesses through networked entrepreneurial activities as embraced in the Eighth National Development Plan and in order to contribute to the social and economic development of the Country.

He said the launch and unveiled Open and Distance Flexible Learning Strategy provides leverages of potential digital technologies which provide access and quality learning opportunities to a diverse training particularly to those who face challenges in traditional face to face learning systems which will help remove the complex of time and place in order to replace and offer flexibility in learning.

Dr. Habeenzu said the document also aims at enhancing the capacities and competence of the educators and the learners in using technology for teaching and learning and similarly to foster a culture of lifelong learning.

He urged all the experts who tirelessly input their knowledge, resources, and key fundamental information executed on an extensive consultation and collaboration platforms to develop the documents with exerted efforts from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Cabinet Office, Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), the Ministry officials and its Leadership and all the Stakeholders.

(pictures by MTS)