DGA Kicks Off in LUSAKA 

 By Daily News Reporter (Day 1)

 The Digital Government Africa Summit 2025 is currently underway in Lusaka, Zambia, from October 7 to 9, 2025. The summit aims to drive digital transformation across Africa's public sector, focusing on citizen-centric digital services.

The summit will forcus through Digital Identity and Verification, Developing secure and efficient digital identity systems to enhance citizen services , E-Government Infrastructure- Building robust infrastructure for effective digital governance and Cybersecurity and Data Protection*: Ensuring the security and integrity of digital systems.

During the official opening ceremony President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the importance of digitalization in the movement of goods across borders, stating;

 "We need to use digitalisation in the movement of goods across our borders. We should have non-border posts… that can be achieved through technology." 

The summit provides a platform for knowledge sharing, strategic partnerships, and collaboration among stakeholders.

 PUMA ENERGY ZAMBIA TO PROTECT SCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH BE ROAD SAFE AFRICA PROGRAM 

By Daily News Reporter 

PUMA ENERGY ZAMBIA PLC launched a second Be Road Safe Africa program in partnership with international Road safety AMEND .

This partnership aims to improve road safety among school going children across zambia.

Speaking during the launch of the Be Road Safe Africa program, Puma Energy Zambia PLC General Manager Zwelithini Mlotshwa stated that this is a life saving step to protect the children and empower community with the knowledge and resources to make the difference in Zambia.

Mr Zwelithini also stated that this is a African initiative to improve the lives of the children in all the provinces of this country.

And Ministry of Transport and Logistics Permanent Secretary Mr Fredrick Mwalusaka stated that the ministry is committed to safeguard road users by strengthening enforcement of traffic laws and regulations through Road Traffic Safety Agency.

He further said that through such initiatives in partnering with stakeholders like Puma Energy Zambia it will ensure that behavioral change among Motorists is implemented.

Meanwhile AMEND Senior Program Officer Ramadhani Nyanza also added that engaging with educational tools is to reinforce critical Road safety lessons and by ensuring active participation from children through activities of road safety programs.

And through this program 7297 students in 5 primary schools are participating in the 2nd Puma Energy Be Road Safe Africa program.

It also reached to over 13,990 students across to five high traffic risk zone schools.

And according to World Health Organization shows that Road traffic injuries are the leading  causes of death among the children and young adults aged 10 to 19years Globally.

In 2024  the zambia Police reported that 19,180 road traffic accidents in Lusaka contributing to the national total of 35,731 accidents with 1,804 resulting in fatalities and 2,199 deaths. This is due to excessive speed, misjudging clearance distance and disobeying traffic rules.

And for children under 16 there 1310 casualties out of which 201 were deaths.

 CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTING ACCESS OF QUALITY WATER

By Daily News Reporter

Climate change is affecting water access for many people in different parts of the country causing more severe droughts and floods.

Increasing global temperatures are one of the main contributors to this challenge as climate change impacts the water cycle by influencing when, where, and how much precipitation falls.

Lusaka City is currently facing threats to quality water due to severe drought across the country and in areas such as Kanyama where floods has become a perennial problem because of poor drainage system and that the area sits on the impervious dolomite rock.

These drought and floods affects access to quality water as the residents in the compound depends on water kiosks were water is intermittent. Other compounds include Misisi, Zingalume, Kalikiliki, Garden house, Bauleni and Mazyopa compounds where they face water challenges either during rainy season or dry season. As a result of erratic water supply most residents draw water from shallow wells for their house chores.

In an interview with some residents in Kanyama compound they said that access to quality water is a serious challenge because during the rainy season the toilets which are mostly filled up mixes with the flooded water risking the residents to waterborne diseases such as typhoid, dysentery and cholera.

“We always face water challenges here in Kanyama during the rainy season because of the floods, we depend on shallow wells because we often experience erratic water supply from kiosks, said the residents.

The other challenge in these areas is the use of pit latrines which get filled and drains to the ground during the rains threatening the ground water.

While Kanyama residents’ faces flood related challenges, the situation is different from Bauleni compound residents who said lack of water is a serious challenge in the area which environmentalists says this is because of some illegal settlements where some people have encroached recharge areas.

But Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (former)  Public Relations Manager Nshamba Muzungu said that climate change has affected access to water in Bauleni as the main borehole has dried up.

“ I want to confirm that in Bauleni area they are facing water challenges due the borehole that has dried up as a result of climate change”, said Mr. Muzungu. He said the LWSSC is now distributing the water using bowsers to help the affected residents.

Mr. Muzungu said the challenge is not only in Bauleni compound but Zingalume where some boreholes belong to LWSSC have been affected.

He said the company through Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project will ensure that most compounds benefit and connected to the network to enhance access to quality water.

Meanwhile, Water Aid Zambia Head of Policy Campaigns and Communication Chitimbwa Chifunda has urged more funding to water sector saying poor water, sanitation and hygiene are the main causes of infections like cholera and diarrhea.

And the National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (NUWSSP), which spells out government’s roadmap on improving access to clean water and sanitation, amplifies these two measures by stating the investment needs of the sector.

Pursuant to Part II, subsection 4(2d) of the Water Supply and Sanitation Act No. 28 of 1997 that mandates NWASCO to develop sector guidelines on the management of water and sanitation services, NWASCO is in the process of revising a Climate Risks Screening Guideline.

The guideline was developed for use by practitioners in the country’s water sector to help identify, eliminate or allay adverse impacts that climate change may pose towards water infrastructure and resources.

It provides guidance on systematic steps practitioners can take to identify climate hazards and extenuating measures, thereof, as they design and implement water supply and sanitation projects.

Although the guideline is primarily intended for use on new projects, it will also be used to climate proof already existing water supply and sanitation project t s and infrastructure by guiding decision making for any modifications that may be required.

 As a response to the growing water demand amid dwindling water resources in the capital city which has seen increasing urbanization and industrialization, an initiative called Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) was started in 2016 to contribute to the security of water resources.

LuWSI, a multi-stakeholder collaboration system between public sector, private sector, civil society and international actors, aspires for a water secure city for its residents and businesses. Currently, LuWSI has 25 members and the patron is the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation.

In line with one of its core functions of assessing, prioritizing and monitoring water security threats and solutions, impacts of climate change is one of the challenges LuWSI tries to address. As a LuWSI partner, NWASCO hosts the LuWSI secretariat.

NWASCO has also collaborated with partners in collecting information for the purposes of quantifying green gas emissions for the sector and in identifying opportunities for reduction including energy reduction.

The water sector must continue developing climate change m mitigation and adaption measures in order to safeguard its resource.

 

MUHANGA URGES ZAMBIANS TO INVEST IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

By Daily News Reporter 

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism has called on Zambians to take advantage of the vast opportunities available in the country’s tourism sector and actively invest to support its growth and sustainability.

Speaking during an interview on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) programme Chintobentobe a local Zambian language program the Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Mr Evans Muhanga emphasized that the tourism industry remains a critical pillar of Zambia’s economic diversification agenda, with immense potential for job creation, income generation and community development.

He urged the citizens to seize opportunities in areas such as hospitality, tour operations, eco-tourism, cultural tourism and related value chains, noting that domestic investment will not only boost national revenue but also promote ownership and pride in Zambia’s natural and cultural heritage.

“Tourism is one of Zambia’s most promising sectors. For it to thrive, we need more Zambians to participate as investors and partners" said Muhanga.

He also said that government has continued to create a favorable policy environment and incentives to ensure the sector grows inclusively and sustainably.

Mr Muhanga reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with both local and international stakeholders in enhancing tourism infrastructure, marketing Zambia’s unique attractions and fostering innovation to make the sector competitive on the global stage.

Health expert Highlights Importance of Community and Media Engagements

  By Daily News Reporter 

Dr. William Kilembe Center for Family Health Research in Zambia Project Director recently presented a compelling case for community engagement and involvement in adolescent girls and young women research. 

And According to Dr. Kilembe, empowering young women in decision-making processes is crucial for fostering inclusive and effective solutions.

Dr. Kilembe emphasized the importance of involving adolescent girls in decision-making processes, citing the benefits of empowerment through participation.

 "When young women are empowered to participate, they develop skills and confidence to raise their voices and hold governments accountable," he said.

Speaking during at a Media training organized by Southern African Institute for Collaborative Research and Innovation Organization (SAICRIO ) and Engage Zambia.

The presentation also highlighted the value of safe spaces and mentorship programs in supporting adolescent girls and young women. These initiatives provide supportive environments for young women to develop life skills, access education, and engage with their communities.

Dr. Kilembe stressed the need for collaborative approaches in research, involving research institutions, governments, Media and civil society organizations.

 "By working together, we can design and implement projects that address the specific needs of adolescent girls and young women," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of capacity building initiatives, equipping adolescent girls and young women with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in research and decision-making processes.

And SAICRIO Executive Director Dr , Professor Wilbroad Mutale highlighted key strategies for effective community engagement, including trauma-informed approaches, co-creation, and long-term engagement and through media platforms.

"By providing safe and supportive environments, collaborating with young women, and building trust, we can ensure that research is inclusive, effective, and sustainable," he said.

He further said that By prioritizing empowerment, collaboration, and capacity building, we can create a brighter future for young women in Zambia.

WATERAID ZAMBIA CALLS FOR WASH INVESTMENT

By Daily News Reporter 

WaterAid Zambia has called for urgent increased investment in sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Zambia.

Speaking during at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, WaterAid Zambia Country Director Yankho Mataya stated that 32% of households lack basic water access, 64% lack basic sanitation, 82% lack basic hygiene, and 13% of healthcare facilities have no water service.

She further said that they is need to address the deficits as part of a complex WASH ecosystem involving various actors at community, institutional, and subnational levels.  

This signing ceremony of the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was between the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), and WaterAid Zambia.

"We have reached over 3 million people in more than 40 years of work in Zambia and are committed to strengthening institutions and capacity development," Mataya added.  

She stressed that financing is vital for long-term operation and maintenance of water services, ensuring sustainability beyond initial capital investments.  

With a focus on inclusive service delivery, Mataya pledged to work alongside government and communities to ensure nobody is left behind, especially women and children who are disproportionately affected.  

Meanwhile, Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Permanent Secretary Engineer Romas Kamanga described the signing as a significant milestone marking a new chapter in cooperation towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 and Zambia’s Vision 2030.  

He emphasised that clean water and sanitation are foundational to public health, economic growth, and human dignity, extending beyond infrastructure to include institutional capacity building.  

Mr Kamanga also added that the ministry is committed to have a collaborative efforts in implementing innovative water technologies, data-driven decision-making, and robust sector performance reviews to enhance outcomes.  

"This memorandum represents mutual trust and a clear roadmap for working together across all levels, from national to provincial and district," he said.  

He further said that they is need to have a renewed commitment to make the partnership a shining example of government, civil society, and development partners united for a common cause.  

And Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary Dr Gabriel Pollen, Director for Rural Development, Engineer Fanizani Phiri expressed pleasure that the collaboration will enhance the capacity of local authorities to effectively manage rural water and sanitation services.  

He emphasised the importance of empowering local staff to ensure rural communities are not left behind and highlighted collaboration on policy, capacity building, and urban-rural planning.  

"This memorandum will produce tangible results as we build bridges and share knowledge to transform rural communities and improve lives," Phiri said.  

He called for innovative and inclusive approaches, urging all sectors and stakeholders to work together towards lasting positive change.  

Phiri thanked all partners for their commitment and underlined the unity of purpose essential to achieving collective goal.

ZAMBIA LAUNCHES UNESCO 2030 CULTURE INDICATORS IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME

By Daily News Reporter 

 The Ministry of Tourism launched the UNESCO 2030 Culture Indicators Implementation Workshop in Lusaka, marking an important step in strengthening the role of culture in Zambia’s development agenda.

The programme seeks to integrate culture into national planning, budgeting and policy formulation through validated indicators that will measure culture’s contribution to job creation, learning, social cohesion and resilience.

 Speaking during the official opening of meeting Ministry of Tourism Minister Ronard Sikumba said 

“The UNESCO Culture 2030 Indicators provide a practical framework to make culture measurable and relevant to policy. By strengthening our capacity to collect and interpret cultural data, we will ensure that culture is no longer invisible in development choices. 

He also indicated that the Measurement is not an end in itself but a gateway to better decisions, fairer resource allocation and stronger societies.

The Minister stressed that although culture is a proven driver of sustainable development, Zambia’s limited statistical data has hindered evidence-based policymaking. The workshop therefore aims to build national ownership and capacity in cultural monitoring, enabling Zambia to generate reliable data for inclusion in the UNESCO databank and for domestic policy use.

 Speaking at the same event Mr. Claudio Bacigalupi, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Zambia, emphasised the fundamental role of culture in shaping society and driving development.

“Culture is what we are, no matter where we are, we have our culture with us. It encompasses shared beliefs, practices, knowledge, music, dance, laws and institutions that shape collective identity and way of life. Culture is essential for development because it provides the foundation for shared identities and values, fosters social cohesion and resilience and drives economic progress through creativity and innovation.” Bacigalupi said.

The EU has partnered with UNESCO to roll out the Culture 2030 Indicators Programme globally, with Zambia among the countries now taking part in the 2024–2026 cycle. This reflects the EU’s continued support for cultural cooperation, innovation and inclusive development.

The workshop broght together government ministries, national statistical offices, local authorities, civil society, cultural practitioners and research institutions to ensure a participatory and sustainable approach.