New ZAQA Board to Boost Recognition of Zambian Qualifications Locally and Abroad

By Daily News Reporter

The Ministry of Education Minister, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, has officially inaugurated the new Board of the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA), urging members to uphold diligence, independence, and professionalism in their service.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Syakalima reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting ZAQA in strengthening its impact and enhancing the recognition of Zambian qualifications both locally and internationally. He emphasized the Authority’s critical role in safeguarding the quality, relevance, and credibility of qualifications within Zambia’s education and skills development system.

“Your expertise, integrity, and commitment to public service will be vital in ensuring ZAQA continues to deliver on its mandate,” Hon. Syakalima told the newly appointed Board Members.

And the Newly Appointed Board Members are:

Professor Victor Chisha Zulu – Chairperson

Mr. Henry Kabwe – Board Member

Ms. Thecra Milambo – Board Member

Ms. Sharon Kudzai Mofya – Board Member

Ms. Linda Siwale – Board Member

Meanwhile ZAQA Director General, Mrs. Mercy Ngoma, outlined the Authority’s mandate, which includes developing, overseeing, and maintaining the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). She revealed that in 2025 alone, ZAQA registered 872 qualifications on the NQF and verified 58,292 qualifications, underscoring the Authority’s growing influence in Zambia’s education sector.

And  Newly Appointed Board Chairperson Professor Victor Chisha Zulu pledged to provide strategic policy direction and ensure ZAQA effectively delivers on its mandate. He emphasized the Board’s dedication to professionalism, harmony, and strengthening Zambia’s education and skills development system.

 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗶, 𝗞𝗮𝗳𝘂𝗲

By Daily News reporter

In pursuit of our mission to deliver safe, efficient, and accessible water services to all, we at Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) continue to deepen partnerships with communities across our service areas.

At the heart of this commitment lies our shared vision of transparency, accountability, and collective responsibility in water management.

This week, we convened a stakeholder engagement meeting at Mtendere Primary School in Zambia Compound, Kafue.

The gathering brought together community leaders, councillor representatives, Ward Development Committee (WDC) members, and our regional team to address pressing issues surrounding water supply in the Soloboni area.

The meeting focused on four critical pillars:

- Raising community awareness of our water supply systems and service expectations;

- Strengthening infrastructure security to protect our water assets;

- Promoting payment compliance for our water services, especially among newly connected households;

- Combating illegal water connections and related activities that undermine our service delivery.

Our Western Regional Manager, Mr. Kango Mwanza, emphasized the importance of community vigilance and adherence to our water service regulations.

He urged residents to report unauthorized activities and take pride in safeguarding our water infrastructure.

Mr. Mwanza also reminded households recently connected to LWSC through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-supported network to pay the standard connection fee of K1,000 by 31st January 2026 to regularize their access and ensure continued service.

Municipal representatives from Syabusale and Matanda wards echoed a unified message, sustainable water supply is a shared responsibility that requires close collaboration between service providers, local authorities, and the community.

Together with our stakeholders, we reaffirmed our commitment to building a future where every household in Kafue enjoys reliable, legal, and dignified access to clean and safe water.

With strong leadership and active community participation, sustainable water management is not only possible it is within reach.

 

 

 GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES RURAL WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS

 By Daily News reporter

The Government launched two new water supply projects in Zambezi and Kabompo Districts aimed at improving access to safe and clean water for rural communities, under the 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, announced that the projects will be executed by the North Western Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (NWWSSCL), with funding provided through the Zambezi and Kabompo Town Councils.

Mr Nzovu said the Kabompo project, valued at K793,000, will focus on expanding water supply networks in Chikata, Farm Training Centre (FTC), INDECO and M8 townships.

“Each township will receive a one-kilometre water distribution network, initially serving about 40 customers, with the target to reach over 100 customers in the medium term, ultimately benefiting more than 1,000 residents,” Mr Nzovu stated.

He said in Zambezi District, the project costing K564,800 under Phase One will involve the construction of a new water supply line from New Market Compound to Masumpu Village.

“This development will add 100 new customers and benefit approximately 600 people,” he said.

Mr Nzovu expressed satisfaction that both local authorities have already disbursed the necessary funds and that procurement processes are underway.  

 

Improving WASH in Zambian Schools: A Key to Better Health and Education

By Daily News Reporter

The cry for improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in schools is getting louder. Lawmakers are pushing for increased funding, citing inadequate budget allocations and growing climate-related challenges.

 "WASH in schools is a fundamental right essential for children's health and education," says Mutinta Twaambo, PC-WASH Chairperson. Despite this, many schools still grapple with dirty toilets, broken water points, and lack of hygiene facilities.

 The WASH in Schools Sharing Event brought together stakeholders to discuss solutions. Key themes included financing, governance, climate resilience, menstrual health, and gender inclusion. "Education can't thrive without safe WASH facilities," stresses Marlon Phiri, NGO WASH Forum Board Chairperson.

 The Water Voices United project is working to enhance civil society's capacity to support government WASH efforts. But more needs to be done.

 

 

’DON’T TARGET US SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN’- Phiri Warns Tobacco industries

By Daily News Reporter

As schools reopen, the Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TFAZ) has sounded the alarm on the tobacco industry's aggressive marketing tactics targeting young children.

According to Kumbuso Phiri, Youth Advocate at TFAZ, tobacco companies are exploiting Zambia's weak tobacco control environment to lure children into smoking.

Phiri stated that tobacco products are being sold near schools, making them easily accessible and affordable to minors.

The industry's strategies include advertising and promotion, sale of single cigarettes, and child-friendly flavored cigarettes. These tactics aim to create a new generation of smokers, maintaining the lucrative tobacco business.

Research shows that 60% of smokers start at age 13 and 90% are hooked by 20. With Zambia's ratification of the World Health Organization Framework Convention for Tobacco Control, the government has a legal obligation to protect its population, particularly vulnerable groups like children.

The British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International are accused of intensive marketing around schools, encouraging tobacco use among children.

Cigarettes are advertised in stores, on posters, and using umbrellas, deliberately misleading children into believing they're harmless.

To curb this, TFAZ urges the government to adopt comprehensive tobacco control policies, including:

- Banning tobacco product sales near schools

- Prohibiting flavored tobacco products, small packaging, and single cigarette sales to minors

- Displaying signage in retail outlets

The government must act urgently to protect Zambia's young generation from Big Tobacco's aggressive marketing.

 

 FMO AND FNB PARTNER A $ 50M CLIMATE FINANCE DEAL 

By Daily News Reporter 

The Government of Zambia has witnessed the signing of a landmark of a $50 million agreement between First National Bank (FNB) Zambia and FMO, the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, to support climate action and green growth in the country.

The facility  will also channel funding towards eligible green projects, including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable forestry initiatives. This partnership aims to strengthen Zambia's climate resilience and promote inclusive growth.

"FMO is proud to partner with FNB Zambia to drive sustainable development and climate resilience," said Angelica Ortiz de Haas, FMO Manager. 

"This transaction responds to Zambia's macro challenges, providing scarce US dollars to support climate mitigation and adaptation projects." She added.

The agreement is part of FMO's broader commitment to supporting sustainable private sector growth in emerging markets. WWF will provide technical assistance to FNB Zambia to strengthen its capabilities in climate finance.

The facility, co-funded by the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD), will channel funding towards eligible green projects, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Mr. Dought Chibamba, emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving climate action. "This agreement is a statement of intent, a shared commitment to Zambia's climate resilience," he said.

And FNB Zambia CEO, Ms. Kapumpe Chola, expressed the bank's commitment to sustainable development, saying, "FNB is committed to financing a greener future responsibly."

The agreement is expected to support Zambia's national priorities, green growth strategy, and climate resilience goals, while promoting inclusive growth and job creation.

The partnership involves collaboration between FNB Zambia, FMO, WWF, and DFCD, demonstrating the power of partnerships in driving climate action.

 Zambia's Aviation Sector Takes Flight with New Leadership 

By Daily News Reporter 

Zambia's aviation industry is gearing up for a transformative period with the inauguration of the new Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Board and Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) Board. The government has set ambitious goals for the sector, focusing on strengthening aviation safety, modernizing regulations, expanding cargo operations, and driving digital transformation.

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, emphasized the importance of aviation in driving trade, tourism, and economic growth. The new Boards are expected to provide strategic leadership, strengthen corporate governance, and support national developments.