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    President Hakainde Hichilema says the prevailing Global trends calls for collective investment to attract labour skills by the citizenry contributing to the nation’s aspirations in order to build a prosperous country through skills acquisition, innovation, and hard work. Speaking on behalf of the President, at the national skills, productivity, and jobs summit, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, said the summit underscores the desire of the Government to address the challenges that have prevented the country to fully harnessing it’s economic potential, hence the need to network and enhance the employability of the youth and improve the livelihoods of the people. President Hichilema, further said the summit underscores the New Dawn administration’s focus on job creation, skills development, and social equity, perfectly aligned with the Eighth National Development Plan, anchored on the pillars of economic transformation, job creation, and human capital development. He noticed the engagement will assist to link job seekers with employers both locally and internationally, promote internships, apprenticeships, and industrial attachments, to enhance the workforce skills to meet industry demands. President Hichilema, said today the challenge is not only to create jobs but to ensure that the workforce is skilled, productive, and to sustain more decent jobs for a prosperous future. He explained that Zambia’s 2022 recruitment process, particularly in the health and education sectors, recruited over 11,000 of workers, and 30,000 teachers that attracted over 200,000 applicants across the country, this shows that a huge population has limited access to employment opportunities, he hence encouraged skilled young people to export the excess to not only reduce unemployment but also increase Zambia’s influence on Global change as the exported labour will set the country’s flag bearers in development. He urged the participants to explore advantaged areas of Zambia over other countries and exchange notes to solutions of enhanced employability, such as skills acquisition experience benefits and facilitation of efficient investment for Zambians working in the diaspora. He said with the fast changing Global economy, skills development are the backbone of productivity, hence the TEVET, and science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) remain vital to plan for the labour market. Meanwhile, Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati said the transformative capacity to drive economic transformation of job creation relies on skills acquisition that creates change. He said skills capabilities are inseparable to technologies in the transformative course. And, International Labour Organisation (ILO) country director representative, said the theme reflects ILO’s mandate to promote the rights to job opportunities in line with Zambia’s Eighth NDP. The summit is held under the theme, bridging the skills, employment and productivity gap. End…  

NAMIBIA, SOUTH AFRICA, ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE U17 BOYS PROFILESThe TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifier will be staged in Johannesburg from December 4-13 with 12 teams hoping to reach the continental finals that are to be held next year.To do that they much seal a place in the final and it will be fascinating to see which sides emerge in the coming weeks to not only take the crown, but also advance with the chance of becoming African champions.The third and final part of our team profiles looks at Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and their recent history in the competition.If you missed our Angola, Botswana, Comoros and Eswatini profiles, you can find them here.If you missed our Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius and Mozambique profiles, you can find them here.ZAMIBIALast five tournament finishes:2018 – Third2019 – Did not enter2020 – Did not enter2021 – Did not enter2022 – Group StagesNamibia took a break from the COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championship after they finished third in 2018, missing three tournaments in a row before they returned in 2022.They were winners of the championship in 2016 and the team’s victory eight years ago was a great day for Namibian football and showed the rich potential for the game in the country.After beating hosts Mauritius 3-1 in their pool opener, they lost 4-0 to South Africa in the second game. However, passage to the semifinals was assured after they stormed to a 4-1 success over Seychelles in their final pool match.It meant Namibia would face Malawi in the semifinals and after a 1-1 draw, they held their nerve to triumph 6-5 in the penalty shoot-out.It would be good preparation for the final against South Africa as the teams again played to a 1-1 draw, with Namibia this time edging the penalty shoot-out 3-1 to claim their first ever continental title. They came close again in 2018 after topping their pool following an 8-3 victory over Seychelles and 2-0 success against Botswana, to go with a 1-0 loss to home nation Mauritius. They lost 2-0 to South Africa in the semifinals, but beat Mauritius second time round 2-1 to claim bronze. SOUTH AFRICA Last five tournament finishes: 2018 – Runners-up 2019 – Group Stages 2020 – Winners 2021 – Did not enter 2022 – Runners-Up South Africa have traditionally been one of the powers in the region at this age-group level with a joint record three title victories, the last in 2020. It is a tally they share with Zambia, and have also been losing finalists a record five times, falling short against the Young Chipolopolo in the 2022 decider. It means they have appeared in eight of the 11 championships held over the years, missing out in only 2017, 2019 and 2021.South Africa lifted the inaugural trophy in 1994 when they beat Mozambique 2-1 in the final with a team that contained the likes of Delron Buckley, Steve Lekoelea and Junaid Hartley. They did not appear in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but were back at the last event two years ago. They came through a tough pool as the best runner-up behind Zambia, before a comfortable 5-1 victory over hosts Malawi in the semifinals. This set up a rematch with the Zambians in the decider, but it was the latter who triumphed 1-0 in Lilongwe. ZAMBIA Last five tournament finishes: 2018 – Group Stages 2019 – Winners 2020 – Runners-up 2021 – Runners-up 2022 – Winners Zambia are the joint most successful side in the competition along with South Africa after their three title wins, and have appeared in each of the last four finals, winning two of those. They go into the 2024 event as the defending champions having edged South Africa 1-0 in the final two years ago, which made up for the disappointment of back-to-back runners-up places in 2020 and 2021. They were also winners in 2019 as they edged Mozambique 2-0 in the final, with their two recent victories both coming in Malawian soil. Their other tournament win came in Mauritius in 2017, having had a long wait for their maiden title in this age-group. The side has twice before been to the continental finals, but exited in the group stages on both occasions in 2015 and 2023. They will be determined to be among the top two in Johannesburg and have another go at the African championship in 2025. ZIMBABWE Last five tournament finishes: 2018 – Group Stages 2019 – Did not enter 2020 – Disqualified 2021 – Did not enter 2022 – Did not enter For all their prowess as a regional powerhouse, Zimbabwe have only made the final of the COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championship on one occasion, when they lifted the trophy in 2007. They reached the semifinals in 1994 but lost 5-1 to South Africa and were beaten 1-0 by Zambia in the bronze-medal match. They exited in the first round in 2001 after a 1-0 loss to South Africa and a 3-2 victory over Namibia, and did not compete in 2002. Their crowning glory came in the 2007 competition as they topped their pool with wins over Angola (2-1) and Eswatini (3-1), that had followed a 1-1 draw with Namibia.They defeated Zambia 5-4 on penalties in the semifinals after a 1-1 draw, and then edged South Africa on spot-kicks (4-2 after a 1-1 draw) in the decider. The team did not compete in 2016 and lost all three pool matches in 2017, going down to Mauritius (1-0), Malawi (5-0) and Botswana (2-1). It was a similar story in 2018 and they did not compete in 2019, while the team was disqualified from the 2020 tournament for several players failing eligibility tests. They skipped the 2021 and 2022 tournaments, which means they last outright win (without penalties) in a match was 17 years ago in the pool stages against Eswatini (3-1). That is something they will want to put right this time round.

Lt Gen Zyeele Promotes World’s Top Two Most Expensive Female Footballers By Buffalo Reporter Lusaka Commander Zambia Army Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele has promoted Copper Queens Skipper and Orlando Pride player, Barbra Banda to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two (WOII) and Bay Football Club’s Racheal Kundananji from Private to the rank of Corporal. Speaking at Army headquarters in Lusaka today when he conferred the new ranks on the footballers, Lt Gen Zyeele said the two players’ performances have been mind-searching and inspiring to the young female players at her former club, Green Buffaloes, the nation and world. Lt Gen Zyeele said Officers, Men and Women and the entire nation are super proud of the duo’s performance and stated that they have demonstrated the fighting spirit and endurance, bringing out the heart of the buffalo among the pride of lions. WOII Banda has had a superb season, having broken a record by becoming the first Zambian to win the prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award. Banda’s success comes at the backdrop of a stellar individual brilliance at both National and Club level. During the period 2023 to October,2024, WOII Banda became the highest goal-scoring African player in Olympic history with 10 goals. She was also a pillar of the national team during their Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers that saw her guide the Copper Queens to next year’s WAFCON after a 12- nil score line against Angola, across a two-legged tie. Following her record-breaking switch from Shanghai Shengli in China to Orlando Pride in USA as the second most expensive woman in the World, WOII Banda scored 13 goals for the Club during the regular season and scored four more goals into the play- offs and assisted 7 times, and was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) to inspire the Club to its first League title. The Copper Queens Captain beat Barcelona duo, Aitana Bonmati and Caroline Graham Hansen to win the award. Cpl Kundananji, World’s most expensive woman player valued at $ 860,000 scored five times for her club. CONGRATULATIONS LADIES! By Buffalo Reporter

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS JOIN HANDS TO ADVOCATE FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS TO WATER AND FOOD Lusaka, Friday (November 15, 2024) The NGO WASH Forum and the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) have joined efforts to advocate for the Human Rights to Water and Food, that face increasing threats under the pressure of climate change in Zambia. Water Management Authority (WARMA) data reveals that groundwater levels have declined and that surface water levels in Zambia have dropped by approximately 54% in the second quarter and an average of 70% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to previous years, highlighting a severe water scarcity. In his address, Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) Senior Economist Harad Lungu emphasized the importance of addressing issues related to water availability, quality, and scarcity, noting the vulnerabilities observed this year. Mr. Lungu expressed concern over the over-subscription of water abstractions, noting that reports indicate certain water resources are currently over-subscribed and addressing sustainable limits. He stressed the need for flexibility in governance systems to adapt to new information and changing circumstances, ensuring that existing roles adequately address the challenges faced. The NGO WASH Forum, through the Communications Officer Bangwe Naviley, emphasised that climate change has impacted negatively on water availability for human consumption, particularly in rural areas that lack reliable water systems. The situation is mostly severe for the Southern part of the country, where WARMA recommends drilling depths of 80-120 meters. The concerns expressed by these two institutions were emphasized by many other civil society organizations (CSOs) in attendance at the Learning Event “Governance in the Water and Food Nexus: challenges and opportunities in the age of climate change” that took place in Lusaka on the 13th and 14th of November. On the first day of the proceedings, the dialogue counted with the participation of the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Office of the Auditor General, the National Food and Nutrition Commission, and WARMA. Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Principal Climate Change Officer Adaptation, Kasanda Bunda, emphasized the importance of water and food security for a sustainable future. The event was supported by the European Union Delegation in Zambia, through the Water Voices United Projected, spearheaded by SNV in partnership with the NGO WASH Forum. In representation of the EU Delegation, Ms. Njira Mtonga stressed the commitment of the EU to continue supporting civil society in Zambia as it contributes to effective governance and management systems that ensure that investments in water, sanitation, and the food chain benefit vulnerable populations. She reiterated the EU’s commitment to working with various partners, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to advance economic and social development in Zambia. This is contained in a statement issued by Zambia NGO WASH Forum Advocacy Officer Nonde Lwatula.  

LCC RESPONDS TO CONCERNS ON PREPAREDNESS TO FIGHT EPIDEMICS DURING RAINY SEASON LUSAKA CITY COUNCIL-LCC- assures members of the public that adequate preparations to keep the city free from diseases are being done to ensure high standards of adherence to the Public Health Act, CAP 295 of the Laws of Zambia. In a statement, LCC public relations manager Chola Mwamba said this is in response to concerns raised by some members of the public on what the Council is doing to prevent another episode of cholera following last rainy season’s outbreak. She stated that various preventive measures are currently being undertaken with the focus on clearing waste from areas that have high waste generation and inspection of public places such as bus stations, markets and bars to check the compliance levels on cleanliness. And Ms. Mwamba noted that during this period, members of the public are encouraged to be proactive by actively participating in cleaning public places and not waiting for disease outbreaks. She said markets and bus stations are usually prone to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.   Ms. Mwamba has since urged market masters and bus station managers to ensure strict monitoring measures are adhered to in respect with the Council’s guidelines of keeping the surroundings clean and safe for everyone. She however  cautioned residents who are in a tendency of littering and disposing garbage in undesignated places to desist from doing so as they will face the wrath of law once found wanting. “The Local Authority is working in collaboration with the National Epidemic Preparedness, Prevention, Control and Management Committee-NEPPC to ensure that the city and the country as a whole does not experience another cholera outbreak.” “Cholera claimed hundreds of lives between October 2023 to April 2024” “It is in this vein that the Local Authority is striving to circumvent the occurrence of the disease during this rainy season by promoting awareness on preventive measures.” “The Council remains committed to upholding public health and preventing epidemics in the city.” Ms. Mwamba said  

  The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) has heightened its awareness campaigns, targeting various stakeholders, including communities residing or conducting activities along riverbanks and catchment areas. The Authority is currently in Senanga District of Western Province, engaging farmers and communities along the Zambezi River on the benefits of protecting and preserving water resources. Farmers and residents are being educated on the negative impacts of riverbank cultivation, sand mining, deforestation, and pollution of water resources. Communities are also being encouraged to join forces with WARMA to protect water resources for their own benefit and that of the entire country. WARMA has continued to build the capacity of Agricultural Extension Officers and other district officials, with the latest training being held in Senanga District to enhance their effectiveness in working with farmers in their respective localities. The Authority is utilizing community meetings, local radio stations and engagements with public officials to reach out targeted communities.  

  Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr Chola Milambo has called on the international community to support the United Nations General Assembly resolution on Ending Child, Early, and Forced Marriage. He made the call during the accelerated efforts to end Child, Early, and Forced Marriage reception held at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations to commemorate 10 years anniversary of the resolution. Zambia and Canada have been co-sponsoring the resolution since 2014. The resolution will be presented to the General Assembly this year. Dr Milambo highlighted efforts that Zambia is making regarding ending child, early, and forced marriage with the local leaders playing an important role. He said there is a need for help at an international level. Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Ambassador Bob Rae said Child, Early, and Forced Marriages have prevented women from achieving equality. Meanwhile, in a keynote address, Ms Veronica Kamanga Njikho, Coordinator, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNCEF)/ United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Global Programme to End Child Marriage, said her organisation is committed to working with different countries to increase investment which will prevent girls from getting married early. “This is a priority and should be a priority for all, and together we are making progress. There’s hope, and we can ensure that no child is getting married early. It’s a global issue. It’s a global crisis,” said Ms Njikho.

  Lusaka, Saturday (November 9, 2024) Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) program in Zambia has emphasized the need for increased dialogue on critical minerals. CCG Climate Change Specialist Dr. Kabwe Mubanga has since commended the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) for uniting local and international stakeholders to discuss the issue, including realigning land governance in the wake of planned expansion in mining activities. Dr. Mubanga highlighted CCG’s involvement in various initiatives, including environmental financing and decentralized energy planning. He stressed the importance of managing local emissions to aid Zambia’s transition to sustainable energy and transport. Dr. Mubanga also noted the significant issues surrounding mining and past compensation disputes in the north. He made the remarks during the Stakeholder Dialogue Meeting on Critical Minerals and Land Use in Zambia. Meanwhile, Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Board Member Boniface Mumba stated that the meeting was part of ongoing research between CEJ and CCG. He emphasized the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions, increasing the demand for critical minerals like copper and cobalt, which are abundant in Zambia. Mr. Mumba pointed out the challenges and opportunities in extracting and governing such resources, particularly for local communities and Zambia’s ecosystem. “The dialogue aims to promote sustainable development while safeguarding local communities’ rights and interests. By bringing together government agencies, organizations, local representatives, industry players, and international partners, we hope to foster an open and constructive conversation around governance and community-centered approaches necessary for sustainable development in the mining sector,” he said. He reaffirmed CEJ’s commitment towards pushing for fair, inclusive, and transparent practices that respect community rights. And Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Head of Research and Studies Freeman Mubanga stated that their current research projects focus on land use governance in Zambia. He highlighted that the key issues needing attention include the expansion of extraction of minerals and developments observed over the past few years, particularly in the context of the energy transition.    

  Lusaka, Friday (November 8, 2024) The Zambia NGO Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Forum is proud to announce the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Assembly of Zambia. This landmark agreement formalises the relationship between the WASH sector and the newly established Parliamentary Caucus on WASH, an initiative conceived seven months ago. The formation of the Parliamentary Caucus on WASH marks a significant milestone for the sector. This partnership is expected to enhance advocacy efforts, streamline policy implementation, and ensure sustained political commitment to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Zambia. The Caucus will serve as a dedicated platform for Members of Parliament to engage with WASH issues, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing the nation’s WASH challenges. With over 102 Members of Parliament expressing interest in joining the Caucus, this initiative demonstrates a robust commitment from Zambia’s legislative body to prioritize WASH issues. The formalization of this partnership with the NGO WASH Forum underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between civil society and government to achieve sustainable development goals related to water and sanitation. The MoU represents a pivotal step towards strengthening our collective efforts to improve WASH services in Zambia. The active involvement of parliamentarians will undoubtedly accelerate progress and ensure that WASH remains a top priority on the national agenda. Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Moyo highlighted the significance of the occasion as a milestone for the National Assembly, symbolizing a strengthened commitment toward advancing water, sanitation, and hygiene in Zambia. Mr. Moyo noted the severe challenges due to water scarcity and inadequate sanitation and hygiene systems, which have threatened public health, economic development, environmental sustainability, and social stability. He emphasized the establishment of PC-WASH as part of the commitment to address these challenges and improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, which are essential for promoting sustainable economic activities. He expressed confidence that through the event, Parliament would gain the support of the Zambia NGO WASH Forum to develop and nurture the capacity of Parliamentarians to sustainably drive the WASH Agenda. Earlier, Parliamentary Caucus on WASH Chairperson Twaambo Mutinta, noted that the Parliament of Zambia had joined other Parliaments worldwide in supporting and building systems that are pro-water, sanitation, and hygiene. Mr. Mutinta saw the Caucus as an opportunity to eradicate water poverty by equipping themselves with knowledge and skills in water, sanitation, and hygiene. He recognized the need for MPs to have the resources and training required to tackle WASH issues head-on. Meanwhile, Zambia NGO WASH Forum Board Chairperson Marlon Phiri, mentioned that the Zambia NGO Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Forum was formally established in 2011 and serves as a coordination platform for international and local NGOs, as well as community-based organizations, working to improve WASH services in Zambia. Mr. Phiri stated that the signing of the MoU signifies a formal commitment to collaboration and mutual support between the WASH Parliamentary Caucus and the NGO WASH Forum. And SNV Zambia Country Director Lucy Fulgence emphasized that the parliamentary caucus WASH is a crucial platform that will enhance collaborations among members of Parliament and constituencies on water investments, leading to accelerated provision of WASH services in the country. Ms. Fulgence highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships through collaborations with development partners, NGOs, and private sector entities to enhance WASH outcomes. The exercise is part of the Water Voices United (WVU) Project which is a transformative four-year project, co-funded by the European Union and Danish People’s Aid and spearheaded by SNV in partnership with the NGO WASH Forum. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities and synergies among WASH Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Zambia. By fostering the CSO role in WASH governance, the project supports the Zambian Government’s efforts towards the progressive realization of the Human Right to Water and Sanitation. Together, we are not just aiming for change; we are ensuring a sustainable and equitable future where access to clean water and safe sanitation becomes a reality for all.    

Minister of Technology and Science Hon. Felix Mutati Advocates for Mutual Investment Partnerships at OECDParis, France – 7th November 2024. Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable Felix Mutati has addressed a high-level Investment and Sustainability meeting at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), calling for mutual investment partnership with Zambia that delivers benefits.The discussion, held under the theme “Industrial Policies: An opportunity or risk for Boosting Sustainable Investment,” explored current global industrial policy trends and their impact on international investment flows, sustainable development, and particularly the green and digital transitions.Hon. Mutati declared that Zambia and the rest of Africa have dropped the begging bowl, moved away from dependency on aid, and are now focused on forming mutual investment partnerships based on mutual respect, acknowledging that every country has unique capabilities to contribute. The Minister underscored the importance of mutual partnerships to drive investments that address global issues, such as energy and climate change, while leveraging digital transformation as a key driver of economic transformation by mobilising necessary private sector resources.The Minister reiterated the importance of establishing credibility and trust in the reform process, aligning with international best practices to attract private sector investment.In this regard, Hon. Mutati outlined several policy measures implemented under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration to create a favorable investment environment, such as debt restructuring, which has bolstered investor confidence, and resolving protracted legal disputes with mining companies, unlocking $1.5 billion in private sector investment from a mining firm, including investment in nickel mine, which is poised to create job opportunities.Additionally, Hon. Mutati highlighted the establishment of the Private Public Dialogue Forum aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers to private sector investment and the creation of the Presidential Delivery Unit to ensure the implementation of investment projects. The Minister stated that the introduction of pro-investment incentives in telecommunications facilitated nearly $60 million in digital infrastructure investments in 2023, enhancing Zambia’s connectivity with all eight neighboring countries. He also mentioned the development of a comprehensive digital transformation strategy aimed at promoting financial inclusion, digital skills, and entrepreneurship in mining, energy, manufacturing, and tourism sectors.Hon. Mutati noted the positive impact of investment in free education, which has brought on board 2 million children into schools an initiative aimed at building a foundation for the future by promoting digital literacy and skills.Regarding climate change, Hon. Mutati stated that the crisis has provided an opportunity for innovation in the energy sector, creating sustainable solutions that lead to private sector investments in renewable energy.During a subsequent panel discussion on accelerating investment in climate adaptation, Zambia Development Agency Director of Investments Mr. Chimuka Nketani outlined the government’s strategic focus on three priority areas of investment: energy, agriculture, and electric vehicle battery production. He emphasized that policy reforms have been instituted to accelerate investment in the energy sector, citing the execution of independent power producer agreements within ten days and the promotion of climate-resilient crops and building of climate resilient infrastructure to respond to adaptation needs.