fenete lauds imisepela app

By CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone

The student loan application window has opened, and a prominent entrepreneur and businessman in Livingstone is urging young people to take full advantage of it, alongside other government-backed empowerment programmes.

Evans Fenete said many youths across the country are missing out on life-changing opportunities due to lack of information or failure to act.

“The student loan is an important opportunity for young people who want to pursue higher education but lack financial support. I urge all eligible youths to apply and invest in their future,” Mr. Fenete said.

Mr. Fenete, who has built a successful career in business and entrepreneurship, highlighted the IMISEPELA initiative as a platform offering a wide range of opportunities, including jobs, funding, grants, investment prospects, and skills development programmes targeted at youths across the country.

He praised President Hakainde Hichilema, saying the head of state “means well” and has put in place several measures to empower young people, including financing, business support, and digital skills development.

“IMISEPELA is a key tool for addressing unemployment and equipping young people to actively participate in Zambia’s economic growth,” Mr. Fenete said.

He further encouraged youths to explore opportunities under Smart Zambia, which facilitates access to education financing, entrepreneurship support, and other digital platforms aimed at empowering young people.

Mr. Fenete emphasized that accessing these programmes is not automatic. Young people must take initiative, stay informed, and act decisively to benefit from them.

“Opportunities are available, but they will only help you if you step forward and make use of them,” he said.

He also urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to support youths in applying for the student loan and other empowerment schemes, stressing that such programmes are critical for Zambia’s long-term development.

PF DEFENDS ZULU’S ELECTION, ADMITS STRUCTURAL GAPS AFTER LIVINGSTONE LOSS

CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone 

The Patriotic Front (PF) has defended the election of its new president, Makebi Zulu, despite his failure to secure a single vote in Livingstone, with the party admitting the outcome exposes deeper structural and organisational challenges.

PF media director Chilufya Mwewa said in Lusaka yesterday that while the party respects the outcome of the just-ended convention, the results did not fully reflect the party’s expectations across all districts.

Mr Mwewa acknowledged that Mr Zulu polled zero votes in Livingstone, a result he described as being “in the public domain”, and urged the newly elected leader to treat it as a signal of the work ahead in rebuilding the party’s grassroots support.

“I will be very honest, the results have not come out the way we wanted in certain areas. The president got zero in Livingstone, and this is public information. It shows there is a lot of work to be done,” he said.

He, however, stressed that PF remains united and that the leadership contest should not divide members, describing the intra-party election as part of a broader political struggle.

“This is not a personal battle for any individual. It is a fight for the country, and every member has a role to play,” Mr Mwewa said.

He called on losing candidates and their supporters to rally behind Mr Zulu, noting that the party had emerged from a turbulent period marked by internal divisions and external pressure from the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).

Mr Mwewa also cited unresolved internal challenges, including the party’s administrative and legal difficulties, as factors contributing to the current state of the former ruling party.

He further referenced the death of former president Edgar Lungu, saying the party was still grappling with the aftermath and urging members to focus on unity and rebuilding.

“We are coming from a difficult background. We have lost our leader, and as a party, we must now look beyond ourselves and focus on the suffering Zambian,” he said.

Mr Mwewa appealed to former members who had defected to return to the PF, adding that the party was opening its structures to new recruits, particularly in the youth wing.

He warned that politics in PF should not be viewed as a source of personal gain but as a platform for service and sacrifice.

“Politics is not a job opportunity. It is about volunteering and sacrifice. Those who want to join us must come with that mindset,” he said.

Mr Mwewa also invoked the legacy of PF founder Michael Sata, saying the party remained anchored on its founding principles despite current challenges.

He expressed confidence that under Mr Zulu’s leadership, PF would reorganise and position itself as a viable political force ahead of future elections.

And PF Livingstone Constituency Youth Chairperson Harrison Simakumba has called for unity among party members and urged youths across Southern Province to rally behind newly elected PF president Makebi Zulu following the party’s recent convention.

Mr Simakumba said party members in the constituency have resolved to support Mr Zulu, describing his election as a unifying moment for the former ruling party.

He said despite the contest that characterised the convention, the outcome had produced one winner who deserves the backing of all members.

“We want to show solidarity to the one who came out as winner at the convention. I also want to thank all those who participated,” Mr Simakumba said.

He urged losing candidates and their supporters not to withdraw from party activities but instead remain active and work towards strengthening the PF.

“My message to all candidates is that don’t back out. Continue to support Mr Zulu because he is the one who has emerged as winner. There can only be one winner,” he said.

Mr Simakumba said representatives from the constituency and other districts were in agreement on the need to unite and rebuild the party ahead of future political activities.

He appealed to district youth chairpersons across Southern Province to mobilise young people and consolidate support for Mr Zulu’s leadership.

“This is the time to work together. I am appealing to all district youth chairpersons to unite the youths and rally behind Mr Zulu, who is now the president of the Patriotic Front,” he said.

Mr Simakumba further called for intensified grassroots mobilisation, urging party structures to actively campaign and market Mr Zulu, particularly among young voters.

He said the PF needed to leverage its youthful membership base to regain political strength, noting that Mr Zulu represents the aspirations of young people within the party.

“We need to go on the ground, mobilise and market Mr Zulu. He is a youth just like us, and we need the youthful vote from all districts in Southern Province,” he said.

The PF recently held its convention at which Mr Zulu was elected president, setting the stage for renewed mobilisation efforts within party structures across the country.

Government commissions 976 solar-powered streetlights in Livingstone

CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone 

GOVERNMENT has commissioned 976 solar-powered streetlights in Livingstone to enhance security, boost tourism and support the implementation of a 24-hour economy.

Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba said the project strengthens the city’s status as Zambia’s tourism capital.

Mr Sikumba, who is also Livingstone Member of Parliament, said the streetlights, particularly along the Mosi-oa-Tunya strip, feature designs depicting the Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo—reflecting the country’s tourism identity.

“The installation of these streetlights is not only about lighting up the city but also about adding value and identity to our tourism sector,” he said.

He has since handed over the infrastructure to the Livingstone City Council and urged the local authority to ensure proper maintenance, warning that Government will not tolerate negligence.

Mr Sikumba said the project is part of efforts to actualise a 24-hour economy, enabling businesses to operate beyond traditional hours.

He noted that Livingstone stands to benefit from increased regional trade and tourism, with the Victoria Falls border already operating 24 hours and the Kazungula Border Post expected to follow suit from April 1, 2026.

He said this will increase traffic from Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, boosting economic activity in the city.

Mr Sikumba added that more street lighting projects are being rolled out across various wards to improve service delivery and support growth.

He also addressed concerns about the 24-hour economy, saying Government will provide data on sector performance under ongoing reforms.

Mr Sikumba attributed the progress to improved fiscal space following Zambia’s debt restructuring, which has reduced debt servicing and enabled greater investment in development.

He has since urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure, citing vandalism as a major challenge.

“As Government, we have responded to the needs of the people. It is now important that residents protect and preserve this infrastructure for the benefit of all,” he said.

He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to delivering development across the country. 

And Livingstone Deputy Mayor Robert Wandila said the project marks a significant milestone in modernising infrastructure in the tourism capital and enhancing its attractiveness as a leading destination.

Mr Wandila said the street lighting initiative is a strategic investment designed to transform the city’s outlook, extend business hours and create a safer environment for residents, tourists and investors.

“Street lighting goes beyond physical infrastructure. It is about creating an enabling environment for tourism growth, stimulating economic opportunities and attracting business to our city,” he said.

He noted that improved lighting will support tourism operators by encouraging increased night-time activities, ultimately leading to longer visitor stays and higher revenue generation for local businesses.

Mr Wandila added that the project reflects strong collaboration between Government, cooperating partners and the local authority in repositioning Livingstone as a competitive and resilient urban centre.

He further revealed that the programme has been complemented with the provision of essential equipment to the local authority, including road maintenance machinery, to enhance service delivery and ensure sustainability.

“This equipment will significantly improve the council’s capacity to maintain infrastructure and meet its civic obligations effectively,” Mr Wandila said.

He has since appealed to residents to safeguard the newly installed infrastructure, stressing that its success depends on collective responsibility.

“I urge all residents to protect and responsibly utilise these investments so that they benefit both current and future generations,” he said.

Mr Wandila also challenged tourism operators to leverage the improved infrastructure by developing new products such as cultural experiences, leisure activities and eco-tourism initiatives.

He said the project demonstrates what can be achieved through coordinated planning and partnerships, adding that Livingstone is on course to becoming a modern, inclusive 

ZISM launches strategy tool as Livingstone mayor calls for stronger institutional performance

Livingstone Mayor Constance Nalishebo Muleabai has urged institutions across Zambia to strengthen strategic management and improve service delivery to accelerate national development.

She made the remarks during the official opening of the 2026 Zambia Institute for Strategic Management (ZISM) Strategy Conference, where she also launched the Organisational Strategy Diagnostic Assessment Tool (OSDAT).

“The theme of this conference, ‘Building resilience for inclusive growth and improved livelihoods,’ aligns with national development priorities and highlights the need for institutions to effectively plan, implement and adapt strategies in a dynamic environment,” Ms Muleabai said.

She noted that the Eighth National Development Plan prioritises socio-economic transformation through stronger institutions, improved service delivery and enhanced resilience across both public and private sectors. 

Government reforms in decentralisation, public service delivery and economic management, she added, require ministries, local authorities and cooperating partners to improve coordination and ensure policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

“Strategic management is a critical enabler as it ensures clarity of mandate, alignment of resources and accountability for results,” she said.

The mayor commended ZISM for introducing OSDAT, describing it as a timely, evidence-based tool to assess institutional performance, identify strategic gaps and strengthen implementation. 

She said the tool is applicable across government ministries, public agencies, local authorities and private sector organisations, supporting performance management, monitoring and evaluation systems.

“The adoption of such tools will improve planning and budgeting processes and strengthen accountability in resource utilisation,” she said.

 She reaffirmed Livingstone City Council’s commitment to effective service delivery and local development, stressing the importance of partnerships among government, the private sector, civil society and professional bodies. 

Ms Muleabai urged delegates to focus on practical strategies that deliver measurable results before officially declaring the conference open and launching OSDAT.

Meanwhile, ZISM president Tilson Musowaya said Zambia’s biggest challenge is not the lack of sound strategies but the failure to execute them.

“Zambia does not have a strategy formulation problem. Zambia has an execution problem,” he said, citing poor service delivery, misaligned budgeting and weak accountability systems as evidence. 

“These are not isolated failures of individual organisations. They are symptoms of a systemic gap — a missing architecture of execution discipline across our institutions.”

Mr Musowaya said OSDAT, developed locally to suit Zambia’s institutional environment, will help organisations close the gap between planning and delivery.

 “OSDAT is built by Zambians, for Zambian realities, to strengthen execution and improve performance,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise results over plans.

ZISM Vice President Crallybell Musonda called for bold and forward-looking decision-making to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for the country. She said the two-day conference, held under the theme “Shaping Zambia’s Future: Strategic Choices for Shared Prosperity,” provides a platform for dialogue on the nation’s development trajectory.

“We need to make the right decisions today so that Zambia’s future is prosperous, sustainable and beneficial for every citizen,” she said, stressing that economic progress must be inclusive and long-lasting.

The fifth edition of the conference has attracted delegates from government, the private sector and civil society, focusing on strategic leadership, digital transformation, inclusive growth and sustainability. 

Discussions will explore innovative financing models, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), and examine how technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data can support national development.

Ms Musonda also highlighted the importance of climate resilience and Zambia’s green transition for long-term economic stability. 

Day one focuses on strategic leadership, PPPs and the role of pension schemes, while day two addresses digital transformation, cybersecurity and inclusive growth targeting SMEs, youth and gender equity.

“No society can develop successfully without providing equal opportunities and empowering the youth,” she said, urging delegates to actively contribute ideas that can translate into actionable outcomes.

“I trust this conference will spark critical conversations and actionable insights to drive our nation’s progress,” she said.

Zambia Revenue Authority aims at 20 percent to contribution to GDP

CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone

THE Zambia Revenue Authority says it aims to contribute about 20 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but unforeseen events such as global economic shocks, pandemics and climate-related challenges continue to affect revenue collection.

ZRA acting Director for Executive Support Laban Simbeye said while the authority has made progress in domestic revenue mobilisation, external factors can disrupt even well-planned targets.

“Unforeseen circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, recurring droughts and global economic instability sometimes impact our projections. Yet we remain committed to optimising revenue collection and widening the tax net,” Mr Simbeye said.

He noted that Zambia’s tax-to-GDP ratio currently stands at about 20 percent, above the 15 percent benchmark recommended for sustainable development, but still below levels achieved by higher-performing economies.

Mr Simbeye said the authority has extended its Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP) to run from 2022 to 2026 to align with Government priorities. The plan focuses on four key areas: enhancing tax and customs compliance, improving taxpayer experience, strengthening business process efficiency and developing a competent workforce.

“Our core mandate is to increase revenue while ensuring all eligible taxpayers are included in the system. Tax and customs compliance is ZRA’s number one function,” he said.

He said ZRA has invested heavily in technology and internal capacity over the past five years, developing digital platforms such as Tax Online and Smart Invoicing. The authority has also customised the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) to meet Zambia’s specific needs, improving trade facilitation, data integrity and monitoring of exports, including mineral products.

The One Stop Border Post at Kazungula, Mr Simbeye said, demonstrates efforts to streamline cross-border trade and reduce operational delays, which is critical for a country heavily dependent on mining exports.

Mining remains a key driver of Zambia’s economy and a major source of ZRA revenue. Taxes from mining, including mining income tax, mineral royalties and export duties, contribute significantly to national coffers.

“Zambia’s economic development has historically been anchored on mining. The rail lines, roads and infrastructure that shaped our country were built around this sector more than 100 years ago, and it continues to drive growth today,” he said.

Mr Simbeye added that ZRA closely monitors mining-related tax contributions to ensure compliance and minimise revenue leakages.

He said ZRA’s contribution to Government expenditure has risen from about 55 percent in 2020 to over 71 percent last year, reducing reliance on domestic and foreign borrowing. The authority aims to finance up to 90 percent of Government spending in the medium term.

ZRA’s success has also attracted attention from other countries. Delegations from nations such as Liberia have visited Zambia to learn from the authority’s systems, particularly in tax compliance, digital innovation and trade facilitation.

“ZRA’s achievements are measured not only in revenue figures but also in building institutional capacity, improving taxpayer experience and contributing to national development,” Mr Simbeye said.

Zulu a Unifier of the People — Nyambe

By Chali Mulenga

Patriotic Front (PF) Southern Province Chairperson Golden Sifunga Nyambe has described newly elected party president Makebi Zulu as a unifier capable of bringing together members across the country following his election at the just-ended elective general convention.

Mr Nyambe said Mr Zulu’s victory was a clear indication of the confidence and trust that party structures at all levels have placed in his leadership, noting that the outcome reflected broad-based support from across the PF’s extensive grassroots network.

“For him to be elected by the structures, it shows that he is a unifying factor and has the support of the party across the country,” Mr Nyambe said in an interview.

He said the party’s presence in over 100 districts and more than 150 constituencies makes such an endorsement significant, adding that it demonstrates Mr Zulu’s acceptability among members from different regions.

Mr Nyambe stated that, on behalf of the PF structures in Southern Province and in his personal capacity, he wished to congratulate Mr Zulu on scooping the presidency at the convention held on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

“On behalf of the party structures in Southern Province and on my own behalf, I wish to congratulate President Makebi Zulu on scooping the presidency at the just-ended elective general convention,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the newly elected party leader would be guided by God’s wisdom and grace as he assumes office, especially at a time when the party is working to rebuild and reposition itself.

Mr Nyambe said the Southern Province leadership expects Mr Zulu to prioritise unity, strengthen internal cohesion and provide direction that will restore confidence among party members and supporters.

He added that the province is ready to support the new leadership in advancing the party’s agenda and ensuring that structures remain active and coordinated.

Mr Nyambe also emphasised the importance of collective leadership and inclusiveness, saying the party’s strength lies in its ability to bring together members from diverse backgrounds under a common vision.

“The expectation from the members is that the new president will unite the party and ensure that all structures are working together towards a common goal,” he said.

The PF held its elective general convention over the weekend as part of efforts to reorganise its leadership and chart a new course ahead of future political contests.

ZISM Tree-Planting Drive Targets Lasting Environmental Impact in Livingstone

The Zambia Institute for Strategic Management (ZiSM) has positioned its tree-planting exercise held alongside the 2026 Strategy Conference as a long-term environmental intervention aimed at strengthening climate resilience, Vice President Crallybell Nambeye Musonda has said.

Ms Musonda said the initiative, conducted during the conference, was deliberately designed to move beyond symbolic gestures and deliver measurable environmental benefits, including improved air quality, enhanced biodiversity and urban greening.

“We wanted this to be more than a ceremonial activity. The objective was to create a tangible environmental legacy linked to the conference while contributing to climate resilience,” she said.

She explained that sustainability measures had been put in place to ensure the survival of the planted trees, with local authorities and school environmental clubs tasked with custodianship. 

Pupils are expected to play a central role in watering, monitoring and maintaining the seedlings, including replacing those that fail to survive.

The exercise was anchored on the conference theme, “Shaping Zambia’s Future: Strategic Choices for Shared Prosperity,” which, Ms Musonda said, underscores the need to integrate environmental protection into national development.

“Tree planting is a strategic investment in natural capital. It demonstrates that economic growth, tourism and public health depend on how well we safeguard the environment,” she said.

She added that the initiative also targeted behavioural change among young people by positioning them as custodians of the country’s future.

“Through this programme, we are sending a clear message to pupils that they are not just beneficiaries of Zambia’s future, but active participants in protecting it,” she said.

Ms Musonda disclosed that pupils from local schools actively participated in the planting exercise and related learning sessions, with ZiSM planning to roll out sustained school outreach programmes, environmental education and annual green initiatives to maintain youth involvement.

To ensure accountability, she said the institute had set defined targets for tree planting during the conference and would expand the programme to other provinces while tracking survival rates.

“We are moving away from one-off interventions to measurable and scalable environmental programmes,” she said.

Ms Musonda further emphasised that ZiSM’s approach combines policy advocacy with practical action, including promoting green leadership and encouraging institutions to integrate sustainability into corporate strategies.

The exercise attracted participation from corporate partners, including the Bank of Zambia, National Pension Scheme Authority, Zambia Revenue Authority, Zambia National Commercial Bank, ZAMTEL Infratel and the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board, reflecting what Ms Musonda described as shared environmental responsibility.

She said the involvement of corporate institutions signalled a growing commitment to corporate social responsibility and long-term environmental investment, while also strengthening partnerships between government agencies, industry and communities.

“Tree planting with corporate partners demonstrates that protecting the environment is a shared national responsibility and a key component of sustainable development,” she said.

Meanwhile, ZiSM also launched the Organisational Strategy Diagnostic Assessment Tool (OSDAT) during the conference to help institutions bridge the gap between strategy formulation and implementation, which Ms Musonda said is critical to sustaining economic growth and achieving shared prosperity.

She noted that the combined outcomes of the conference would leave Livingstone with greener public spaces, increased youth awareness on environmental stewardship and strengthened collaboration between local institutions and national leaders.

“In this way, the conference leaves behind not just policy discussions, but a visible and living symbol of our commitment to sustainable development,” Ms Musonda said.

PPPs Key to Unlocking Zambia’s Development Financing – Simutowe

Chali Mulenga

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has reaffirmed that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) remain central to Zambia’s strategy for financing infrastructure and driving economic growth amid fiscal constraints.

Presenting at the Zambia Institute of Strategic Management (ZiSM) Conference on March 25, 2026, Principal Business Development and Promotions Officer in the PPP Office, Solomon Simutowe, said Zambia has strengthened its legal and institutional framework to enhance private sector participation in national development.

Mr Simutowe said the enactment of the Public-Private Partnership Act No. 18 of 2023, which became effective on February 2, 2024, marked a major reform milestone following the repeal of the 2009 law due to weaknesses in coordination, project execution and oversight.

“The new Act is designed to strengthen governance, improve efficiency in project delivery and attract more private sector participation,” he said.

He noted that the law is supported by Statutory Instruments No. 16 of 2024, No. 74 of 2024 and No. 54 of 2025, which operationalise the Act and establish a PPP Fund Administration framework to support early-stage project preparation.

Mr Simutowe said PPPs are guided by key principles such as affordability, value for money, optimal risk transfer and public benefit, emphasising that projects must deliver quality services to citizens at minimal cost.

He explained that under the framework, PPP projects can be initiated through solicited proposals by government institutions or unsolicited proposals from private sector players, with preliminary evaluations for the latter required within 14 days.

“PPPs are not optional but essential in bridging Zambia’s infrastructure financing gap, especially in the face of rising debt and limited public resources,” he said.

Mr Simutowe identified priority sectors for PPP investment as transport, energy, water and sanitation, healthcare, education, urban development, trade infrastructure and digital systems.

He said financing structures for PPPs include a mix of equity and debt, mezzanine financing and project finance through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), alongside innovative mechanisms such as blended finance, guarantees and viability gap funding.

He added that emerging instruments such as green bonds, climate funds and infrastructure funds are increasingly being promoted to support sustainable and climate-resilient projects.

Mr Simutowe said risk management remains a central component of PPPs, with emphasis on transferring financial, technical and operational risks to parties best equipped to manage them in order to improve efficiency and avoid cost overruns.

“Value for money is not about the lowest cost, but about achieving long-term efficiency and sustainability through competitive bidding and proper risk allocation,” he said.

Despite the progress, Mr Simutowe cited several challenges affecting PPP implementation, including weak project preparation capacity, difficulties in securing financing, limited participation by local investors, high costs of feasibility studies and lengthy approval processes.

He warned that low involvement of indigenous Zambian investors risks foreign dominance in PPP projects if not addressed through deliberate policy measures.

To address these challenges, Government is implementing reforms such as strengthening the PPP Office, introducing standardised contracts, accelerating approval systems and promoting innovative financing models.

Mr Simutowe also underscored the importance of capacity building to address technical gaps in PPP structuring and project development.

He said Zambia’s development challenges are largely driven by limited financing rather than lack of ideas, positioning PPPs as a critical bridge between ambition and funding.

“Collaboration between Government, the private sector and development partners is key to unlocking both capital and innovation for sustainable economic development,” he said.

Mr Simutowe added that PPPs contribute to job creation, improved infrastructure access and enhanced service delivery, ultimately supporting long-term economic growth.

ZUFIAW rolls out welfare schemes as Govt reviews labour laws

CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone

The Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers has introduced a raft of welfare initiatives for its members, with Government commending the move as it reviews labour laws to address challenges arising from the digital transformation of workplaces.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba said the union’s introduction of support programmes such as baby hampers, hospital hampers, funeral grants and retirement packages reflects a strong commitment to improving members’ wellbeing.

Ms Tambatamba also launched ZUFI Financial Services, a subsidiary of the union, which will provide soft loans to members at affordable interest rates.

“These initiatives demonstrate focused leadership that prioritises the interests and welfare of workers,” she said.

The minister was speaking yesterday when she officially opened the 14th Quadrennial Conference of ZUFIAW in Livingstone, held under the theme “Digital Dawn: Transforming Work, Empowering Workers and Protecting Our Voices.”

Meanwhile, Ms Tambatamba said Government is reviewing the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019 and the Industrial and Labour Relations Act to respond to emerging issues in the labour market driven by technological change.

She said Government is also in the process of repealing the Apprenticeship Act and replacing it with a Work-Based Learning Bill aimed at strengthening skills development.

Ms Tambatamba noted that digital technologies, automation and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming workplaces, creating both opportunities and risks.

“Technology should serve people and must not become a pathway to job losses or erosion of workers’ rights,” she said.

She said while digitalisation has the potential to enhance productivity and efficiency, there is need to ensure workers are equipped with relevant skills to adapt.

“Workers must be empowered through training so that they remain competitive in evolving work environments,” Ms Tambatamba said.

She also stressed the need to safeguard fairness and transparency in digital workplaces, warning against the misuse of technology to exploit workers or infringe on their privacy.

The minister said unions have a critical role to play in protecting workers’ voices, adding that digital platforms should strengthen, not weaken, collective bargaining.

She urged unions to embrace digital tools to improve communication, mobilisation and participation among members.

Ms Tambatamba said Government will continue promoting social dialogue through platforms such as the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council in collaboration with labour bodies including the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions.

She added that compliance with labour laws remains a priority, with the ministry conducting inspections and operating a toll-free contact centre to handle labour-related concerns.

Ms Tambatamba said Government, under President Hakainde Hichilema, remains committed to leveraging technology for economic growth through initiatives such as the establishment of the Ministry of Technology and Science.

She urged delegates to use the conference to chart a clear path on how unions will adapt to the changing world of work and ensure that digital transformation benefits workers.

The minister declared the conference officially open.

The Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) has urged Government and employers to safeguard workers’ rights amid rapid digital transformation, warning that technological advancement risks deepening inequalities if left unchecked.

Speaking during the official opening of the 14th Quadrennial Conference in Livingstone on Thursday, ZUFIAW president Marina Mwape Kabonga said the rise of digital platforms, artificial intelligence and automation must not come at the expense of job security and fair labour practices.

The conference, held under the theme “Digital Dawn: Transforming Work, Empowering Workers and Protecting Our Voices,” attracted labour leaders, union representatives and international delegates.

Ms Kabonga said while digital innovation presents opportunities for productivity and efficiency, it also brings challenges such as job displacement, workplace surveillance and widening income gaps.

“Technological progress must go hand in hand with social progress. Digital transformation must not become a tool for exclusion, exploitation or inequality,” she said.

She stressed the need for workers to be equipped with new skills to adapt to changing job demands and called for inclusive policies that allow employees to participate in decisions on the introduction and use of technology in workplaces.

Ms Kabonga further said unions must reposition themselves to remain relevant by embracing digital tools to improve communication, organisation and representation of members.

She said ZUFIAW, which has existed for over six decades, remains committed to promoting decent work, fair wages and social justice, adding that these principles must now extend into the digital space.

“Decent work in the digital era must include job security in the face of automation, protection from unjust technological practices and inclusion in decision-making processes,” she said.

Ms Kabonga also raised concern over emerging workplace practices such as algorithm-based decision-making and opaque performance systems, warning that these could worsen existing inequalities if not regulated.

She noted that workers continue to face unfair disciplinary processes, limited career progression and pay disparities, which risk being amplified by digital systems.

She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to defending labour rights and ensuring that existing agreements between unions and employers are upheld even as the nature of work evolves.

Ms Kabonga called for the adaptation of labour laws to address new forms of employment, including digital and platform-based work, stating that legal frameworks must remain responsive to emerging challenges.

She emphasised the importance of unity among workers, saying fragmentation weakens the labour movement’s ability to respond effectively to rapid workplace changes.

“Workers are not expendable in the face of technological change. They are the drivers of innovation and must be central to all transformation processes,” she said.

And Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, who officiated at the conference, called for stronger collaboration between Government, unions and employers to ensure that digital transformation benefits all stakeholders.

The four-day conference is expected to deliberate on strategies to strengthen worker protection, enhance skills development and position the union to effectively respond to the evolving world of work.

THE Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) has urged Government and stakeholders to safeguard workers’ rights as the country’s financial sector undergoes rapid digital transformation.

Speaking during the official opening of the 14th Quadrennial Conference in Livingstone yesterday, ZUFIAW General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Kasapo Sundrea Kabende said the rise of digital financial services, including mobile money platforms and unsecured digital lending, is fundamentally changing the nature of work.

Mr Kabende said the shift from traditional banking to digital platforms has increased access to financial services but warned that it also presents new risks for workers, including job insecurity and changing skill demands.

“Transformation of work is already here. People are increasingly using digital platforms instead of conventional banking systems, with mobile service providers now offering financial services such as loans,” he said.

He stressed that while the digital transition presents opportunities for growth and innovation, it must not come at the expense of workers’ welfare.

Mr Kabende said ZUFIAW is prioritising skills development to ensure its members remain competitive in the evolving labour market.

“We must empower workers by ensuring they upskill and reskill to remain relevant to the industry,” he said.

He added that failure to adapt could result in widespread displacement of workers who lack digital competencies.

Mr Kabende further called for strengthened labour organisation in the face of technological change, noting that collective action remains critical in protecting workers’ interests.

“We must continue to organise ourselves during this digital dawn to protect our voices. Issues of job security, decent work, social justice and favourable conditions of service must remain central,” he said.

The conference, being held under the theme *“Digital Dawn: Transforming Work, Empowering Workers and Protecting Our Voices,”* has drawn participants from local and international trade unions, Government representatives and labour stakeholders.

He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring that no worker is left behind in the transition to a digital economy.