Government and Rural Development. This change was communicated in a statement issued to ZNBC News by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Science, Brilliant Habenzu. Previously, these bursaries were administered by the Ministry of Technology and Science. The shift aims to enhance the efficiency and allocation of resources concerning vocational training initiatives.

Govt takes bursaries management to Local Governement

Reform the bursary and student loan system

Cabinet has approved in principle the introduction of a Bill in Parliament aimed at repealing the Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Act No. 31 of 2016. The purpose of this initiative is to enhance the governance and administration of student loans and scholarships.

Cabinet approves Bill to repeal Education Loan Act

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board -HELSB- has awarded additional loans to over Nine hundred students at Copperbelt University-CBU for the 2024/2025 academic year. this is in addition to the 3500 students already awarded for the academic year 2024/2025

Additional 900 Students the Copperbelt University get student loans

The government allocates student bursaries for 1000 students under the CDF Sponsorship.&nbsp;

1000 students get CDF Sponsorship

Government abolishes PTA Fees and offer subsidy to grant-aided schools.&nbsp;

PTA abolished.

Local Government and Rural Development Minister disbursed K1M FOR BURSARIES Nchelenge District

K1M for bursaries disbursed in Nchelenge District

Zambia&rsquo;s Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board (HELSB) has c ZMW22 million (US$1.2 million) from loan recoveries to assist first-year students at seven universities.&nbsp;

ZMW22 million (US$1.2 million) set aside for fisrt year student assistance

Hichilema announces zero fees for all pupils in Zambia&rsquo;s public schools

Zero fees for all pupils in public schools

The Civil Service Commission has announced the successful recruitment of 4,140 health workers for 2024, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing service delivery in the health sector. This follows previous recruitments of 11,276 health workers in 2022 and 3,250 in 2023.&nbsp;

Government Recruits 4, 140 Health Workers

Improve the quality and availability of micro community level care and health services

Former NAPSA Director General Aubrey Chibumba highlighted that the recent revision of the maximum monthly deductible employee contribution to K1,708.20 for 2025 is aimed at enhancing individual future benefits and allowing lower earners to qualify for minimum benefits. The adjustment also raises the combined maximum statutory contribution for employees and employers to ZMW 3,416.40 in response to changes implemented by the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).

National Pension Scheme Contributions adjusted upwards

Improve the adequacy of retirement benefits

On April 17, 2023, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema announced the National Pension Scheme Amendment Bill 2023, permitting citizens to make a one-time partial withdrawal of their pension funds, which can be reinvested to create jobs and support economic development.

Partial Withdraw of the National Pensions Scheme Authority Contributions Approved

Introduce partial withdrawal of pension contributions for specific purposes

As of December 2024, over 40,000 jobs were created, surpassing the pledged 38,119, according to Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane.

Over 40,000 Jobs Achieved, Outperforming Employment Projections

Empower Zambian women and young people through providing free education, access to land, business opportunities, meaningful employment and participation in governance

The Ministry of&nbsp; Education is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive syllabus for implementation in schools under the new curriculum. This follows the recent announcement of the government&rsquo;s plans to introduce a new curriculum aimed at improving the quality of education and equipping learners with skills for the modern world.

Ministry of Education Developing New Syllabus

Align the content of the educational curriculum with the needs of industry

Government has allocated 28.3 million Kwacha to be used for cash for work initiatives in Eastern province

Chipangali gets K28.3m for Cash for Work

Introduce work and saving incentives

The Zambian Parliament passed legislation making it illegal for individuals under 18 to marry, including under customary law.

Amendment to Marriage Act Enacted, Child Marriage Outlawed

Track and address challenges that girl children face to ensure equal access to education

President Hakainde Hichilema urges youths to uphold and preserve their culture during the Bene Mukuni Traditional Ceremony in Kazungula District.&nbsp;

President Hichilema Urges Young People To Preserve Culture

Promote culture, arts and sport

The Zambian government has started revising the curriculum to enhance the standard of education, foster skills development, and uphold national values.

NAQEZ Applauds Governments Decision To Overhaul School Curriculum

Improve quality and range of education courses available, combined with respectable education facilities

The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPID), with assistance from the International Labor Organization (ILO), has trained 36 front-line employees from various government departments in Choma in basic sign language.&nbsp;

36 train in basic sign language

No Zambian should be discriminated based on creed, tribe, gender, physical ability or political affiliation

Under the SCT program, the Ministry of Infrastructure Housing and Urban Development is collaborating with the Department of Community Development on a project to build 50 senior citizen housing units.

Government To Construct Over 50 Houses For The Aged

Improve social cash transfers

The government has begun building three stand-alone toilet complexes at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and one at Evelyn Hone College. &nbsp;The facilities will improve the entire campus experience while also contributing to the improved sanitary and personal well-being of students and staff. This demonstrates how the government was able to increase allocations for water and sanitation while also releasing such allocations on schedule, considering the current Cholera outbreak in most SADC nations to make sure that such disease effects are mitigated and avoided if possible.

New sanitation facilities constructed at UNZA

Increase budget allocation for water and sanitation and release such allocation timely

Minister of Sports, Youth and Arts Elvis Nkandu said that Government is in the process of rehabilitating and constructing mini sports stadia at national, provincial and district level.

Zambian prioritises sports infrastructure development as an essential aspect of sports development.

Build sustainable sports structures and programmes in line with UNDP 2030 Agenda

Government has launched a new citizens&rsquo; empowerment program in the transport sector where 140 vehicles &nbsp;have been given as loans to citizens from the 10 Provinces. The transport empowerment program will enhance the entrepreneurial spirit among citizens&rsquo; especially young people so that they value themselves and not be misled by politicians.

Transport empowerment program launched

Encourage the young generation to see their value and prevent then from being used for violence during elections

The government secured internships for 600 students in the US.

Government facilitates internship opportunities for students

Develop education-industry linkages and foster innovation and entrepreneurship

Teaching service Commision (TCZ) officially started the process of hiring 4500 teachers.

Government starts recruiting teachers

Respect, support, empower and reward our teachers, tutors and lecturers

The government purchased bulk medical supplies from Egypt to improve accessibility of medicines in Zambia's hospitals.

Government Procures Bulk medical supplies to boost healthcare sector

Ensure secure, utilised, accounted for health care inputs to eventually be self-sufficient

ZICTA Installs 12,120 Computers At 500 Schools in collaboration with Ministry of Education

ZICTA Installs 12,120 Computers At 500 Schools

Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in schools

President Hichilema assented to the National Pensions Scheme Bill which provides for an option to claim one off-age benefit by a member under the prescribed minimum pensionable age of 36 under the existing fund.

President Hichilema assent to the National Pensions Scheme Bill

Reform pension system administrative efficiency

&nbsp;Six Zambian doctors travel to India to conduct kidney transplants as part of a government exchange program aimed to facilitate the transfer of skills.

Six Zambian doctors travel to India to conduct kidney transplants as part of a government exchange program aimed to facilitate the transfer of skills.

Ensure training of health personnel meets international standards

The Hakainde Hichilema Innovation Fund, an ICT innovation fund which is between Government and Huawei has been launched. Through the fund, youths will get scholarships for ICT innovation and an innovation hub will be set up at the National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) to be housed at Government Complex in Lusaka

Innovation and ICT fund between government and Huawei  launched.

Investing in educational facilities that offer training in the field of science and technology

Minister of Health launched the 2022-2026 digital health strategy to reform digital health governance and develop digital workforce capabilities.

Government launches 2022-2026 digital health strategy

Introduce policies to improve health financing resources

The Zambian Government launched an almost USD $6 billion Water Investment Programme, aimed to provide access to clean water and decent sanitation.

Zambia Water Investment Programme launched

Enhance M&E for WASH expenditures

The government of Zambia has fully funded the Examinations Council of Zambia in readiness for the year &nbsp;2022 Examinations.

The government funded Examinations Council of Zambia in readiness for 2022 Examinations.

Increase the share of education in the national budget

25 New Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs) In Mwansabombwe District were elected Into Office.

25 New Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs) In Mwansabombwe District elected Into Office.

Promote a culture of meritocracy for appointments to national positions

The Local Government Association of Zambia ( LGAZ ) with support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities launched the Partnerships for Municipal Innovation of Women in Local Leadership programme.

Partnerships for Municipal Innovation of Women in Local Leadership programme launched.

Strive for gender equality in government representation

The government released K1.46 billion for social protection programmes.

K1.46 billion released for social protection programmes.

Depoliticise the social cash transfer scheme

Hakainde Hichilema held a meeting with the University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union.

Hakainde Hichilema held a meeting with University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union.

Provide a consultative and non-confrontational platform for government to engage with professors, teachers, scholars and students

Ministry of Health develops disaster risk recovery guidelines.

Ministry of Health develops disaster risk recovery guidelines.

Put in place policies that will address the effects of pandemics like COVID-19

Reform diversification of retirement income sources

&nbsp;Government allocated 41 million Kwacha to the men and women&rsquo;s senior national football teams.

41 million Kwacha allocated to the men and women’s senior national football teams.

Identify and develop support mechanisms, strategies and programmes to achieve 2020-2030 sport policy framework

Reform investment mandates to avoid white elephant projects

Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation convenes discussions geared towards the launch of a water Investment Framework.

Launch of a Water Investment Framework

Revive the WASH sector advisory group

Develop incentives for industry players to take on students and graduates

The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in&nbsp; Zambia (CIDRZ) signs MOU with &nbsp;the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI)

MOU signed between CIDRZ and ZACCI

Create centres of specialisation locally through partnerships with private sector

Reform the National Health Insurance system

President Hichilema challenges councils to improve health service delivery

CitizensWatch

Promise

Promise History

Govt takes bursaries management to Local Governement

Cabinet approves Bill to repeal Education Loan Act

Additional 900 Students the Copperbelt University get student loans

1000 students get CDF Sponsorship

PTA abolished.

K1M for bursaries disbursed in Nchelenge District

K1M for bursaries disbursed in Nchelenge District

K1M for bursaries disbursed in Nchelenge District

ZMW22 million (US$1.2 million) set aside for fisrt year student assistance

Zero fees for all pupils in public schools