President Hichilema Calls for Stronger Public Service Training at NIPA Gala Dinner
The National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) hosted its inaugural Annual Fundraising and Friends-Making Gala Dinner on Friday, March 28, 2025. The event, held under the theme “Partnering for Progress: Advancing Public Service Training, Certification, and Institutional Growth,” aimed to raise funds for the construction of a state-of-the-art amphitheater at NIPA’s Centre of Excellence in Public Service Training and Certification.
The gala was graced by Honourable Felix Chipota Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, who represented His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema, in his capacity as President of NIPA. In his remarks, President Hichilema expressed profound gratitude for the event, emphasizing its significance in strengthening Zambia’s public service sector.
“The theme of this event could not be more fitting. It encapsulates the collaborative spirit that has brought us together and the forward-looking vision that guides our efforts. This occasion is not just about fundraising; it is an investment in the transformation of our public service and, by extension, our nation,” President Hichilema stated.
Established in 1963 and reinforced by the NIPA Act No. 15 of 1998, NIPA has been a cornerstone of public service training and certification in Zambia. The institution has played a pivotal role in equipping generations of public servants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and values to drive national development.
President Hichilema formally recognized and applauded NIPA’s contribution to Zambia’s growth, noting that its training programs have enhanced professionalism, innovation, and efficiency in the public service. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to build a responsible and effective public service aligned with national development goals.
The President extended appreciation to distinguished local and international partners, including SUNY Schenectady County Community College, the Belt and Road Institute of Science and Technology, Longi, and GIZ’s Good Financial Governance Programme, for their support in NIPA’s transformative journey. He called on the private sector and development partners to join the effort, stating that a more capable public service translates into a more enabling business environment and a prosperous economy.
President Hichilema also made several key policy statements:
- Financial Support for NIPA: All ring-fenced resources, government grants, and statutorily gazetted funds for public service training and certification should be directed to NIPA to enhance its institutional capacity and drive transformative training across the nation.
- Strengthening the NIPA Act: The government will reinforce the NIPA Act to firmly establish the institute’s role in public service training and certification.
- Encouraging Government-to-Business (G2B) Initiatives: Public sector institutions should leverage their existing assets, expertise, and strategic partnerships to generate sustainable revenue and reduce dependence on treasury allocations.
“As a government, our commitment to NIPA goes beyond constructing buildings. We are united by a profound purpose: to build a public service that genuinely and effectively serves the people of Zambia. May our shared vision, supported by divine guidance, continue to propel our nation towards unprecedented growth and service excellence,” President Hichilema concluded.
The gala dinner brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector, reinforcing NIPA’s role as a leader in public service training and development in Zambia.
