Zambia Pledges Inclusive Development and Public Service Reform
The Government of the Republic of Zambia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable nation through transformative public service delivery. This pledge was delivered during the national commemoration of the 2025 Africa Public Service Day, held under the theme “Enhancing the Agility of the Public Service to Deliver Services in the Context of a Crisis.”
President Hakainde Hichilema, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa, emphasised that dismantling systemic inequality and improving access to essential services for all citizens is a cornerstone of the New Dawn administration’s development agenda.
He said that transforming the public service is not only essential to national progress but also vital to upholding the rights and dignity of every Zambian.
“The time for transformation is now. Zambians need their Government more than ever before. We are committed to building a just society where no one is left behind,” President Hichilema stated.
Among the key milestones celebrated was the Government’s free education policy, described as a landmark intervention in the fight against poverty. Minister Mweetwa said the policy is a “game changer” that has increased school enrolment and created a pathway to a fairer future. “No child should sit on the floor again,” he noted.
In the health sector, over 1,000 health posts have been constructed and more than 20,000 health workers recruited in the last three years. These efforts are part of a wider drive to improve health equity and bring services closer to rural communities.
Minister Mweetwa also highlighted innovations in the justice sector, such as the introduction of mobile courts and para-legal services, which are expanding access to legal assistance for underserved populations.
On digital transformation, he said the Government is leveraging technology to enhance transparency and inclusiveness. Citizens can now track government projects and access services online, enabling greater public participation and accountability.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa called on public officers to uphold the values of integrity, diligence, and excellence, stressing that the professionalism of civil servants is essential to bridging inequality gaps and achieving national goals.
The event also celebrated innovation within the public service, with awards presented to ministries and institutions that demonstrated excellence in service delivery and inclusiveness. Among the standout participants was the Ministry of Energy, which showcased initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
Its commitment to rural electrification and alternative energy adoption was highlighted as a key contributor to Zambia’s equitable development agenda.
Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Blake Mulala applauded the Government for recognizing the role of public service workers and emphasized the importance of continued investment in human capital.
“Public workers are the custodians of institutional memory and key drivers of national development,” he said.
Mulala urged the Government to enhance conditions of service, protect workers’ rights, and promote a culture of respect and appreciation for public servants.
President Hichilema also used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s firm stance against corruption. “Corruption steals from the people, particularly the poor. Our fight will be firm, fair, and not selective,” he said.
He further announced that the Government would soon review the NGO Act to strengthen civil society engagement and enhance transparency and equity in governance.
The day featured exhibitions from various government ministries and agencies, each showcasing solutions, reforms, and innovations aimed at increasing responsiveness and resilience in public service.
In her closing remarks, Public Service Management Division Permanent Secretary Ms. Lois Mulube reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
She pledged continued support for public service reform and excellence, ensuring that all citizens benefit from efficient, inclusive, and responsive governance.
