TRANSFORMING ZAMPOST FROM OBSOLESCENCE TO A DIGITAL POWERHOUSE.
Earlier today, I visited the Kasama Post Office, where I was received by the Provincial Postmaster, Mr. Andrew Tembo.
Since 2021, ZAMPOST has been a priority for this government. We inherited an institution burdened by a 10-year audit backlog, unpaid retirees, and a "traditional" mail system that was fast becoming obsolete in a digital world.
Today, the story has changed. We are not just talking about reform; we are delivering a Structured Transformation through three key pillars:
1. Restoring Dignity (Stabilization);
We have moved ZAMPOST from instability to operational discipline:
On Salaries: I want to clear the air regarding misinformation, Government has cleared all salary arrears. We are currently processing January salaries.
On Retirees: We have paid out K55 million to our retirees, with the remaining K45 million currently being processed.
On Financial Credibility: We have cleared a 10-year backlog of audited accounts, making ZAMPOST a bankable partner once again.
2. The Digital Edge:
We are transitioning ZAMPOST into a digitally enabled national service platform:
Today 109 Post Offices are now connected to the world via Starlink satellite internet.
To make good use of the internet, we have deployed 100 new computers and printers to ensure our staff can handle the demands of a modern economy.
3. Growth Through Partnerships;
ZAMPOST is no longer just about envelopes, through strategic partnerships like Citizen One and BuyZambezi, the Post Office is now:
✅ A Banking & Insurance Hub
✅ An E-commerce Logistics Center
✅ A Point of Contact for E-Government Services
The Goal is to bring government services closer to you. Whether you are in Kasama or Lusaka, you should not have to travel long distances or queue for hours.
By modernizing ZAMPOST, we are ensuring that the "hustle and bustle" of accessing government services becomes a thing of the past.
We remain committed to the welfare of our workers and the growth of our national institutions.
Under the watch of President Hakainde Hichilema, no institution will collapse.
From me and mine, to you and yours, we hope you have had a wonderful holiday, filled with light, joy and God's love.
As we gather to celebrate this sacred day, I am reminded of a beautiful truth:
"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." — Calvin Coolidge
For us, this "state of mind" is found in the Love of Christ and the deep-rooted values of Ubuntu. It is a reminder that our lives are woven together, and our greatest fulfillment comes from serving one another.
Christmas is about the simple, profound things that money cannot buy:
1. The Love of Christ: Our foundation of hope and grace.
2. Ubuntu: Recognizing that our humanity is tied to the humanity of others.
3. Laughter & Family: The heartbeat of a happy home and a strong nation.
4. Sharing: Because a hand that gives is a hand that remains open to receive blessings.
My humble request to you today: Always remember these values. Don't let the day pass without intentional kindness.
Make someone happy today. Reach out to a friend you haven't spoken to, share a meal with a neighbor, or simply offer a prayer for those in need.
By lifting someone else, we lift ourselves and our nation.
From my family to yours, may your day be filled with the warmth of God’s love and the joy of togetherness.
Merry Christmas, Zambia!
YOU CANNOT EXPECT WHAT YOU DO NOT INSPECT.
I hear your concerns. Many Zambians have reached out regarding the quality of network services, dropped calls, and the frustration of poor connectivity. As your Government, we are not just listening we are on the ground taking decisive action.
To ensure our digital transformation is backed by real results, I undertook a ministerial site visit to the Airtel Zambia telecommunications towers in Nyumba Yanga and Chalala (Shantumbu).
Here is the Progress Report:
📍 USD 107 Million Investment: I am pleased to confirm that Airtel is undertaking its largest-ever single-year infrastructure rollout.
This investment is specifically aimed at decongesting the network and improving your daily experience.
📍 406 New Sites: A massive rollout of 406 new towers is underway. Already, 126 sites are live, and the full project is scheduled for completion by March 2026.
📍 Solar-Powered Resilience: We inspected new solar-backed power systems. This innovation ensures that even during power challenges, the network stays up 24/7, reducing those frustrating service interruptions.
📍 Cutting the Red Tape: We have played our part as Government by removing the prolonged approval processes that used to delay tower construction. Now, we expect operators to translate these reforms into tangible, high-quality service for you.
Connectivity is the heartbeat of our modern economy. By building a more resilient network, we are supporting our students in schools, our doctors in clinics, and our local entrepreneurs. Furthermore, these investments contribute to the national treasury, ultimately supporting community development through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The era of substandard service must end. We remain committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that technology reaches every Zambian, everywhere.
#DigitalZambia #Connectivity #AirtelZambia #Infrastructure #TechScience #ZambiaForward
Today, we stood in solidarity with Hon. Kapala as we bid a final farewell to his dear wife, Mrs Charity Musonda Kapala, at Leopard's Hill Cemetery.
To lose a partner is to lose a part of oneself. We are reminded that:
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Our prayers remain with the Kapala family. We ask for God’s hand to be upon them, providing peace that surpasses all human understanding.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." — Matthew 5:4
Go well. You will be missed.
I was honored to launch the @MTNZambia MoMo Virtual Card powered by @Mastercard. This isn't just a card; it’s a bridge for every Zambian, from farmers to digital creators, to trade, shop, and thrive in the global digital economy without barriers.
Security, inclusion, and innovation in action. Let’s digitize our future!
#DigitalZambia #FinancialInclusion #MTNMastercard #TechForGood
TIMBUKTOO MINE TECHNOLOGY HUB TO TRANSFORM AFRICA’S MINING LANDSCAPE
President Hakainde Hichilema says the mining landscape in Africa will be transformed through continued investment by leveraging technology, innovation, and creativity in the sector to grow the economies of the continent and transform the lives of people.
Speaking on his behalf, during the launch of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported Timbuktoo initiative, earmarked for the construction of a mine - tech innovation hub at the identified site, National Institute for Industrial Research(NISIR) in Lusaka, Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati, commended the UNDP for honoring Zambia to host the mine tech hub for the entire Africa, a huge investment he noted results from practical implemented solutions by Africans to foster development among the startups and innovators.
He disclosed that currently Zambia’s mining sector has attracted over Five Billion Dollars investment, driven by its credentials that have built a scope to the rise of mining production activities, hence the adoption of the Timbuktoo innovation initiative to contribute and deliver the vision of producing Three Million Tons of the minerals in Ten years.
President Hichilema emphasized on the need, through a methodical implementation approach, to allow innovators and startups to commence their creativity – solutions prior to the construction and completion of the infrastructure.
He said his Government is also supporting the sector with ongoing aerial geophysical surveys to help unlock the mining sector through the technological identification of the earth content, the analyses that will help interpret precise information for decision making and assist elimination of illegal mining.
He said in promoting the sector, Government has created an enabling environment that will foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship affixed on the digital optic fiber infrastructure connected to Eight countries.
Meanwhile, Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu said the event marks a nurtured idea by ambitious men and women in ensuring that Zambia, and Africa at large, is developed.
Represented by the ministry director of planning and information, Victor Kachabe, said the initiative Timbuktoo, translates into many initiatives that will occur into the future, while jointly carrying the visions of His Excellence President Hichilema, come true to the contribution of job creation and economic development.
The Permanent Secretary stressed a point since the inception of the ministry (MoTs), it has achieved milestones of science, technology, and innovation in a short time under the able leadership of Hon. Felix Mutati, marveled not only within Zambia but Globally.
And United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Munthali, says the mine tech hub will serve as a center of research and development in the mining sector on the African continent.
Ms. Munthali says the hub will be a truly Pan African institution which will promote innovation in the mining sector.
Giving her speech, executive secretary Timbktoo Foundation, Natalie Jabangwe, said the first ever mining technology hub launched after Six decades since the liberation of Africa is a noticeable shining beacon of innovation and the most Ten most transformed innovations at the auspice of UNDP in the continent.
Ms Jabangwe said the creation of hubs are not just for workspace but a catalyst for change and economic growth and development in Africa.
And in her opening remarks, NISIR board chairperson, Kabwe Musonda said the launch signifies a significant milestone on the establishment of a mentor innovation that is not just a physical expansion but represent a pivotal role in strategic development.
Had a very productive conversation with Artist Brian Bwembya, also known as B'flo. I looked forward to more conversations with him and his team.
Free internet in public places sounds like a dream right?? Guess what, this government has just made it reality.. today we launch free internet at Intercity Bus Terminus in Lusaka, Kapiri bus station in Kapiri and even in Kitwe at Chisokone market..
Let's go digital!!
Today, I met the great musical entertainer Pompi
Pompi is a musical genius, a poet, and a marvel to watch, I have watched him a couple of times, and I must say it never gets old.
Happy birthday, Pompi! we wish you many more years of greatness.
Thank you for the music.
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO OPEN DIGITAL GOVERNMENT AFRICA SUMMIT THIS WEEK
30 September 2024
President Hakainde Hichilema will later this week open the Digital Government Africa Summit which is attracting over 500 delegates from 33 African countries.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Hon. Jack Mwiimbu says government attaches great importance to digital transformation that is why President Hichilema will open the summit which is being held in Zambia for the second year running.
Mr. Mwiimbu said the Digital Government Africa Summit provides an opportunity for African governments to forge links, promote cross border payment systems and allow interactions among professionals in the cyber space.
He said digital transformation will help government in many ways.
And Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati said government is using the Digital Government Africa Summit to showcase it's works in digital security.
Mr. Mutati said since last year when Zambia hosted the inaugural Digital Government Africa Summit, alot of progress has been made in making Zambia's cyber space secure.
He said the government will showcase it's progress during the summit.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima said the introduction of Free Education in Zambia has necessitated the rolling out of digital Infrastructure for education.
Mr. Syakalima says the recent launch of the Smart Village Project by the President demonstrated how government is embracing the digital tools for education.
He said government wants to ensure that Zambia is fully engaged in the digital revolution.
And Smart Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama said the three day event will help in promoting digital transformation on the continent.
On the sidelines of the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon France, we had the pleasure to engage with fellow ministers, including France’s Minister of National Education and Youth.
1 Thessalonians 5:18.
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Good afternoon, dear friends. Enjoy the week ahead
As schools will be opening for the 3rd term next week, I want to urge learners to be focused on the careers they want to pursue m
Pass your exams and pursue courses you have ambitions for.
This government is investing in education and in skills development to ensure that all young people have a chance to shape their future.
An educated nation is a productive nation
Felix Chipota Mutati retweeted
Thank you my friend Felix Mutati.
I really appreciate your kind words at my book launch..
Government has challenged itself to produce a minimum of 3 million metric tones of copper in the next 10 years.
To do this, we need to intensify investment in the mining sector, this means increased investment in skills development, which is an essential component in achieving this target.
We are grateful to all our partners in the development of skills in our country. Together we will achieve what is required.
#Road2WorldSkillsAfricaSummitLivingstone2025
