Humphrey Monde

18/08/2026

CONGRATULATIONS DEAR PRESIDENT ELECT!

Heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema, on your victory in the August 2026 general elections.

This moment is more than a political milestone, It is a renewal of the trust millions of Zambians have placed in your leadership, your vision and your unwavering commitment to the course of One Zambia, One Nation.

May this mandate usher in a new chapter of hope for the young graduate searching for opportunity, unity for families that felt divided, peace in our communities, and tangible development in every corner of our 10 provinces from Lusaka to Luapula, from Chipata to Mongu.

We celebrate the democratic spirit of our people.
The queues were long, the voices were loud and the message was clear: Zambians want continuity with accountability, progress with compassion and growth that leaves no one behind.

Congratulations, Mr. President.
Congratulations to the United Party for National Development family.
And congratulations to the citizens of Zambia - because a peaceful election is our collective victory.

We pray for wisdom as you steer the nation, strength as you unite us and humility as you serve. The work continues. Zambia awaits.

-Dr Humphrey Monde
Unicohs University College Executive Director
UFEZ Executive President
Civil Society Health Partnership Executive Director

07/08/2026

'ELECT A KNOWLEDGEABLE AND CAPABLE LEADER’ — UFEZ URGES VOTERS TO SCRUTINIZE CANDIDATES AHEAD OF AUGUST 13 POLLS

_By Alfred Chimba_

The United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) has called on eligible voters to carefully assess all presidential candidates ahead of the General Election on 13 August, emphasizing the need to elect a leader who is competent and prepared to deliver.

UFEZ President Dr. Hamphrey Monde said Zambians must critically examine each candidate’s qualifications, leadership ability, and vision for the country before casting their ballots.

“Leadership requires competence and the ability to deliver on the expectations of the Zambian people,” Dr. Monde said.

He warned that some individuals aspiring for the presidency may not yet possess the experience or capacity required to lead the nation effectively.
“Those who are not adequately prepared should consider stepping aside to allow more capable leaders to contest,” he added.

Dr. Monde further urged citizens to question every candidate on the solutions they are offering to Zambia’s pressing challenges, particularly in the health and education sectors.

He acknowledged the progress made under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, citing key achievements.

“These include the introduction of free education, the recruitment of more than 40,000 teachers, the employment of additional health workers, and the expansion of the school feeding programme, which has helped improve school attendance and learner welfare,” Dr. Monde said.

He stressed that while citizens continue to raise concerns about various socio-economic challenges, voters should also weigh the achievements already recorded against the promises being made by aspiring leaders.

“Compare what has been done with what is being promised. That is how we make informed choices,” he said.

UFEZ has encouraged all eligible voters to participate peacefully in the election and to make decisions that will shape Zambia’s future.

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30/07/2026

Honored to have been invited to the Reception marking the 37th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

The event was hosted by H.E. Mr. Mourad BENAIDA, Chargé d'Affaires, Head of the Diplomatic Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Zambia.

It was a moment to celebrate the longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between Zambia and Morocco and to reflect on opportunities for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, culture and people-to-people ties.

Diplomacy thrives on such platforms where nations come together to strengthen partnerships for mutual development.

30/07/2026

We are here

30/07/2026

Sharing our insights at the 2026 second policy and performance review meeting.

28/07/2026

I am attending the Specialized Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour & Employment in Windhoek, Namibia.
The discussions are focused on strengthening social protection systems across Africa to drive inclusion, resilience and social justice.
UFEZ continues to represent the voice of Zambian employers in shaping policies that create decent work and sustainable growth.

20/07/2026

UFEZ & ZNBS ROLL OUT FINANCING PACKAGE TO TACKLE CHALLENGES IN ZAMBIA'S HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS.

By Alfred Chimba

LUSAKA – The United Federation of Employers in Zambia - UFEZ, in partnership with the Zambia National Building Society - ZNBS, has launched a set of strategic financing solutions aimed at easing pressure on universities and colleges across the country.

Addressing delegates at a three-day Winter School Capacity Building Workshop for Higher Education Institutions in Livingstone, UFEZ Executive President, Dr. Humphrey Monde, told delegates that higher learning institutions are struggling with several interconnected problems.

He cited inadequate student accommodation, aging infrastructure, limited access to affordable long-term financing and the urgent need to modernize facilities and payment systems.

“At the same time, we are seeing growing enrolment without corresponding investment in infrastructure,” Dr. Monde said. “This is stretching resources and affecting the quality of service delivery.”

Dr. Monde opened his presentation with a brief on UFEZ, noting that membership is open to any employer under the Industrial and Labour Relations Act CAP 269.
He said UFEZ exists to be the voice of business and members, to promote labour market interests and to influence policy for business growth, development and job creation.

He disclosed that UFEZ has structured two key initiatives.

The first being the African Development Bank US$50 Million Initiative, a program targeting women, SMEs and enterprise development, and offers affordable financing, business development support and growth capital.

UFEZ E.D says for universities and colleges, it opens doors to student entrepreneurship programs, graduate business incubation and innovation hubs.
The second is the UFEZ-ZNBS Infrastructure Financing Initiative.
He explains that in partnership with ZNBS, the facility is designed specifically for higher institutions.

It will support construction of student hostels, campus expansion, renovation of existing facilities, staff housing, digital payment solutions, tuition collection systems, institutional banking and other tailor-made arrangements.

“Through these partnerships, institutions can increase accommodation capacity, improve learning environments, access long-term funding, and strengthen financial sustainability,” Dr. Monde said.

Also speaking as a key partner, Dr. Chewe Numba of ZNBS said the bank has expanded beyond traditional mortgages by setting up new units in Corporate Banking, Retail Banking and Property and Real Estate.

He listed six immediate solutions ZNBS is offering to institutions: ERP integrations to improve tuition collection, a School Pay product for fee payments, working capital facilities, long-term finance of up to 10 years for expansion, financing through partnerships with development institutions to address accommodation shortages, and affordable mortgages for university staff.

He added that ZNBS has been named Best Mortgage Provider in Zambia for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024 by Capital Finance International, and placed second for Best Africa Real Estate Bank of the Year at the 2023 Africa Property Investment Awards.

Both Dr. Monde and Dr. Numba urged universities and colleges to take up the new facilities.

Dr. Numba echoed the call: “Through this partnership with UFEZ, we want to see resilient universities that can expand infrastructure, improve student welfare, and remain financially stable.”

He encouraged institutions to work with ZNBS and UFEZ to address accommodation deficits, upgrade facilities, and strengthen cash flow.

16/07/2026

15/07/2026

STAKEHOLDERS SHAPE NEXT HEALTH STRATEGY

_By Alfred Chimba_

Zambia has made notable progress in reducing maternal and child deaths, but more work is needed as the country begins to shape its next health plan.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, says the current National Health Strategic Plan has delivered real gains.
Maternal mortality has dropped from 278 to 187 deaths per 100,000 live births. Infant mortality has fallen from 42 to 17 deaths per 1,000 live births. Under-five mortality has also declined, from 61 to 42 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Dr. Lishimpi was speaking in Lusaka when he officially opened the National Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on the development of the National Health Strategic Plan for 2027 to 2031.

He however cautioned that challenges remain, including the growing burden of communicable diseases and climate-related health risks.

United Nations Population Fund Country Representative and Lead Cooperating Partners Representative, Seth Broekman, said the next strategic plan should build on the current foundation while aligning with the National Health Policy and the Zambia Health Compact.

Speaking at the same event, World Health Organisation Country Representative Clement Lasuba, represented by Public Health Advisor Dr. Azmatch Gebregiorsis, called for a forward-looking strategic plan that responds to emerging health challenges.

Lead Civil Society Health Partnership Executive Director, Dr Humphrey Monde, also stressed that budget accountability will be critical to the successful implementation of the next National Health Strategic Plan.

The consultative meeting brought together government, cooperating partners, civil society and technical experts to set priorities and shape interventions for the next five years of Zambia’s health system.

18/06/2026

UFEZ AND ILO PLEDGE SAFER WORKPLACES FOR ZAMBIA’S DRIVERS AND ARTISANAL MINERS

Thousands of Zambian truck drivers and artisanal miners are set to benefit from stronger safety measures after the United Federation of Employers in Zambia and the International Labour Organisation agreed to deepen their collaboration on decent work.

UFEZ President Dr Humphrey Monde paid a courtesy call on ILO Country Office Director for Zambia and Malawi Mr Wellington Chibebe in Lusaka today to discuss practical ways of protecting workers in key sectors of the economy.

The two leaders focused on local and cross-border drivers whose work keeps regional trade moving through busy corridors like Chirundu, Nakonde and Kasumbalesa, but who often face long hours, fatigue and limited access to healthcare.

Dr Monde said drivers deserve more than recognition as the wheels of trade. He stressed that their safety, rest and dignity must be prioritised through better rest facilities, stronger health and safety standards, and open dialogue between transport companies, unions and government.

The discussions also turned to Zambia’s artisanal miners, many of whom depend on small-scale mining in Copperbelt, North-Western and Central provinces to support their families.

Mr Chibebe noted that while artisanal mining is a critical source of livelihoods, too many miners still work in unsafe conditions with little protective equipment and poor ventilation. He said the ILO is committed to supporting Zambia with practical interventions like basic safety training, simple tools and health checks that fit the realities of informal mining without destroying jobs.

Both Dr Monde and Mr Chibebe reaffirmed that lasting change will come through strong partnerships and social dialogue involving employers, workers, unions and government.
They said their shared goal is to build workplaces where employees are protected, employers are supported, and productivity grows because safety comes first.

Issued by:
Alfred Chimba
Media and Public Relations Officer,
Office of the Executive President (UFEZ)