The 2026 Africa Public Service Day held at East Park Mall in Lusaka placed a strong focus on improving public sector performance and expanding access to essential services. Speaking on behalf of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, Vice President W.K Mutale-Nalumango delivered a message that underscored the Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions. The event brought together key stakeholders in public administration, development partners and civil society representatives. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing service delivery challenges across Zambia. The central message focused on building systems that directly improve the quality of life for citizens.
In her address, the Vice President reaffirmed Government’s priority to strengthen public sector institutions and build strategic partnerships that support universal access to clean water and safe sanitation. She emphasized that water and sanitation are not optional services but essential components of human dignity, public health and sustainable development. The message aligned with the 2026 theme, which focuses on empowering multi-stakeholder partnerships and enhancing institutional capacity to achieve universal water availability by 2063. She noted that progress in this sector depends on strong governance, innovation and accountability at all levels. The Government also called for coordinated efforts between public and private actors to accelerate results.
A key part of the address highlighted ongoing investments in water infrastructure across Zambia. These include dam construction projects, groundwater development programmes, water harvesting systems and climate-resilient supply initiatives designed to withstand environmental pressures. The Vice President pointed to major completed projects such as the Kafulafuta Water Supply System, which now benefits more than one million people on the Copperbelt. She also referenced the expansion of the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project, which has improved access for over 480,000 residents in Lusaka and surrounding areas. In addition, more than 1,500 emergency boreholes have been drilled to support communities affected by drought conditions in 2023 and 2024.
The address further highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to achieve national development goals. Government encouraged stronger partnerships between ministries, private sector players, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and cooperating partners. The private sector was urged to adopt and expand successful partnership models already improving water access in mining regions of North Western Province. Technology was also identified as a key driver of progress, with the National Spatial Data Infrastructure playing a central role in identifying underserved areas and guiding investment decisions. These efforts aim to ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed.
The Vice President concluded the message by calling on public service workers to maintain high standards of professionalism, integrity and dedication in their work. She emphasized that public servants remain central to delivering effective services and achieving national development goals. The Africa Public Service Day was recognised as an important platform for reflecting on progress and strengthening commitment to service delivery across the continent. The overall message reinforced Zambia’s long term vision of universal access to clean water and safe sanitation through coordinated action and sustained investment.