- 2 volunteer nurses share excitement after being employed
MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
AFTER volunteering for over three years, Morris Phiri and Olis Chikupa could not hide their excitement when they discovered their names on the list of newly-recruited health workers.
Yesterday, Government publicised the names of 3,205 health workers to be posted to various health facilities across the country.
In 2022, the New Dawn administration recruited over 11,000 to close staffing gaps in health facilities. Since then, Government has recruited
thousands of health personnel each year.
Mr Phiri, a registered nurse, had worked as a volunteer for four years at Kabwata Clinic, while Mr Chikupa worked as a midwife at Kanyama Level
One Hospital for three years before being employed.
Both men said they had been applying for Government employment for years.
Mr Phiri, 26, who has been posted to Batoka Health Centre in Choma District, Southern Province, said he could not believe it when he saw his name in the newspaper.
“I’m really excited simply because I have been jobless for so many years after I graduated,” he said.
Mr Phiri thanked the New Dawn administration for giving youths the opportunity to work and serve their country“I’m very ready to work.
My family is very happy about this good news, and they are planning to host an event so that we can celebrate.”
And Mr Chikupa, 30, who has been posted to Nsama District in Northern Province, was beaming with excitement.
“I’m very happy… After this recruitment, I will be a breadwinner in my family,” he said.
He added: “I want to thank the Government for this opportunity.”
And MARY LEMBA reports from Ndola that 1,000 Zambians are now employed by Swedish firms expanding their footprint in the country, a sign of rising investor confidence and industrial growth.
Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg said the firms’ growing presence demonstrates Sweden’s enduring commitment to fostering economic development and strengthening bilateral relations.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Province permanent secretary Lawrence Mwanza yesterday, Mr Hallenborg said the strong bilateral ties the two countries share are fostering sustainable economic growth, promoting trade and investment, and enhancing co-operation in areas such as education and technology.
He cited Atlas Copco, which has operated in Zambia since 1948, as a symbol of Sweden’s long-standing investment confidence in the country.
Mr Hallenborg said Zambia is regaining attention from Swedish investors, attributing the renewed interest to improvements in the macroeconomic environment and steady progress in the debtrestructuring process.
“Zambia is attracting attention again. Sweden has, over the past three years, supported mining, environmental protection, human rights and climate action through the ZAMNEX programme,” he said.
Mr Hallenborg, who is touring Copperbelt with a popup embassy aimed at bringing consular and diplomatic services closer to the people, said the initiative reflects Sweden’s determination to deepen engagement beyond Lusaka.
He said Sweden is investing in skills development through a partnership with Northern Technical College (NORTEC), which has trained more than 1,500 students.
Mr Mwanza said the growing presence of Swedish companies reflects rising investor confidence in the country’s economy.
He commended Sweden for its continued investment in skills development and governance programmes, noting that such partnerships are vital for job creation and sustainable economic growth.
Mr Mwanza added that Copperbelt remains open to further investment that delivers tangible benefits to local communities and supports Zambia’s long-term development agenda.
“This meeting speaks directly to the vision of President Hakainde Hichilema, who has consistently prioritised economic diversification, good governance and the strengthening of international partnerships as key drivers of sustainable development,” he said…
