Lewis Mwape

When You Live in the Den of Lions..... The best is to dispel the Rumours of Passing on of one of our Bemba Chiefs!!

Photo Focus: Throughout the mourning period of our King, Government under the leadership of the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and the Ngoni Royal Establishment established strong Collaboration. We demonstrated national peace, unity and Love across our tribes and national social and cultural diverty. Thank You Ba East!!

Rests Well our King, Mpezeni Zwangendaba IV.

Mayo Africa and the Pride of being Free!!
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Today we join the rest of the continent in commemorating Africa Freedom Day, marking 63 years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

To the people of Eastern Province and all Zambians, this day is a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and unity that won us political independence and continues to shape our path toward economic and social liberation.

Africa’s freedom is not just about breaking colonial chains. It is about building nations where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, jobs, and dignity. It is about silencing the guns, deepening democracy, and trading with one another as one market under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

As a province, we draw strength from the spirit of Pan-Africanism. We recommit to working together across borders and communities to unlock agriculture, youth innovation, and regional trade that benefits our people. Our focus in creating a country where everyone has access to water for domestic and industrial use!!

To our youth: you are the custodians of the next phase of Africa’s freedom. Own it, lead it, and defend it with ideas, integrity, and action. Vote for future!!

Happy Africa Freedom Day. May we remain united, resilient, and proud as one Africa, one destiny.

Dr Lewis Mwape
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Eastern Province

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY- 10TH MAY, 2026
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Today we celebrate the heart of our families, our communities, and our nation – our mothers.

To all mothers in Eastern PROVINCE, and across Zambia: thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice, your wisdom, your prayers, and your unwavering love. You are the first teachers, the first nurses, the first farmers, and the first leaders in every home.

As a Province, we recognize that when we invest in mothers - in their health, education, and economic empowerment - we invest in the future of Zambia. Your strength carries us through drought and plenty, through joy and sorrow.

To the mothers who are no longer with us, like my mother who left at me at age of 14, and a sister who was orphaned on Day 1: we honour your memory and your legacy lives on in the children you raised.

To every woman raising a child, caring for others, or mothering a community: we see you, we value you, and we celebrate you today.

Once more Happy Mothers Day!!

Dr. Lewis Mwape
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Eastern Province

Message on World Press Freedom Day – 3rd May 2026!!
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On this World Press Freedom Day, we join the global community in recognizing the vital role of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in our democracy.

To all journalists, editors, and media practitioners in Eastern Province and across Zambia: we salute your courage, integrity, and commitment to truth. Your work holds power to account, gives voice to the voiceless, and drives development.

Government remains committed to upholding Article 20 of the Constitution and creating a safe environment for journalists to work without fear or intimidation. A free press is not a threat to democracy - it is democracy.

Let us continue to work together to fight misinformation, promote ethical journalism, and ensure access to information for all citizens.

Happy World Press Freedom Day my friends!!

Dr. LEWIS MWAPE
DEPUTY PERMANENT SECRETARY
EASTERN PROVINCE

PHOTO FOCUS: Represented Government During Pentecostal Holiness Eastern Region Bishop ordination!!

Thank You Pentecostal Holiness for your Positive Collaboration and supporting President Hakainde Hichilema Visionary and Transformative Leadership.

REMEMBER: I AM HERE TO DO THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME HERE!!!

Happy Birthday to My Beloved Wife-Gezile
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I wish you a Happy birthday my dear friend. This far the Lord has brought us together and you have been a true friend, mother of my children and a fair, wise and faithful counselor but also a strong partner of all times. We share the joy and pain. We reflect on our days and strengthen each other and Lough out. Live Long my Friend Gezile Phiri.

As a family, we celebrate the day you saw the sun and Wish You many more Happy Returns. God bless, lightens and brightens your days.

Truely Yours,
Dr. Lewis Mwape PHD
Husband of Your Youth.

OUR FOCUS: Challenges Faced by Rural Women!!
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There are times we have focused on generic challenges facing women with solutions that are generic in nature. Having worked outside government, I have a balance lens of looking
at how communities could be part of the broader social and sustainable inclusive economic rural development. As a rural child, I understand roles women play in education, health and agriculture!

Despite their contributions, rural women face significant barriers. They often have limited access to land, credit, education, and technology, which restricts productivity and income potential. Social norms and gender inequalities further limit their participation in decision-making and formal employment, leaving many in informal or vulnerable work.

We must acknowledge that Labour-intensive household and agricultural tasks reduce time for skill development or entrepreneurial activities, perpetuating cycles of poverty. For me, this is very important in devising policy and legislative interventions.

Therefore, Empowering rural women is essential for economic growth and social development. Policies that secure land rights, improve access to education, training, credit, and healthcare, and strengthen leadership roles can enhance women’s productivity and autonomy. Localised Financing Model and expanded CDF would be catalyst for women Empowerment.

Group-based initiatives and networks have proven effective in providing women with resources and collective bargaining power. There is need for more support towards Women Cooperatives financing mechanism.

Furthermore, Gender-responsive social protection systems can protect women from poverty, strengthen resilience to shocks, and transform social norms that limit their potential. END


HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY!?