The Zambia Air Force

FORMER AND SERVING DEFENCE AND SECURITY CHIEFS INTERACT

Former and serving Defence and Security Chiefs today gathered for a luncheon following a meeting with the President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, at State House.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the former Service Chiefs to share valuable insights drawn from their years of service, while the current leadership highlighted ongoing initiatives and the future direction of the Defence and Security Services. The interaction underscored the importance of institutional memory, mentorship and continuity in advancing the mission and professionalism of the Services.

Speaking during the luncheon, the Zambia Army Commander, Lt Gen Geoffrey Zyeele, thanked Gen Kingsley Chinkuli for spearheading the initiative and bringing together former and serving Defence and Security Chiefs, noting that such engagements foster unity, mentorship and continuity in leadership.

Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr Maambo Hamaundu, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Mr Dickson Matembo. Representing the Zambia Air Force were the Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Nyoni, and former Commanders Lt Gen Herbert Simutowe (Rtd),
Lt Gen Samuel Mapala ( Rtd), Lt Gen Eric Chimese (Rtd), Lt Gen David Muma (Rtd) and Lt Gen Colin Barry (Rtd).

The Zambia Air Force - Defend and Support

AIR FORCE WARRANT OFFICER HONOURED AT US AIR UNIVERSITY

The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has celebrated Air Force Warrant Officer Class One, Festus Mwelwa, on his induction into the prestigious 2026 International Honor Roll at the University States Air University in Alabama.

This remarkable achievement places WOI Mwelwa among a distinguished group of global military leaders recognised for their exceptional professionalism, leadership and commitment to service.

The International Honour Roll, established in 1985, honours alumni who have gone on to serve their nations with distinction, which in turn strengthens international military cooperation.

His recognition not only reflects personal excellence but also highlights the growing impact and professionalism of the ZAF on the global stage. It further underscores the critical role enlisted leaders play in fostering strong international partnerships and advancing collective security.

And the Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, has congratulated WOI Mwelwa on this milestone and stated that the honour is a testament to his dedication, discipline and exemplary service to the Country.

He noted that the recognition brings pride not only to the Zambia Air Force but to the nation as a whole and serves as an inspiration to other Service personnel.

ZAF commends WOI Mwelwa for this outstanding accomplishment and for flying the nation’s flag high.

Zambia Air Force - Defend and Support

ZAF LIVINGSTONE PERSONNEL PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL AIRPORTS CORPORATION EMERGENCY EXERCISE

Personnel from the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Livingstone Air Force Base on Friday, 29 May 2026 joined other security and emergency response agencies in participating in Exercise Code 4: "Unlawful Interference", an emergency preparedness exercise conducted by the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport.

The exercise was designed to test the airport's response mechanisms to incidents involving unlawful interference, while also assessing the effectiveness of coordination among key stakeholders responsible for maintaining safety and security within the aviation sector.

In addition to ZAF personnel, the exercise involved members of the Zambia Army, Zambia Police Service, Department of Immigration, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

The participating agencies worked together in a realistic scenario that tested communication, command and control, and emergency response procedures.

The involvement of Zambia Air Force personnel demonstrated the Service's continued commitment to supporting national security initiatives and enhancing interoperability with other agencies tasked with responding to emergencies and security threats.

The exercise was witnessed by Livingstone District Commissioner, Madam Eunice Nawa, who observed the proceedings and commended the collaborative efforts of the participating institutions in strengthening emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Exercise Code 4 provided an important platform for participating agencies to evaluate operational readiness, reinforce existing procedures, and identify opportunities for improvement.

The successful conduct of the exercise highlighted the importance of multi-agency cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of passengers, airport personnel, and critical infrastructure at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport.

The Zambia Air Force - Defend and Support.

ZAMBIA DEFENCE FORCE OFFICERS SHOWCASE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE DURING ZIMBABWE STAFF COLLEGE CULTURAL DAY

The Zimbabwe Staff College came alive with vibrant displays of culture, unity, and regional friendship during the annual Zimbabwe Cultural Day celebrations. Among the participants, Officers from the Zambia Defence Force proudly showcased the rich cultural heritage of Zambia, captivating guests and fellow Officers with an impressive presentation of Zambian traditions, cuisine, music, and national identity.

Leading the Zambian delegation was Lt Col Mwinde Zimba of the Zambia Air Force (ZAF), supported by Maj Sydney Sigwidi and Capt Stanley Banda of the Zambia Army. Together, they worked tirelessly to ensure that Zambia was well represented at the prestigious event, highlighting the country’s diverse cultural traditions and strengthening the bonds of friendship between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Zambian stand featured traditional artefacts, cultural displays, and information about Zambia’s ten provinces, showcasing the nation’s rich history and heritage. Visitors were treated to authentic Zambian cuisine and cultural presentations that reflected the warmth and hospitality for which Zambia is renowned.

The preparations for the event were made possible through the collective efforts of several dedicated individuals.

The Zambian Defence Attaché, Brig Gen Maggie Nakamba, honoured the occasion with her presence and provided valuable support throughout the preparations. She was accompanied by her husband, Mr Diamond Likashi, whose assistance contributed significantly to the success of the Zambian presentation. Zambia Air Force Directing Staff seconded to Zimbabwe Staff College, Lt Col Jackson Kanyumbu, was at hand to help the students with the preparation.Mrs Susan Zimba also played a key role in coordinating and assisting with preparations, ensuring that every detail accurately reflected the beauty and diversity of the Zambian culture.

The event provided an excellent platform for cultural exchange among Officers from different nations, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening regional cooperation. The Zambian team’s enthusiastic participation demonstrated the Zambia Defence Force’s commitment to promoting national heritage and enhancing military diplomacy through cultural engagement.

As the celebrations concluded, the Zambian display received admiration from participants and visitors alike, standing as a testament to the country’s rich cultural identity and the dedication of the Officers and families who worked together to make the presentation a memorable success.

The Zimbabwe Cultural Day, once again, highlighted the importance of cultural appreciation in building stronger relationships among regional military institutions, with the Zambia Defence Force making a proud and lasting contribution to the occasion.

The Zambia Air Force - Defend and Support.

𝐀𝐏𝐋𝐂 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐀 𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑

The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Chamba Valley banquet hall air was on Friday, 29 May 2026 thick with elegance as over 800 members of the Air Power Ladies Club (APLC) from various ZAF Formations gathered for a spectacular gala dinner, bringing down the curtain on the Club’s Women’s Conference held on Thursday, 28 May 2026 which ignited minds and lifted spirits.

Dressed in stunning evening gowns that shimmered under the chandeliers, the APLC members flowed into the venue with infectious energy as they mingled and interacted with each other.

Laughter echoed through the hall as old friendships were rekindled and new ones forged, as the diversity of where their clubs were based melted away in the warmth of celebration.

The gala dinner followed the conference’s theme “Unleashing Her Potential: Equipping Women to Lead at Home, in Service and Beyond,” which had featured powerhouse presentations, including the ABSA Zambia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director Dr Mizinga Melu, among other facilitators.

But on this night, learning gave way to jubilation. The Air Power Pop Band struck its first notes and the dance floor was instantly claimed by the APLC members.

By midnight, the dance floor was filled to capacity as Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation's (ZNBC) legendary DJ, Man Chilu, took over the decks, seamlessly blending old classics with contemporary hits, ensuring not a single woman sat idle.

And the APLC Patron, Mrs. Nicolyn Nyoni, took to the podium to a thunderous applause after which she reminded the APLC members that the Club's motto of “Charity, Unity and Empowerment” was more than words. "This is not just a gala dinner," she declared. "It is a celebration of strength, unity and possibility."

Mrs. Nyoni expressed deep gratitude to the APLC cooperating partners, including ZAF, various Government Ministries, Parastatals and the Private Sector for their unwavering support towards the Club’s projects.

Mrs Nyoni extended a special thank you to ABSA Bank Zambia and its CEO and Managing Director, Dr Mizinga Melu, for not only gracing the APLC 2026 Women’s conference but also for pledging support towards the ongoing construction of the Club's Skills Training Centre at ZAF Twinpalm Base.

The Patron revealed that the skills centre, which will benefit over 1,000 families in ZAF Twinpalm Base and surrounding communities is a key priority project for the Club.

She further expressed optimism that the Club would aggressively fundraise to ensure its completion by the end of 2026.

As midnight gave way to early morning, the dance floor showed no signs of emptying. The Air Power Band played on interchangeably with DJ Man Chilu who also kept the beats flowing as over 800 women united by purpose and pride celebrated themselves.

The Air Power Ladies Club - Charity Unity and Empowerment.

ZAF BACKS SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES DRIVE AS KEY TO ECONOMIC TURNAROUND

The Deputy Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander and Chief of Air Staff (COAIRS), Maj Gen Henry Chiwaya, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting cooperative savings and credit institutions (SACCOS), describing them as critical pillars in enhancing the economic turn around, welfare and financial security not only to military personnel and their families but the nation at large.

Maj Gen Chiwaya, who is also ZAF CUSA Board Chairperson, said the Zambia Air Force fully recognises the indispensable role that cooperative savings and credit institutions play in improving the livelihoods of Officers, Airmen and Civilian Staff across the Service.

He said well managed and sustainable SACCOS across the country contribute significantly towards financial stability, economic resilience, morale and overall productivity within the institution.

Maj Gen Chiwaya was speaking when National Savings and Credit Union (NASCU) Board members paid a courtesy call on him on Friday, 29 May 2026 at Air Force Headquarters in Lusaka.

The Deputy Air Force Commander further stressed that ZAF CUSA remained steadfast in strengthening corporate governance to enhance financial sustainability and delivering greater member value to uniformed personnel and their families.

He noted that strong governance structures and prudent financial management remained essential foundations for institutional growth and long term sustainability.

“We firmly believe that strong governance structures and prudent financial management are essential pillars for institutional growth and long-term sustainability,” Maj Gen Chiwaya said.

The Deputy ZAF Commander also commended NASCU for its continued technical and institutional support towards ZAF CUSA through Board and Management training programmes, mentorship and governance guidance, which he said had enhanced operational efficiency, accountability and leadership capacity within SACCO structures.

He further highlighted the importance of innovation and digital transformation in SACCO operations, saying ZAF CUSA was prioritising modernisation, improved credit risk management systems and enhanced digital financial service delivery to ensure greater accessibility and efficiency for members.

Meanwhile, NASCU Board Chairperson, Brig Gen Fenanda Hamanenga, thanked the Deputy Air Force Commander and COAIRS for the warm reception accorded to the delegation.

Brig Gen Hamanenga said NASCU had undertaken the courtesy call to promote SACCO interests and strengthen the cooperative movement in Zambia in order to build confidence among members for a strong apex institution.

She reiterated NASCU’s commitment to fostering collaboration with affiliate institutions and promoting sound governance systems within the cooperative financial sector.

And NASCU Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mutinta Lumayi said the union’s major objectives included advocacy, capacity building as well as the development and collaboration of shared platforms aimed at promoting information technology governance within SACCOs.

Mrs Lumayi said digital transformation remained critical in enhancing service delivery, strengthening accountability and broadening financial inclusion among members.

The NASCU Board Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer jointly commended ZAF CUSA for embracing digitalisation to make financial services more accessible and for working towards lowering lending rates in order to improve financial inclusion for members and their families.

Zambia Air Force - Defend and Support

PHOTO FOCUS: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr Maambo Haamaundu led Defence Force personnel in observing the 2026 International Day of United Nations Peace Keepers under the theme ' Invest in Peace' at Arakan Barracks Chapel earlier today.

The Zambia Air Force - Defend and Support.

ABSA CEO APPLAUDS THE AIR POWER LADIES CLUB PATRON FOR CHANGING LIVES

ABSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Mizinga Melu has commended the Air Power Ladies Club (APLC) Patron, Mrs Nicolynn Nyoni, for uplifting the lives of communities that surround the Air Force Formations across the country.

Speaking when she officiated as Guest of Honour and Key note Speaker at the 2026 Air Power Ladies Club Women’s Conference being held under the theme ‘Unleashing Her Potential: Equipping Her to lead at Home, in Service and Beyond’ on Thursday, 28 May 2026, Dr Melu said the work that the APLC is doing can not go unnoticed.

She also said such Clubs deserve the support of every well meaning organization.

Dr Melu said women at home are often emotional anchors of families, in Service; women are builders of communities and institutions and beyond that, women are redefining what leadership looks like.

Dr Melu mentioned that unleashing potential requires more than talent alone. She was quick to point out that it requires opportunity, confidence, preparation and environments that allow women to thrive and not merely participate.

The ABSA CEO urged the women not to underestimate the value of their voices, perspective or presence.

She appealed to the women to always show up again and again, even in difficult seasons.

Dr Melu pledged her support towards the Air Power Ladies Club Skills Centre, which is still under construction.

Speaking when she welcomed the Guest of Honour to the Conference, the Patron Air Power Ladies Club thanked Dr Melu for graciously accepting to officiate and give a motivational talk to the women at the 2026 Women’s Conference.

Mrs Nyoni said the theme for the Conference resonated well with the Club’s vision and the composition of the Club membership.

She said the Conference was a build up on the 2025 Empowerment retreat held at Chaminuka Resort except that the number for this year’s Conference had increased from 350 delegates last year to 800 delegates.

The Patron said this was done to ensure that more members were reached and empowered to rise above their circumstances and set themselves up for success.

Mrs Nyoni said the APLC is a non profit charitable organization which solely depends on fundraising ventures, support from well wishers and partnerships with like minded organizations to fund its projects and activities.

She thanked ABSA Bank Zambia PLC for the support it rendered to the Club when it renovated Female Ward 1 at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in 2023.

The Patron outlined that the Capital project for the Club in 2026 is the completion of the Skills Centre at ZAF Twin Palm Base. She appealed for support from well wishers in order to see the completion of the project.

Mrs Nyoni further called upon the Mini Patrons from all ZAF Formations and the Club members to double their efforts and raise the required funds for this project.

The APLC 2026 Women’s Conference attracted a number of Guest Speakers, some of whom included Brig Gen Emelda Chola (Rtd), who is the first female to have attained the rank of Brigadier General in the Zambia Air Force. Brig Gen Given Chibangu Tuba (Rtd), Dr Joseph Musashalika and many more.

PHOTO FOCUS: A Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Senior Officer, Lt Col Keagan Chisoshi completed an International Training Course on Sampling in a Highly Contaminated Environment at the Central School of the State Fire Service in Czestochowa, Poland that took place from 18 to 23 May 2026. The course was composed of 22 students representing Africa, Latin America and Europe.

The Zambia Air Force - Defend and Support.