ECZ Consults Stakeholders on 2027–2031 Strategic Plan
The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) has engaged stakeholders as part of consultations on its draft Strategic Plan for the period 2027–2031.
The engagement, held on 7 October 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the draft plan and contribute to its development.
The consultative process is intended to ensure that the Council’s strategic direction reflects the views, expectations and emerging needs of the stakeholders it serves, while taking into account its evolving mandate and functions.
Speaking during the meeting, ECZ Executive Director Dr Michael Chilala emphasised the collective responsibility of stakeholders in ensuring that Zambia’s education system remains responsive to current and emerging industry demands.
Dr Chilala also highlighted progress made by the Council in improving examination administration and service delivery.
He reflected on challenges that previously affected the administration of examinations, including delays in the release and distribution of results, difficulties in accessing results, examiner welfare, candidate registration and the pre-exposure of examination materials.
The Council has since introduced a number of reforms and technological innovations aimed at addressing these challenges and strengthening its operations.
Among the developments highlighted was the strengthening of measures to prevent examination leakages, as well as improvements in the payment of examiners. Examiners now receive their marking fees significantly earlier than in the past, when payments could be delayed until the following marking session.
ECZ has also improved the processing and accessibility of examination results. Candidates and other stakeholders can now access results online, while examination statements are available for download. Primary School certificates have also been made available through online platforms.
The Council has further enhanced the candidate registration process by introducing mechanisms that allow parents and guardians to confirm candidates’ registration details, helping to improve the accuracy and integrity of candidate information.
As Zambia continues implementing the Competence-Based Curriculum, ECZ has also taken steps to align its assessment systems with the new curriculum through administrative systems and assessment-related materials.
Stakeholders welcomed the goals, strategies and intended results outlined in the draft plan, with their input expected to contribute to the Council’s strategic direction.
The finalisation and implementation of the ECZ Strategic Plan for 2027–2031 is expected to further strengthen the Council’s capacity to deliver on its mandate, improve service delivery and respond effectively to stakeholder needs.
The plan is expected to provide a clear strategic direction for ECZ as it continues contributing to quality, credible and efficient assessment services in Zambia.