The National Assembly’s Public and International Relations Department has successfully held a two-day departmental Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshop aimed at strengthening strategic communication and enhancing public engagement in legislative institutions.
The workshop, held from 30th to 31st August, 2026 at Twalumba Resorts in Chibombo District under the theme, “Strengthening Strategic Communication and Public Engagement in Legislative Institutions,” brought together officers from the Department to enhance their knowledge and skills in strategic communication, public relations, protocol, international relations and stakeholder engagement.
Officially opening the workshop, the Director of Public and International Relations, Mr. Anthony K. Mpolokoso, expressed gratitude to the Clerk of the National Assembly and management for their continued support and commitment to building a highly skilled communications team capable of effectively supporting Parliament’s mandate.
Mr. Mpolokoso also extended appreciation to Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC) for partnering with National Assembly to deliver the training.
He further encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the workshop and take advantage of the opportunity to earn CPD points, describing professional development as an important component of career growth and effective service delivery.
ZIPRC representative, Council Member, Mr. Posent Ndovi, commended the National Assembly for partnering with the Institute to promote professional excellence within the communications profession. He noted that CPD is a mandatory requirement for licensed practitioners and urged participants to embrace lifelong learning in order to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving communication landscape.
The workshop featured a presentation on Development Communication by Mr. Mwika Malindama, who emphasised the need for Parliament to move beyond information dissemination towards communication that promotes dialogue, participation and behavioural change.
Mr. Malindama encouraged the use of audience-centred messaging, simplified language, digital storytelling and appropriate communication platforms to make legislative processes more accessible and understandable to citizens.
The facilitator also urged the Department to strengthen its digital presence through innovative tools such as podcasts, short-form videos, infographics and social media. Additionally, he stressed the importance of measuring communication outcomes, promoting inclusive communication, combating misinformation, and fostering meaningful citizen participation in parliamentary processes.
Day Two of the workshop featured a session on International Relations and Diplomacy facilitated by Ms. Ngabo M. Nankonde, who provided participants with practical insights into diplomatic communication, protocol and strengthening Parliament’s engagement with regional and international partners.
Participants took part in interactive discussions, group exercises and practical case studies focusing on strategic communication planning, audience segmentation, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement and communication for development within legislative institutions.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Senior International Relations Officer, Mr. Jericho Minyoi, who thanked the facilitators, Management and the organising team for the successful workshop.
Mr. Minyoi also encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to improve service delivery and strengthen the work of the National Assembly.
The workshop forms part of the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, promote transparency and accountability, and improve public understanding of the legislative process through effective, professional and citizen-centred communication.
