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The report finds that women represent only about 10% of the Zambian mining workforce, primarily in support roles. Despite national policies like the Gender Equity and Equality Act of 2015, the sector suffers from a 'gender-blind attitude', persistent sexual harassment, and significant data gaps. The authors recommend standardizing gender-disaggregated data collection, promoting STEM education for girls, and implementing specific retention strategies to address the gender pay gap and structural barriers.

The ZAMBEZI ADMIT project is a proposed USD 50 million initiative (requesting USD 30 million from the Green Climate Fund) to address high deforestation rates and climate vulnerability in Zambia's North-Western province. The project focuses on the 'forest-water-climate nexus,' targeting five districts: Mwinilunga, Ikelenge, Kapombo, Manyinga, and Kalumbila. It seeks to reduce GHG emissions by 10.4 million tCO2eq over 20 years by sustainably managing 100,000 ha of forests, restoring 10,000 ha, and establishing 2,000 ha of agroforestry. The project aims to benefit 225,000 people by diversifying livelihoods away from unsustainable charcoal production and rain-fed agriculture. Key components include the establishment of Community Forest Management Groups (CFMGs), the development of non-wood forest product value chains, and the mobilization of diverse finance sources, including payments for environmental services (PES) from ZESCO and the development of a jurisdictional REDD+ program.

The report identifies a structural boom in copper prices driven by the global shift toward carbon-neutral growth, specifically the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy. It posits that as high-grade deposits deplete, Zambia's lower-grade copper deposits will become increasingly attractive. However, the authors warn that sustained returns require investors to move beyond a 'policy taker' role to become 'development partners' who strengthen state institutions and adhere to strict ESG standards to avoid legacy issues like lead poisoning and corruption.

The document examines three case studies to demonstrate the impact of capacity building for women in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. In Mongolia, the Sustainable Artisanal Mining (SAM) project combined government support with leadership and managerial training to help women formalize illegal operations and improve environmental rehabilitation. In Zambia, the Extractives Industry Transparency Alliance (EITA) utilized local civil society organizations to provide business and governance training to women in the extraction of development minerals. In Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Accountability and Artisanal Mining Program (ZAAMP) focused on strengthening the internal management and governance systems of miners' associations. The report concludes that for empowerment initiatives to be sustainable, they must involve governments as active partners, leverage local civil society organizations to ensure local ownership, and focus on leadership training to create a multiplier effect through associations.

The Zambia Prison Service faces critical challenges including severe overcrowding, chronic underfunding, and human rights abuses. While the service has implemented an Offender Management Programme and received some recent government investment in transport and uniforms, the prison population—largely composed of remandees—far exceeds capacity. The report highlights inhumane living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. It recommends the construction of new facilities, the adoption of non-custodial sentencing, and the establishment of a prisons ombudsman to ensure accountability and respect for human rights.

The document traces the MMD's transition from a civil society coalition to a dominant political party in Zambia. It analyzes the party's internal organization, its reliance on state resources for funding, and the impact of ethnic tensions and policy failures on its declining national support base.

The document examines the transition of Zambia's copper industry from state control under Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited (ZCCM) to private ownership. It argues that while privatisation increased production and corporate profits, it led to a decline in social services, poor labour conditions, and environmental degradation. The author highlights a 'resource curse' where the state's failure to negotiate fair development agreements and its tendency to protect foreign investors have left local communities with minimal benefits and increased insecurity.

The report examines the 'New Copperbelt' in Zambia's Northwestern Province, highlighting a significant gap between the country's strong formal mining laws and their practical implementation. While large-scale investments from companies like First Quantum Minerals and Barrick Gold drive economic growth, they have also caused heavy metal contamination in rivers and exacerbated social inequalities. The document finds that community engagement often lacks meaningful consent, and the benefits of mining are unevenly distributed, with women and girls facing disproportionate burdens including increased unpaid labour and gender-based violence.

The Zambia Prison Service faces critical challenges including severe overcrowding, chronic underfunding, and human rights abuses. While a legal framework exists based on the Constitution of Zambia and various international conventions, many instruments are not domesticated. Prisons are significantly over capacity, with a high proportion of inmates on remand due to judicial delays and corruption. Conditions are described as inhumane, with shortages of food, bedding, and medical care, alongside reports of torture and the improper detention of women and juveniles. The report recommends building new facilities, increasing funding, implementing non-custodial sentencing, and establishing a prisons ombudsman.