Lusaka | January 13, 2026 – The learned Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert A. Phiri SC has reasserted the Office’s commitment to strategic collaboration with SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) Zambia following a courtesy call by Country Director Lenganji Nanyangwe.

Mr. Phiri described the engagement as the first formal meeting between the two institutions and emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional linkages, particularly on matters affecting adolescents and young people. He highlighted that while prevention efforts are vital, effective prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence, child marriage and related offences remains critical to protecting vulnerable groups and upholding the rule of law.

The DPP was joined by Deputy Chief State Advocate in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms. Makumba G. Kashishi, and Deputy Chief State Advocate in the General and Appeals Unit, Mrs. Mercy Lungu. Ms. Nanyangwe was accompanied by Senior Programme Officer Mr. Martin Silukena.

SAT Zambia is a regional non-governmental organisation that advances sexual and reproductive health and rights for adolescents and young people through advocacy, partnerships and youth-focused programming.

Ms. Nanyangwe highlighted ongoing concerns, including high teenage pregnancy rates, school dropouts among pregnant girls, HIV vulnerabilities among young people, substance abuse, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. She called for coordinated responses that combine community-based prevention with strong legal accountability mechanisms.

Both institutions agreed to explore areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening preventive and prosecutorial responses to offences affecting young people.