NOCZ Hosts Technical Directors Forum to Strengthen Sport Development and Performance Pathways

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) on 9 May 2026 hosted a Technical Directors Forum in Lusaka, bringing together technical leaders from various National Sports Associations to enhance knowledge sharing, coordination, and strategic planning aimed at improving sport performance and development in Zambia.

Delivering remarks on behalf of NOCZ Vice President Ms Nakaonga M. Kakoma, NOCZ Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi emphasised the importance of the forum as an annual platform that promotes collaboration and learning among sports associations.

He noted that the forum continues to play a critical role in strengthening technical capacity and ensuring that federations align their programmes with national priorities and international requirements. He also applauded the NOCZ Secretariat for organising the forum as part of the Committee’s ongoing commitment to supporting sports development.

The forum featured several key sessions delivered by experts and NOCZ officials. The first session was conducted by NOCZ Medical Commission Chairperson Dr Chanda Shula, who presented on the Anti-Doping Testing Pool, emphasising the importance of compliance and athlete integrity in sport.

Olympafrica Centre Zambia Director Tinyiko L. Kamanga also delivered a session highlighting how the Olympafrica Centre collaborates with National Sports Associations to enhance grassroots sport development and promote Olympic values through community-based initiatives.

Kenny Matishi, the Coach Developer Coordinator for the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) programme, delivered a presentation on the Coach Developer Programme, explaining how it supports coaches through structured training and capacity building aimed at strengthening athlete development.

NOCZ Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi further delivered a session on the proposed NOCZ Athlete Selection Criteria, outlining its purpose in promoting fairness, transparency, and consistency in the selection of athletes for major international competitions.

He also reinforced the importance of embedding Safe Sport and safeguarding sessions in all sports programmes, urging National Sports Associations to embrace these principles as part of athlete welfare and protection.

Participants later took part in breakout group discussions and delivered presentations based on assigned topics, allowing for active engagement, exchange of experiences, and the sharing of best practices across sports disciplines.

To conclude the forum, NOCZ Technical Commission Chairperson Leslie Chikuse delivered closing remarks and issued a call to action to all Technical Directors, encouraging them to apply the knowledge gained and use the forum as a tool to drive national sport development, increase participation, and improve Zambia’s medal prospects at major competitions.

The forum was also attended by key NOCZ stakeholders, including NOCZ Athletes Commission Members Richard Mulenga and Carol Moono, NOCZ Technical Commission Member Dr Bwalya Katongo, NOCZ Board Member and National Olympic Academy Chairperson Mwape Zulu, Olympians Association of Zambia president Jonathan Chipalo, among others.