As part of IWA’s mission to empower Young Water Professionals (YWPs) to contribute to sustainable water management, a new IWA Young Water Professionals (IWA YWP) chapter was officially established in Zambia in 2024. This IWA YWP chapter will be the country’s go-to network boosting connections for YWPs and a platform to support equal opportunities and quality career development. As a voluntary network, the Zambian chapter is open to all water professionals aged 35 or below who are enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate about water-related issues. Here, Natasha Mumba, Chair of YWP Zambia, presents some key points about the chapter. 

Q: What was the motivation for setting up an IWA YWP Chapter in Zambia?  

Water is a vital resource, important for the current and future development of a country. Taking into account the adverse effects of climate change, it becomes crucial to ensure proper management.  Additionally, young people have the potential to bring about momentous change in our communities. It is against this backdrop that the chapter was established. The chapter seeks to actively contribute to addressing water-related challenges hindering equitable access to clean, safe water and adequate sanitation for all Zambians.

Q: How will the chapter help in the empowerment of YWPs to contribute to the national water agenda in Zambia? 

The Zambia Chapter aims to empower YWPs to contribute to improved water supply and sanitation as outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), in a quest to attain Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By addressing capacity development for YWPs in water resource management, water supply and sanitation, the chapter will equip YWPs to effectively address WASH-related challenges with an emphasis on sustainability and resilience.

Furthermore, the activities of the YWP Zambia Chapter fall within the Investment Focus Area 3 of the Zambia Water Investment Programme (ZIP) under Component Six: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion. By prioritising youth development and empowerment through business ventures related to water and sanitation, the Chapter will contribute to the overarching goal of economic diversification and job creation through water investments.

Q: What are the aims and objectives for your chapter, and what activities do you plan to do? 

Our primary objective is to establish a platform for enthusiastic YWPs in Zambia, coming from various backgrounds and possessing a wide range of expertise to connect, network, share ideas and collectively address the water-related challenges in the country. By facilitating career and skills development opportunities, the chapter aims to empower YWPs to excel and make meaningful contributions in the WASH sector.

Our planned activities include:

1. Promoting interdisciplinary discussions to enable YWPs to discuss and share information about the water sector.
2. Providing career development opportunities to foster professional growth.
3. Organising regular webinars, training sessions, as well as networking events.
4. Supporting the participation of YWPs in local, national, regional, and international water-related events.
5. Acknowledging and awarding outstanding YWPs for recognised service in WASH or related fields.

Meet the Steering Committee of the IWA YWP Zambian Chapter 

Natasha Mumba, Co-founder & Chair 

Natasha Mumba, a Civil and Environmental Engineer specialising in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), currently contributes her expertise to the Sustainable Development Goals Center for Africa (SDGC/A). In this capacity, she offers technical support for designing and implementing initiatives to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific focus on SDG 6. Natasha actively collaborates with stakeholders to advance SDG 6 initiatives. 

Having previously served as a Consultant with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) Zambia, Natasha played a pivotal role in coordinating construction activities and contributed to developing investment packages to enhance the reliability and sustainability of rural water supply systems in Zambia’s provincial districts. Furthermore, she is the Co-founder and Chairperson of the Young Water Professionals Zambia Chapter, highlighting her commitment to fostering collaboration and leadership within the water sector. 

Mukuka Clive Musoma, Vice-Chair 

Mukuka Clive Musoma, a dedicated advocate for environmental issues and water management, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Copperbelt University in Zambia and a Master’s degree in Water and Sanitary Engineering from IHE Delft in the Netherlands. Currently serving as an Operations and Maintenance Coordinator for a water utility, he oversees daily operations related to water supply and sanitation systems. 

Simultaneously, Mukuka acts as the Vice-Chair for the Young Water Professionals Zambia Chapter. He finds fulfilment in his role as it allows him to apply his expertise to enhance the well-being of people and the environment. Mukuka values knowledge exchange with fellow water professionals, actively participating in discussions on water engineering, encompassing best practices, innovations, challenges, opportunities, and more. 

Rachel Tembo, Secretary General  

Rachel Tembo, a seasoned professional with over 6 years of experience in public health, specializes in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). In her role as Senior Health Education Officer at the Lusaka City Council’s Public Health Department, she plays a pivotal role in designing and implementing programs that enhance community awareness and promote best practices in WASH. Rachel’s dedication has significantly improved living conditions within Lusaka City, showcasing her multifaceted expertise in health education, public health, and water management. 

Beyond her council duties, Rachel is the Secretary General of the Young Water Professionals Network. In this capacity, she actively contributes to the network’s mission of fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation among emerging leaders in the water sector. Rachel’s leadership role highlights her as a dynamic and influential figure in the realm of public health and water-related initiatives. 

Prosper Ngandu, Finance Coordinator 

Prosper, a Structural Civil Engineer with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from RUDN University in Moscow, currently serves as a full-time Lecturer and Researcher at Mulungushi University. Known for its excellence in education, Mulungushi University is prestigious not only in Zambia but also in the Southern African region, emphasizing ‘Frontiers of Knowledge’ in its educational services. 

As an academic and research-driven individual, Prosper views education as a gateway to freedom. Previously a Part-time Lecturer at the University of Zambia (UNZA), he established strong connections in Research, Consultancy, and Industrial innovation. From 2020 to 2022, Prosper served as a consultant and Site Engineer for Global Stroyi Construction Ltd in Russia, gaining valuable structural insights and a global perspective on addressing civil and structural challenges. Currently, as the Finance Coordinator of IWA YWP Zambian Chapter, Prosper is dedicated to contributing his idealism and practical knowledge to address the country’s challenges effectively. 

Mwendalubi Kambombi, Research and Institutions Coordinator 

Mwendalubi is an accomplished Environmental Engineer and Microbiologist with a Master’s in Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Microbiology, providing a robust foundation in both biological sciences and environmental engineering. This unique combination positions her at the convergence of environmental science and microbiological principles, enabling a comprehensive understanding of complex environmental challenges. 

As an Independent Consultant, Mwendalubi focuses on improving biodigester efficiency, ensuring food safety, and advocating for environmental sustainability in water, hygiene, and sanitation. In her capacity as the Research and Institutions Coordinator at Young Water Professionals-Zambian Chapter, she leads academic research initiatives, collaborates with research institutions, and identifies key research areas aligned with the organisation’s mission. Mwendalubi is committed to fostering innovation, building partnerships, and contributing to environmental sustainability through her multidisciplinary expertise in environmental engineering and microbiology. 

Frank Mudenda, Events Coordinator 

Frank Mudenda is a Civil and Environmental Engineer and a Water Resource Specialist from Lusaka, Zambia. He holds a Master’s degree in Water Resource Management from the University of Pretoria and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Zambia. Frank is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Soil and Water Engineering at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). His work experience includes lecturing and consultancy in water resources management, engineering, climate change mitigation and adaptation, irrigation, and road construction. He also holds the position of Events Coordinator of the Young Water Professionals Zambian Chapter where he oversees all the logistical aspects of the events. 

Elizabeth Gambo, Communications Coordinator 

Elizabeth Gambo is a passionate Civil and Environmental Engineer and WASH expert with extensive experience in GIS, WASH facility construction, and community sensitisation. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Sanitation from the University of Zambia. She’s dedicated to leveraging her skills and knowledge to address pressing challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure. With a commitment to sustainable development and a drive to make a positive impact, she’s always eager to contribute to building healthier and more resilient communities. 

She holds the position of Communications Coordinator, responsible for facilitating communication with chapter members and managing the chapter’s social media platforms. 

Miyanda Habanyama, Membership Coordinator 

Miyanda, an Environmental Health Specialist, is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sanitation at the University of Zambia, complementing her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health from Solusi University in Zimbabwe. Engaged in an AfDB-funded project titled ‘Transforming Rural Livelihoods in Western Zambia,’ Miyanda is a key member of the district team responsible for providing access to clean water and constructing sanitary facilities in selected health centres and schools. Her role encompasses supervising community-led sanitation efforts, implementing water safety plans, rehabilitating boreholes, promoting WASH in schools, and monitoring sanitation facility construction. In addition, Miyanda addresses cross-cutting themes such as HIV, gender, and conflict sensitivity in her project responsibilities. 

Apart from her project engagement, Miyanda also serves as the Membership Coordinator of the Young Water Professionals IWA YWP Zambian Chapter, reflecting her commitment to nurturing and coordinating efforts among emerging leaders in the water sector.