HRH Chief Dr. Mumena and Amb. Kapambwe Confer on the Future of IPES Zambia
16 May 2026 | Lusaka, Zambia
In a significant moment for the institutional development of the Institute of Peace Economy Studies Zambia (IPES Zambia), His Royal Highness Chief Dr. E.J. Mumena and Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe convened in Lusaka on 16 May 2026 for high-level consultations concerning the future governance and strategic direction of the Institute.
The meeting, facilitated by the Founding Directors of IPES Zambia, formally discussed the special invitations extended to the two distinguished national leaders to serve as Chairpersons of the Institute’s Governing Board during its foundational phase.
Following cordial and constructive deliberations, both HRH Chief Dr. Mumena and Ambassador Kapambwe formally accepted the invitations and pledged their support and guidance toward strengthening IPES Zambia as a credible public-interest institution dedicated to peace economy studies, diplomacy, policy innovation and cooperative development.
The engagement marks an important milestone in the operationalisation of IPES Zambia, particularly following the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s approval of the co-hosting and institutionalisation of the International Peace Marathon Zambia under a Public-Private Partnership framework.
The Founding Directors noted that the acceptance by the two leaders reflects growing national confidence in the Institute’s vision to contribute toward Zambia’s diplomatic capacity, peace leadership and evidence-based development dialogue.
HRH Chief Dr. Mumena, who will serve as Chairperson (Patron) of the Governing Board, is expected to provide strategic moral leadership and institutional patronage, while Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe, serving as Co-Chairperson (Patron Emeritus), will provide diplomatic mentorship and strategic oversight, particularly in relation to international cooperation and institutional growth.
Their participation brings together traditional leadership, diplomacy, governance and public policy experience — a combination viewed as essential to advancing Zambia’s broader aspirations around peace, stability and economic diplomacy.
Why This Matters
The establishment of the IPES Zambia Governing Board comes at a time when Zambia is increasingly positioning itself as a credible regional actor in peace diplomacy, mediation, economic cooperation and civic engagement.
IPES Zambia was established to operate in the public interest by strengthening research, professional training, policy advisory and multi-stakeholder dialogue at the intersection of peace, diplomacy and economic development. The Institute seeks to support national and regional efforts aimed at promoting peaceful institutions, strategic cooperation and evidence-based governance.
The acceptance of the Board leadership invitations by HRH Chief Dr. Mumena and Ambassador Kapambwe therefore signals the beginning of a broader institutional effort to build an independent Zambian platform capable of contributing to diplomacy, peacebuilding and international engagement from both academic and practical perspectives.
Composition of the 2026/27 Governing Board
The IPES Zambia Governing Board is composed of distinguished professionals drawn from diplomacy, governance, economics, security and international development:
- HRH Chief Dr. E.J. Mumena — Chairperson (Patron)
- Amb. Lazarous Kapambwe — Co-Chairperson (Patron Emeritus)
- Brig. Gen. Idih Hachanga — Peace and Conflict Resolution Specialist
- Dr. Wisdom Kaleng’a — International Development Specialist
- Ms. Loveness M. Mulimbika — Foreign Affairs Specialist
- Mr. Harrison M. Wakumelo — Economist
- Mr. Ralph Likando Vwaali — Executive Director and Board Secretary
The Institute noted that the Board structure has been intentionally designed to uphold professionalism, institutional independence and public-interest governance principles.
As IPES Zambia advances toward the launch of its flagship programmes and the inaugural International Peace Marathon Zambia 2026, the Institute believes the Board’s leadership will play a critical role in shaping a credible and sustainable national institution dedicated to peace economy studies and diplomacy.
Institute of Peace Economy Studies Zambia (IPES Zambia)
Building Peaceful and Economically Resilient Societies”
