Julia Gelfand at the SCECSAL Conference Panel on Library Partnerships

Julia Gelfand

On 28 April, the XXVII SCECSAL conference in Livingstone, Zambia, will feature a respected voice in global librarianship - Julia Gelfand formerly of the University of California, Irvine Libraries. She will join a high-level expert panel on “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Library and Information Services.”

With more than four decades of experience in academic and research librarianship, Julia recently retired from UC Irvine as Applied Sciences & Engineering Librarian and was conferred Distinguished Emerita status in recognition of her outstanding career. She remains active professionally and globally and is engaged in the global library community through organizations such as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), American Library Association (ALA), Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), International Association of University Libraries (IATUL). 

In 2026, Gelfand is serving as a Fulbright Scholar at Botswana International University of Science and Technology Libraries, where she is contributing to a range of forward-looking initiatives. Her work spans collections development, scholarly communication, library outreach and marketing, and the application of artificial intelligence in libraries, areas that are rapidly reshaping the global information landscape. Her current engagement in Africa reflects a strong commitment to capacity development and international collaboration. 

 Her participation in the SCECSAL panel comes at a critical moment for African libraries. As institutions navigate digital transformation, open knowledge systems, and evolving user needs, the role of strategic partnerships has never been more important. The session will explore how collaborations with governments, development agencies, NGOs, communities, and the private sector can transform libraries into engines of sustainable development. 

With her extensive global experience and current work on the continent, Julia brings both expertise and inspiration to this important conversation, highlighting the power of partnerships to shape the future of library and information services in Africa. She looks forward to meeting and engaging with you at the conference. Visit and regsiter at the conference website: https://conference.scecsal.org/

Prof. Peter Gatiti to speak at XXVII SCECSAL Conference in Livingstone

Prof. Peter Gatiti

As the XXVII SCECSAL Conference (27 April – 1 May 2026) at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia, fast approaches, one of the standout voices to watch is Prof. Peter Gatiti,  a scholar and LIS professional whose career bridges continents and disciplines in the most compelling way.

Prof. Gatiti serves as Associate Vice-Provost and University Librarian at Aga Khan University (AKU), overseeing a network of 12 libraries across six countries, including Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. He holds a PhD in Information Systems from the University of Bolton, an MSc in Information Systems from Leeds Metropolitan University, and a Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Studies from Loughborough University.

His academic journey has been further enriched and strengthened through high-level professional training. He is a fellow of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois and has trained at the Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians at Harvard Graduate School of Education, as well as at the Summer School on Bibliometrics and Research Impact at Western University in Canada.

Prof. Gatiti's research spans digital libraries, health informatics, knowledge management, bibliometrics, and scholarly communication. Notably, he was leading a team of researchers from Aga Khan University in implementing a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights repository, a project funded by WHO, a testament to the real-world impact of his work.

As a prominent voice in the profession, Prof. Gatiti has noted that the global trend now heavily favours electronic resources over printed materials, necessitating librarians to significantly expand their skill sets into data science and information management.

Beyond research, Prof. Gatiti serves as Chairperson of the Kenya Library Association (KLA) and as a standing committee member of IFLA's Statistics and Evaluation Section, connecting African librarianship to the global stage.

At the conference in Livingstone, he will present on “Copyright Competencies of Academic Librarians in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review,” a timely contribution as institutions across the continent navigate digital access, intellectual property, and open knowledge in an ever-changing information environment increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Register today and join more than 400 delegates at a conference that will serve as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration for LIS professionals.

Don't miss the opportunity to engage with Prof. Gatiti.

Visit the conference website at - https://conference.scecsal.org/

Dr. Gracian Chimwaza to join expert panel on Partnerships for Sustainable Library and Information Services

 At the XXVII SCECSAL Conference

Dr. Gracian Chmwaza

As the library and information services (LIS) community across Africa prepares for the XXVII SCECSAL Conference in Livingstone, Zambia (27 April - 1 May 2026), one of the notable experts to look out for in Livingstone is Dr. Gracian Chimwaza, a seasoned leader whose career has been defined by developing capacity, strengthening institutions, and advancing access to information and knowledge across the continent.

On 28 April 2026, Dr. Chimwaza will take part in a high-level expert panel discussion on “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Library and Information Services.” This session will bring together experts to explore how strategic partnerships with government departments, international development agencies, NGOs, communities, and the private sector can contribute to strengthening African libraries and information services in Africa and transform them into engines of sustainable development.

A leader in capacity development and knowledge access

Dr. Chimwaza serves as Executive Director of the Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA), an organization widely recognized for its work in strengthening research capacity and improving access to scientific and scholarly information across Africa. He holds a PhD in Information Science from the University of Pretoria (South Africa) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Thames Valley University (United Kingdom).

With a career spanning training, research support, and knowledge management, he has led numerous initiatives, working with various categories of partners, aimed at empowering librarians, researchers, and institutions in Africa. His work has consistently focused on equipping professionals wit
h the skills and tools needed to navigate an increasingly digital and data-driven information landscape and facilitating South–South and North–South collaborations in strengthening library systems, fostering knowledge exchange, and positioning African libraries as key drivers of sustainable development.

From delivering training under global programmes such as Research4Life to engaging with international organizations, Dr. Chimwaza has played a critical role in bridging information gaps, particularly in underserved regions.

Championing strategic partnerships

A defining feature of Dr. Chimwaza’s work is his emphasis on partnerships. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with universities, research institutions, international agencies, and donor organizations to expand access to knowledge resources and strengthen institutional capacity.

This collaborative approach aligns perfectly with the theme of the SCECSAL panel he will join. 

Dr. Chimwaza’s practical experience in designing and managing multi-stakeholder initiatives positions him as a key contributor to this conversation.

Join us in Livingstone and be part of the conversation on building strategic partnerships to drive the transformation of library and information services across Africa..  

Register at: https://conference.scecsal.org/

Vice President of the Republic of Zambia to Grace XXVII SCECSAL Conference as Guest of Honour

The Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ), host of the XXVII Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL), is pleased to announce that Her Honour, Dr. W. K. Mutale Nalumango, Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, will grace the conference as Guest of Honour.

The XXVII SCECSAL Conference will take place from 27 April to 1 May 2026 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone.

Held under the theme “African Libraries and Information Services at the New Crossroads", the conference will bring together library and information professionals, academics, LIS students, policymakers, development practitioners, private sector actors operating in the LIS sector, and innovators from across Africa and beyond. Participants will explore the evolving role of libraries and information services in advancing Africa’s development agenda in an ever-changing environment shaped by digital technologies.

The presence of the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia as the Guest of Honour underscores the growing national and regional recognition of libraries and information services as key pillars in education, research, innovation, and inclusive development. Her participation highlights the importance that the Zambian government places on access to information, knowledge sharing, and the role of libraries in shaping informed and empowered societies.

The SCECSAL Conference is a flagship biennial gathering that provides a platform for high-level dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on key issues shaping the future of the library and information profession across the continent.

First held in 1974 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the SCECSAL Conference is the oldest continuously running regional conference for library and information professionals in Africa, and since the first conference in Dar es Salaam, it has been held biennially without missing a single cycle.

Delegates can look forward to a rich and engaging programme featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, research presentations, training workshops, exhibitions, and valuable networking opportunities with peers and professionals from across the information, education, and technology sectors.

With the venue set in Livingstone, the tourism capital of Zambia, participants will also enjoy the unique setting of a city that is home to the world-famous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Don’t be left out!

Register today and be part of this important continental conversation shaping the future of African libraries and information services.

Register now: https://conference.scecsal.org/

 

Prof. Ruth Hoskins to keynote XXVII SCECSAL this April – Strengthening LIS for a Digital Future

Prof. Ruth Hoskins

Professor Ruth Hoskins, Dean of Teaching and Learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, will be one of the keynote speakers at the XXVII SCECSAL Conference, taking place from 27 April to 1 May 2026 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia.

Her keynote, titled “Strengthening LIS Human Capital in Africa for a Digital Future,” is scheduled for 30 April at 08:30. It will offer valuable perspectives into developing LIS skills and capacities across Africa and explore how the sector can leverage digital opportunities to develop a workforce ready for the challenges of the 21st century.

Prof. Hoskins holds a PhD in Library and Information Science and brings extensive expertise in academic libraries, ICTs in libraries, scholarly publishing, and information behaviour. She has published widely, including work on open access in South African university libraries and indigenous knowledge in open-access repositories.

Beyond research, she has a distinguished career in higher education and professional service, serving on editorial boards, reviewing for leading LIS journals, and contributing to national initiatives that enhance student success and transformative learning. Her commitment to teaching excellence has been recognized with a Certificate of Excellence in Teaching from her university.

Prof. Hoskins’s deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the LIS profession makes her an ideal speaker to address strategic development of LIS human capital for Africa’s digital future.

Join us at the XXVII SCECSAL Conference from 27 April to 1 May and be inspired by Prof. Hoskins’s vision for developing Library and Information Science (LIS) human capital to strengthen Africa’s libraries and information services for a digital future.

Register now: conference.scecsal.org

Learn more about Prof. Hoskins: UKZN profile

Harnessing AI and data for Africa’s development: Dr. Edmund Balnaves to deliver keynote address at the SCECSAL conference in April

Dr Edmund Balnaves

During the Opening Ceremony of the XXVII SCECSAL Conference on 28 April, Dr Edmund Balnaves, Chief Executive Officer of Prosentient Systems (Australia) and Chair of the Information Technology Section of International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, will be among the distinguished speakers. He will deliver a keynote address on “Harnessing AI and Data in African Libraries for Africa’s Development.”

As libraries across Africa navigate rapid digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven systems are reshaping how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and used. Dr Balnaves brings decades of global experience spanning library systems, metadata innovation, and AI-enhanced discovery, expertise that is highly relevant to African institutions seeking scalable, sustainable digital solutions.

Currently Chair of the Information Technology Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Dr Balnaves has played a leading role in shaping international conversations on library technologies, including AI in libraries and information management. His work spans cloud-based library platforms, AI-assisted search and discovery, and the strategic reuse of metadata to unlock knowledge at scale. His doctoral research focused on systematic content reuse and metadata - foundational elements for intelligent information systems.

For Africa, the stakes are high. Libraries remain critical infrastructure for education, research, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning, yet many face persistent challenges, including limited funding, outdated technology, insufficient digital resources, and gaps in staff capacity. As the continent undergoes rapid digital transformation, leveraging AI and data-driven systems offers an opportunity to modernize library services, improve access to knowledge, and support scalable, sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of students, researchers, and communities. 

Dr Balnaves’ keynote will explore how African libraries, as trusted and equitable community institutions, can mediate the adoption of AI technologies in ways that serve the public good, uphold ethical standards, and meet local needs. He will highlight the broader AI ecosystem beyond generative AI, including machine learning for image recognition, big data analytics, and AI-powered translation tools - critical for bridging linguistic diversity and improving access to educational, governmental, and cultural resources in local languages.

Later in the week, Dr Balnaves will join an expert panel on “AI and Library and Information Services in Africa,” engaging with regional specialists and delegates on practical applications, ethical frameworks, and future-ready skills for library professionals.

As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, AI discussions must be grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and local empowerment. The XXVII SCECSAL Conference provides a timely platform for library and information professionals, policymakers, development practitioners, and academicians to engage in meaningful dialogue on how AI and data can drive inclusive and equitable library services.

Join us on 28 April 2026 for this forward-looking keynote and discover how AI and data can empower African libraries to foster inclusive, equitable development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Register at: https://conference.scecsal.org/

Updated Information Note Now Available – XXVII SCECSAL Conference, April 2026

Delegates attending the XXVII SCECSAL Conference, taking place from 27 April – 1 May 2026 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia are advised that the updated Delegates Quick Information Guide (2 March 2026 edition) is now available for download.

Please review the document carefully, as it contains important updates and reminders regarding:

Registration & deadlines

• Standard Registration deadline: 20 March 2026
• No bank transfers will be accepted after 20 March 2026.
• Onsite registration fees will automatically apply to all payments received after the published deadlines.
• No cash or credit card payments will be accepted onsite. All registration fees must be paid in Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) and deposited into the official Conference Account at Indo-Zambia Bank, Livingstone Branch.
• To avoid inconveniences and to ensure a smooth onsite registration process, delegates are strongly encouraged to complete payment via bank wire transfer well before the deadline.

Early action is strongly encouraged to avoid higher onsite registration rates.

Accommodation

April is peak tourism season in Livingstone, with high visitor numbers to Victoria Falls, and hotel rooms fill up quickly. Delegates are strongly advised to book and confirm their accommodation as soon as possible. The Conference Organisers cannot guarantee assistance with accommodation for late bookings or for delegates arriving in Livingstone without confirmed reservations. A list of recommended hotels, including any available special delegate rates, is provided on the conference website.

Transport & arrival

Delegates may arrive via Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone or Victoria Falls International Airport (Zimbabwe). Please arrange airport transfers with your hotel in advance where shuttle services are available.

If your hotel does not provide airport transfers, you may use locally available transport options, including Yango ride-hailing services and private taxis, for travel from the airport to your accommodation.

Conference-arranged shuttle bus services will operate between the recommended hotels and the conference venue. Delegates who miss the scheduled shuttle services may also use Yango or private taxis for convenient transport to and from the venue.

All delegates are encouraged to download and read the updated Information Note in full to ensure smooth participation.

Dr. Tuesday Bwalya to deliver keynote at XXVII SCECSAL Conference in Livingstone

Dr Tuesday Bwalya, seated in the middle

The SCECSAL Conference Organizing Committee is delighted to announce that Dr. Tuesday Bwalya will deliver a keynote address at this year’s Standing Conference of Eastern, Central, and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL). The conference will take place from 27 April to 1 May 2026 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia. 

Dr. Bwalya’s keynote, titled “African Libraries and Information Services at the New Crossroads,” is scheduled for 27 April, the first day of this major regional event. His address will set the tone for a thoughtful and inspiring exploration of the transformative journey African libraries are undertaking, highlighting the opportunities and challenges posed by rapid technological, social, and economic changes across the continent. 

About Dr. Tuesday Bwalya

Dr. Bwalya is a scholar, educator, and librarian based in Zambia. He is the Head of the Technical Services Department at the University of Zambia (UNZA) Library while also serving as a lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science at the same university. In addition, he plays a key editorial role as the Managing Editor of the Zambia Journal of Library & Information Science. He is also the Vice-Chairperson of the University Council at Mulungushi University, one of the public universities in the country.

Dr. Bwalya holds a Ph.D. in Library and Information Science from UNZA and earned his Master’s in Information Science from Northeast Normal University in China. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing library automation, open access publishing, e-records management, and information systems that support inclusive access to knowledge across communities. His training and professional development have taken him across multiple continents, including specialized study in India and Belgium focused on free and open-source library management systems. 

 “African Libraries and Information Services at the New Crossroads”

The theme of Dr. Bwalya’s keynote resonates with the overarching focus of SCECSAL 2026: navigating a pivotal moment for libraries and information services in Africa. As institutions grapple with digital transformation, evolving user expectations, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, this keynote will highlight both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for libraries seeking to remain relevant, equitable, and future-ready. 

From advocacy and policy influence to innovation in service delivery and the adoption of digital tools, his address is expected to stimulate meaningful dialogue among conference delegates and set the tone for the sessions that follow. 

Join us in Livingstone

Whether you are a library professional, researcher, student, policymaker, or simply someone interested in transforming communities and advancing sustainable development through information, knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, the XXVII SCECSAL Conference is the forum for you.

The conference will provide an engaging platform to connect with leading library and information science experts in Africa, including Dr. Bwalya, and to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of library and information services across the continent.

For more information and registration for the conference, visit the conference website at https://conference.scecsal.org/

Call for candidates: Independent SCECSAL President

The Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to be considered as candidates for election to the position of Independent SCECSAL President.

The position of Independent SCECSAL President is established in accordance with Article 6, Sub-section 6.1 of the SCECSAL Constitution, which provides for SCECSAL Officers and their respective roles.

The Independent SCECSAL President serves as the principal governance leader of SCECSAL and provides strategic direction to the organization in accordance with its Constitution, vision, and mission.

The role is accountable to the SCECSAL General Assembly and works closely with the SCECSAL Management Board to ensure effective governance, policy oversight, and regional representation.

As an independent office bearer, the President is expected to uphold the highest standards of impartiality, ethical leadership, and institutional stewardship, while representing SCECSAL at regional and international fora.

Eligible candidates will be presented for election at the XXVII SCECSAL Conference in Livingstone. The duly elected Independent President will be announced on 2 May 2026 during the SCECSAL General Assembly Meeting in Livingstone, Zambia.

Interested individuals are invited to download the Call for Candidates and submit their applications to the addresses indicated therein by Friday, 20 March 2026.

Call for Candidates (PDF)

Preliminary programme for the XXVII SCECSAL conference announced

Download the programme

The XXVII SCECSAL Conference Organising Committee has announced the Preliminary Programme for the Conference, scheduled to take place from 27 April to 1 May 2026 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia, located near the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders and a must-see destination for conference delegates.

The conference will bring together library and information professionals, researchers, lecturers, policymakers, development partners, graduate students, and industry leaders focused on strengthening development outcomes, transforming communities, and advancing sustainable development in Africa through information, knowledge, innovation, and collaborative action. 

Conference highlights.

The five-day programme features a blend of keynote addresses, plenary sessions, panel discussions, parallel paper presentations, training workshops, and cultural activities, all designed to promote knowledge exchange, professional development, and regional collaboration.

Key thematic areas covered in the programme include:

• Artificial Intelligence and library and information services in Africa
• Libraries, information services, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Partnerships, advocacy, and strategic positioning of libraries
• Digital technologies, open science, and reading culture
• Innovation and transformation in library and information services
• Policy, legal, and cybersecurity issues
• Knowledge management in organisational and development contexts
• Data, analytics, and artificial intelligence in libraries
• Strategic marketing of library and information services

Keynote addresses and expert panel discussions

The programme features high-level keynote speakers and expert panellists drawn from leading universities, national libraries, international organisations, and the private sector. The three keynote addresses will explore topics such as:

• African libraries at new crossroads
• Harnessing AI and data for Africa’s development
• Strengthening LIS human capital for a digital future

In addition, interactive panel discussions will examine how libraries and information professionals can advance the SDGs, build resilient and sustainable partnerships, and responsibly adopt artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery across the African continent.

Plenary and parallel sessions 

Participants can look forward to a rich programme of plenary and parallel sessions featuring peer-reviewed papers and case studies from across the SCECSAL region. These sessions will highlight practical experiences, evidence-based research, and innovative initiatives that demonstrate how information professionals and their institutions - libraries – in Africa are contributing to social transformation, capacity development, and sustainable development.

The programme also includes optional training sessions, side events, and professional meetings. 

Cultural evening and networking

Beyond the academic and professional sessions, the conference will feature networking opportunities, including a Welcome Cocktail and a Cultural Evening. Highlights of the Cultural Evening include the SCECSAL Excellence Awards ceremony and the Rhythms of SCECSAL where delegates from participating countries showcase their cultures through cultural or national dress, dance, poetry, and song - celebrating unity in diversity across the SCECSAL region and beyond.

What’s next?

This programme is preliminary and subject to change. Participants and interested readers are encouraged to regularly visit the SCECSAL Forum Blog for the latest updates and announcements. For official information on registration, accommodation and transport arrangements, and the final conference programme, please follow SCECSAL and LIAZ communication channels and visit the conference website at https://conference.scecsal.org/.

Experience the XXVII SCECSAL Conference like never before – see you in Livingstone this April!

Download the programme HERE!

This April, the SCECSAL Conference 2026 heads to Livingstone, Zambia

 

Download Image

The library and information community across Africa and beyond is set to gather in one of the continent’s most breathtaking destinations as the XXVII SCECSAL Conference 2026 takes place from 27th April to 1st May 2026 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia’s tourism capital.

An essential fixture on Africa’s library and information science (LIS) calendar, the SCECSAL Conference is a flagship biennial gathering that convenes information professionals, development practitioners, academics, policymakers, and innovators from across the continent and beyond to engage in high-level discussions on the evolving information landscape and its impact and role in Africa’s development agenda.

Hosted just a stone’s throw from the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders, this high-profile conference will be held under the theme: “African Libraries and Information Services at the New Crossroads.”

The theme reflects a critical moment for African libraries and information services, shaped by digital transformation, evolving user needs, open knowledge movements, and the growing role of information in socio-economic development. The conference will provide a strategic platform for dialogue, partnerships, and forward-looking solutions that will influence the future direction of information services across Africa.

Participants can look forward to a vibrant programme designed to inspire library and information professionals, academics, LIS students, development practitioners, and policymakers across the information, education, and technology sectors. The conference will feature high-level keynote addresses, engaging panel discussions, technical sessions, exhibitions, and rich networking opportunities with peers and LIS experts from across Africa and around the world, all set in the inspiring environment of one of the world’s natural wonders.

Keynote addresses by distinguished African and international experts will explore critical issues shaping the sector, including the future direction of African libraries, the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and data for development, and the strengthening of LIS human capital for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Interactive panel discussions will bring together practitioners, scholars, and policymakers to examine pressing themes such as Artificial Intelligence and Libraries, Libraries and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the creation of strategic partnerships for sustainable library and information services.

Technical sessions will offer participants the opportunity to contribute to focused discussions across key areas, including empowering libraries and users for transformative services, innovation in library and information services, data analytics and cybersecurity, and the application of artificial intelligence in libraries.

Have you registered yet?

Standard registration closes on 20th March 2026, so now is the time to secure your place.

Register today by visiting: https://conference.scecsal.org/

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of library  and information services in Africa at this important event in Livingstone.

Tell your library’s SDGs story! Share your library’s SDGs experiences!

At the XXVII SCECSAL Conference in Livingstone, Zambia, 27 April – 1 May 2026

©IFLA

As part of the XXVI SCECSAL Conference, scheduled to take place from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in Livingstone, Zambia, the programme will include an interactive session on Advancing the SDGs through Libraries and Information Services in the SCECSAL Region. The session will feature presentations of selected libraries and SDG stories and an expert panel discussion, providing a platform for libraries, information centres, library associations, and individual professionals from across and beyond the SCECSAL region to share inspiring stories, innovative initiatives and services that highlight how the library and information sector is advancing progress toward the SDGs at both national and regional levels.. 

If you plan to attend the XXVI SCECSAL Conference in Livingstone and have a story, initiative, or experience related to the SDGs to share, we invite you to send your proposal to the SCECSAL Secretariat for consideration.

Submissions, in MS Word format, should include the following information:

• Title of the story (maximum 10 words)
• Target beneficiaries
• SDGs addressed
• Description/Narrative (maximum 500 words)
• Full names
• Professional title
• Affiliation/Organization
• Contact email address

For a quick and practical guide, you are encouraged to read IFLA’s How to tell your story: Elements of compelling evidence-based storytelling.

Send your proposals and requests for further information, via email, to: secretariatATscecsal.org

The deadline for submitting the proposals is 19 December 2025. 

Register for the XXVII SCECSAL Conference at: https://conference.scecsal.org/

LIAZ/SCECSAL training course: Practical Introduction to Facilitation

 Guiding groups toward consensus and collaboration

A facilitator guiding a session

In today’s collaborative workplaces, the ability to facilitate effectively is an essential professional skill.
Whether you’re leading a consultative workshop, a strategic planning session, or a team meeting, success often depends on how well you guide diverse perspectives toward shared understanding and agreement.

The Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ), in collaboration with the Standing Conference for Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL), is pleased to announce a focused and practical virtual training course - Practical Introduction to Facilitation.

This 3-hour interactive workshop is designed to equip participants with hands-on facilitation techniques for both in-person and virtual stakeholder meetings and processes.

Course Details

• Date: 30 October 2025
• Time: 14:00 – 17:00 CAT
• Seats: Limited to 25 participants
• Closing date for registration and payment: 23 October 2025
• Course Fee: K500 (includes):
• Course materials (PDF)
• Certificate of Participation (PDF)
• Coaching support on request

How to Register

To register downloaded the full course announcements HERE.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your facilitation skills and lead more inclusive, participatory, and results-driven sessions!

Call for nominations: SCECSAL Excellence Awards 2026

The SCECSAL Secretariat is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the SCECSAL Excellence Awards 2026. These awards recognise individuals and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership and impact on the advancement of the library, information and knowledge sector in the SCECSAL region.

The awards recognise outstanding achievements in several categories:

• SCECSAL Excellence Award: Distinguished Service (Individual and Institution)
• SCECSAL Excellence Award: Leadership (individual)
• SCECSAL Excellence Award: Knowledge Creation and Exchange (Individual)
• SCECSAL Excellence Award: Capacity Development (Individual & Institution)
• SCECSAL Excellence Award: Innovation (Individual & Institution)
• SCECSAL Young LIS Professional Award

The awards will be presented during the SCECSAL Cultural Evening in April 2026 in Livingstone, Zambia.

Nominations must be submitted through SCECSAL member associations no later than 19 December 2025 at 10:00 GMT.

LIAZ 52nd Annual General Conference Pre-Conference Training: by SMART Zambia

 The long-awaited 52nd Annual General Conference of the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) officially kicked off yesterday at the magnificent Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Zambia’s tourist capital, Livingstone.

 Running from July 22nd to 25th, 2025, the conference opened on a powerful note, laying the foundation for a transformative and memorable week ahead

Day One featured an impactful Pre-Conference Training session facilitated by the SMART Zambia Institute, setting a dynamic and forward-thinking tone for the rest of the conference. The training focused on Digital Skills Empowerment, with a special spotlight on the CISCO Networking Academy a platform offering free, globally recognized digital skills training to Zambians.

Hosted at David Livingstone College of Education (DALICE), the training was led by a knowledgeable team from SMART Zambia, including Mr. Brian Nawa Nawa, Head of Digital Skills and Capabilities, Mr. Charles Mwanza, Principal Officer, Service Support, and Ms. Chunga Manzi, Senior Officer, Digital Skills and Capabilities

Key Focus Areas of the Training

The session centered around three core areas designed to empower librarians and information professionals:

• Digital Skills and Capabilities

Equipping librarians with essential digital competencies to navigate and support Zambia’s growing digital public infrastructure.

• ZamPortal (Government Service Bus)

Promoting seamless and integrated access to public services across various government departments.

• SMART Office & eRegistry System

Enhancing digital literacy and public service delivery through innovative government systems.

“This programme is part of SMART Zambia’s ongoing efforts to build a digitally literate citizenry capable of accessing, using, and contributing to e-government services,” said Mr. Nawa Nawa.

“Librarians are key partners in this transformation. Their role within communities makes them instrumental in spreading awareness and ensuring access to digital government services.”

SMART Zambia urged librarians, archivists, and information professionals to become digital ambassadors, actively promoting digital literacy and training in their institutions and communities. The session highlighted the profession’s responsibility to remain relevant and proactive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“When librarians embrace digital tools, they become drivers of innovation in education and information services,” said a SMART Zambia facilitator.

“We must not just consume digital tools, but become creators and educators in the digital space.”

This initiative reaffirmed SMART Zambia’s commitment to inclusive digital capacity-building and recognized the critical role of information professionals in shaping Zambia’s digital transformation agenda.

The successful launch of the LIAZ 52nd Annual General Conference through SMART Zambia’s pre-conference training set an inspiring tone for the days ahead. Delegates looked forward to more enriching sessions, meaningful discussions, and collaborative opportunities aimed at shaping the future of libraries and information services in Zambia.