This article discusses the conceptual underpinnings of economic integration among sovereign states, countries’ motivations for seeking membership in economically integrated blocs, the necessity of economic integration, and the necessity of economic integration beyond the current and unprecedented attacks on its relevance by some countries. 

The author discusses about trade and aid in Africa demonstrating that the two can complete each other when there is good governance. 

There are many international legal instruments that outlaw child labour. However, there are more than 250 million children in the world who are involved in child labour because of various reasons including poverty in families that force children to work to help their families and weak labour laws that do not punish sectors benefiting from child labour among other reasons. The author discusses about other reasons, consequences of child labour and offers a number of recommendations to end that cruel practice. 

The author offers his views on how to solve the current socio-economic and political problems currently preventing Zambia from achieving its potential. 

The life expectancy of Zambians is between 48 and 56 years. So it doesn't make sense to raise retirement age to 65. Importantly, a law should be passed to enable retirees to get their pensions fast and easily.

Employers taking advantage of legal loopholes has resulted in a workforce that is so desperate to earn money they are taking on part-time and temporary jobs with no benefits.

Just over a month after being elected president on Jan 20, Zambia's new head of state has said he will crush members of the ruling party who will not be happy with his decisions. A Zambian commentator finds this threat disturbing.

The two leading candidates in Zambia’s presidential by-election last week were in fact unfit to vie, given their record of activities that constitute elections offenses in the Zambian law. A complaints authority should be set up to investigate the claims.

With Zambia’s presidential by-election set for 20 January, voters must carefully consider which candidate will be able to increase peace, democracy, equality and prosperity by implementing good government practices and encouraging national unity.

Political parties must disclose to the nation and to their members the nature and extent of support they receive from external sources to carry out their campaigns. Such support could lead to state capture.

The constitution is clear on who should be Acting President when the head of state dies. So, Zambians should stay calm during this period of mourning and wait to chose their next president when the time comes.

Zambia suffers from a bloated government. A streamlined government structure will cut wastage and is likely to yield huge savings from salaries, special allowances, and utility allowances. That money is needed for development

The Zambian government needs to heed the paradigm of a smaller and more efficient government, eliminate waste, corruption and ensure effective use of material and human resources. Strategies to implement this are necessary as well as assistance from the international community

Zambia is not over-populated. On the contrary its small population is an economic disadvantage. A sensible population policy should let the country’s population grow to about 20 million people, after which the government can institute appropriate population control measures

While the Zambian government is seemingly content to make nonsensical noises on the subject of the country's Freedom of Information (FoI) bill, it should accept critical perspectives as the words of people who love their country, writes Henry Kyambalesa.

Henry Kyambalesa suggests potential initiatives for Zambia's President Rupiah Banda.

Zambia cannot afford to increase the number of its MPs, Henry Kyambalesa writes in this week's Pambazuka News, when many constituencies remain unable to generate sufficient tax revenue to meet the cost of maintaining existing parliamentary representatives.

Henry Kyambalesa makes the case for an electoral complaints authority in Zambia.