Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection

Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection We Research, Advocate, Educate & Offer Consultation on Key Social-Economic Issues in Zambia.
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The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection is a research, education and advocacy team that promotes study and action on issues linking Christian Faith and social justice in Zambia and Malawi. JCTR began in 1988 as a project of the Zambia-Malawi Province of the Society of Jesus and is similar in orientation to other Jesuit social Centres around the world. This year 2021 marks thirty three (33) ye

ars of the JCTR’s dedicated service to promoting the fullness of human life for all, as the Centre was established in 1988. Vision for JCTR:
“A just Zambian society guided by faith, where everyone enjoys fullness of life”. Mission Statement:
“To Enhance Justice and Equality for All, Particularly the Poor and Marginalized, Through the Promotion of Christian Values, Empowerment, Care for the Environment and Provision of Policy Alternatives”.

JCTR Condemns Electoral Violence and Calls for Protection of Political RightsThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflectio...
20/05/2026

JCTR Condemns Electoral Violence and Calls for Protection of Political Rights

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has issued an institutional statement expressing deep concern over acts of violence, intimidation, and coercion that undermine citizens’ constitutional right to participate freely in Zambia’s electoral process.

JCTR reiterates that elections must be free, fair, and conducted in an atmosphere of peace, dignity, and genuine democratic freedom.

We call on all political parties, candidates, supporters, law enforcement agencies, and the Electoral Commission of Zambia to uphold the Constitution and enforce electoral laws impartially.

Read the full statement as attached or access it here on our website: https://jctr.org.zm/en/institutional-statement-on-electoral-violence-and-the-protection-of-political-rights/

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) joins the Catholic Church in Zambia and the wider Christian communit...
16/05/2026

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) joins the Catholic Church in Zambia and the wider Christian community in mourning the passing of His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Telesphore George Mpundu, Emeritus Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka.

Archbishop Mpundu was a courageous shepherd, a prophetic voice for justice, and a steadfast advocate for good governance, human dignity, and the common good. His unwavering commitment to truth and social justice inspired countless people and institutions, including JCTR, in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

As former President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), he played a pivotal role in shaping the Church’s public witness on issues affecting the nation.

We give thanks to God for his life of faithful service to the Church and the people of Zambia.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

📊 JCTR Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) Statement – April 2026The cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka s...
15/05/2026

📊 JCTR Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) Statement – April 2026

The cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka stood at ZMW 12,051.64 in April 2026.

Although this is a slight decline of ZMW 26.88 from March 2026, it remains ZMW 633.65 higher than in April 2025, underscoring the continued financial strain facing ordinary households.

While Zambia’s macroeconomic indicators show signs of improvement, these gains have yet to translate into meaningful relief for low-income families. Prices of essential items such as onions, chicken, and cooking oil increased during the month, placing additional pressure on household budgets.

🔍 Key highlights:
• Total BNNB:ZMW 12,051.64
• Food basket: ZMW 5,291.29
• Non-food items: ZMW 6,760.35
• Year-on-year increase: ZMW 633.65

JCTR calls for people-centred policies that strengthen household incomes, expand social protection, create decent jobs, and address structural drivers of high living costs.

Read the full analysis on our website: https://jctr.org.zm/en/april-2026-basic-needs-and-nutrition-basket-statement/
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This analysis is made possible with support from Kirkens Nødhjelp and DanChurchAid (JCP Zambia)

Young people have a vital role to play in shaping transparent, accountable, and participatory governance.On 11–12 March ...
14/05/2026

Young people have a vital role to play in shaping transparent, accountable, and participatory governance.

On 11–12 March 2026, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) joined other youth-focused organisations, civil society actors, and government representatives at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Youth Zambia Awareness Raising Meeting held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka.

The meeting deepened participants’ understanding of the OGP and Zambia’s ongoing National Action Plan (NAP) development process, while exploring how young people can meaningfully engage in open government reforms.

A key outcome of the meeting was the formation of OGP Youth Connect Zambia, a new platform aimed at ensuring that young people have a structured voice in Zambia’s OGP process.

We are pleased to share that JCTR was selected to serve on the Steering Committee of OGP Youth Connect Zambia.

In this role, JCTR will contribute to championing youth priorities, supporting the development of a Youth Engagement Plan, and strengthening youth participation in governance and accountability processes.

We are grateful to the for convening this important meeting and to all partners committed to promoting open, inclusive, and responsive governance in Zambia.

Today, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), in partnership with WaterAid Zambia, is hosting a Stakeholde...
13/05/2026

Today, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), in partnership with WaterAid Zambia, is hosting a Stakeholder Consultative Meeting on the 2027 National Budget Proposals and Medium-Term Fiscal Reforms.

The meeting brings together civil society organisations and key stakeholders to analyse Zambia’s emerging socio-economic priorities and develop evidence-based recommendations to inform the national budget formulation process.

The consultation underscores the importance of engaging stakeholders at the pre-budget stage to ensure that fiscal decisions are:
1. Inclusive and participatory
2. Pro-poor and equitable
3. Transparent and accountable
4. Responsive to the needs of poor and marginalised communities
5. Supportive of climate-resilient development

Through this dialogue, participants will identify priority policy and financing issues and build a common advocacy position aimed at influencing budget allocations and broader fiscal reforms.

This activity is supported under the Kirkens Nødhjelp and DanChurchAid (JCP Zambia)-funded LIFT Zambia Programme, implemented in partnership with Civil Society for Poverty Reduction-CSPR and Alliance For Community Action Zambia.

The meeting has brought together CSOs including Centre for Environment Justice, Publish What You Pay Zambia, Centre for Trade Policy and Development, NGOCC, Family Development Initiatives, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and Zambia Association of Manufacturers.

Together, we are advancing evidence-based proposals for a more inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient 2027 National Budget.

This week, the JCTR Staff Retreat 2026, held under the theme “Contemplatives in Action,” provided staff members with a m...
08/05/2026

This week, the JCTR Staff Retreat 2026, held under the theme “Contemplatives in Action,” provided staff members with a meaningful opportunity for prayer, reflection, discernment, and spiritual renewal.

Rooted in Scripture and the Ignatian tradition, the retreat encouraged staff to reflect on identity, purpose, gratitude, relationships, and service in both personal and professional life.

Read more here: https://jctr.org.zm/en/jctr-staff-retreat-2026-contemplatives-in-action
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This retreat was made possible with support from Canadian Jesuits International

Today, JCTR held its First Quarter Review Meeting, bringing together staff from across all programmes and support units ...
05/05/2026

Today, JCTR held its First Quarter Review Meeting, bringing together staff from across all programmes and support units to reflect on progress made in the first quarter of the year.

Using our Outcome Mapping framework, teams reviewed achievements, challenges, and lessons learned as we continue striving for impactful, accountable, and transformative work in the communities we serve.

Following the review, we have now commenced our Annual Staff Retreat, which will run through to Friday, May 8, 2026.

Please note that our offices will remain closed for the remainder of the week as staff participate in retreat activities.

We are settled in — and spiritually locked in.

Today, 5th May 2026, JCTR Executive Director, Fr. Daniel Mwamba Mutale, SJ (PhD), participated in the Pre-Election Asses...
05/05/2026

Today, 5th May 2026, JCTR Executive Director, Fr. Daniel Mwamba Mutale, SJ (PhD), participated in the Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PAM) conversation with an African Union (AU) delegation led by His Excellency Demeke Mekonnen Hassen.

The engagement focused on assessing Zambia’s pre-election environment, with particular attention to the legal framework, election preparedness, the role of the Church and civil society, and levels of public participation, among other key issues.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: EXPERT CONSULTANTJCTR, in partnership with People in Need Zambia (PIN), is seeking an experienced...
04/05/2026

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: EXPERT CONSULTANT

JCTR, in partnership with People in Need Zambia (PIN), is seeking an experienced Expert Consultant in Research, Policy and Budget Analysis Capacity Development under the European Union - funded CSO LEADs Project.

The consultant will support 30 CSOs and 10 CSO Networks across Zambia to strengthen their capacity in evidence generation, policy analysis, public budget monitoring, and advocacy.

🗓 Deadline: Sunday, 10 May 2026 | 5:00 PM CAT

Access the full Terms of Reference on our website: https://jctr.org.zm/en/call-for-consultancy-research-policy-and-budget-analysis-capacity-development/

Happy Labour Day to all workers across Zambia and beyond.Today we honour the dignity of labour, the resilience of worker...
01/05/2026

Happy Labour Day to all workers across Zambia and beyond.

Today we honour the dignity of labour, the resilience of workers, and the vital role they play in building a just and prosperous society. At JCTR, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for decent work, fair wages, and economic justice for all.

Up at 5 AM and on the move! 🇿🇲🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♀️Team JCTR proudly took part in the Kenneth Kaunda Day Marathon, joining fellow Z...
28/04/2026

Up at 5 AM and on the move! 🇿🇲🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♀️

Team JCTR proudly took part in the Kenneth Kaunda Day Marathon, joining fellow Zambians to honour the legacy of Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda through fitness, unity, and national pride.

Well done, Team JCTR!



Address

Plot Number 3813, Martin Mwamba Road, Olympia Park
Lusaka
P.OBOX37774,LUSAKA

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 13:00

Telephone

+26011290410

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