Zambia and Regional Partners Seek Greater Value from the Tobacco Industry 

By Alain Kabinda 

The future of the tobacco industry in Eastern and Southern Africa may depend on more than how much tobacco farmers produce. Increasingly, the focus is shifting towards how countries can work together to create greater economic value, attract responsible investment and strengthen local processing. 

For Zambia and its regional neighbours, the challenge is to transform an established agricultural commodity into a more competitive value chain that delivers wider economic benefits, particularly for rural communities. 

The Tobacco Coalition for Eastern and Southern Africa (T5) has convened its T5 regional meeting in Lusaka, bringing together government representatives, tobacco regulators, industry players, grower associations and other stakeholders from Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. 

Speaking during the official opening of the T5 Regional meeting, Ministry of Agriculture Minister Mr. Moses Moyo called for stronger regional cooperation, responsible investment and increased value addition, emphasising the need for countries to move beyond production volumes and focus on generating greater economic benefits from agricultural commodities. 

And this was represented by Permanent Secretary – Technical Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. John Mulongoti, highlighted the importance of building sustainable and competitive agricultural value chains. 

His message reflects a broader development challenge facing agricultural economies across the region: how to ensure that the benefits of agricultural production extend beyond the farm gate. Tobacco remains an established commercial agricultural value chain with the potential to support rural household incomes, employment creation, export earnings and industrial development. 

For the tobacco-producing countries represented in the T5 coalition, increased local processing presents an opportunity to strengthen domestic industries and create additional economic activities around the commodity. 

Rather than concentrating solely on growing and exporting raw agricultural products, governments and private-sector players are being encouraged to explore opportunities that allow more value to be retained within their respective economies. The T5 platform offers an opportunity for the five participating countries to address shared challenges through collaboration rather than pursuing isolated approaches. 

Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe have an opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen technical cooperation and develop common approaches to issues affecting the tobacco industry. Regional cooperation can also support the sharing of regulatory experiences, promote responsible investment and encourage the development of more competitive agricultural value chains. 

For countries operating within interconnected regional markets, collaboration is particularly important in addressing environmental concerns, labour practices, regulatory requirements and market competitiveness. 

He also emphasised the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, improved labour practices and responsible environmental management, while calling for greater participation of women and young people. And Government's position on the tobacco industry is linked to its broader ambition to transform agriculture through the Grow Zambia Agenda. 

While the Lusaka meeting has provided a platform for regional dialogue, its significance will ultimately depend on what participating countries do with the outcomes of their deliberations. The challenge is to translate commitments on regional cooperation, ESG standards and value addition into practical measures that can improve the performance of the tobacco industry. 

As the T5 countries explore a common path towards a more competitive tobacco industry, the message from Lusaka is clear: the future of the sector must be measured not only by how much tobacco is produced, but also by how much economic and social value is created along the way.

TOFAZA CALLS ON MR. HICHILEMA TO ASSENT TO TOBACCO CONTROL BILL

By Alain Kabinda

The Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA) has appealed to the Republican President Hakainde Hichilema to urgently assent to the Tobacco Control Bill, warning that delays in enacting the legislation could undermine efforts to prevent tobacco-related diseases, particularly lung cancer.

TOFAZA Executive Director Brenda Chitindi said the proposed legislation was essential in strengthening tobacco control measures, reducing tobacco consumption and protecting both smokers and non-smokers from exposure to harmful tobacco smoke.

Ms. Chitindi made the appeal during November, which is observed globally as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, saying Zambia needed to priorities preventive healthcare as tobacco-related illnesses continued to pose a public health challenge.

She said research indicated that approximately 85 percent of lung cancer cases were associated with smoking, while people exposed to second-hand smoke, including children, were also at increased risk of developing respiratory diseases and lung cancer.

Ms. Chitindi said tobacco smoke contained carcinogenic substances that could damage human DNA and trigger mutations associated with cancer development.

She argued that protecting human life should take precedence over revenue generated from the tobacco industry, particularly as public and private hospitals continued to experience pressure from increasing demand for healthcare services.

Ms. Chitindi said although Government's plans to establish specialist hospitals for cancer and other complicated diseases were welcome, equal attention should be given to preventive measures that could reduce the number of people developing non-communicable diseases.

She said Zambia should not concentrate only on treating diseases when effective public health policies could help prevent many illnesses.

Ms. Chitindi further cited global estimates showing that lung cancer accounted for approximately 1.8 million deaths, representing 18 percent of all cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020.

She said the figures highlighted the urgency of strengthening tobacco control measures to protect public health and reduce the country's future cancer burden.

Ms. Chitindi noted that civil society organisations and public health advocates had been pushing for comprehensive tobacco control legislation in Zambia since 2010.

She therefore urged President Hichilema to conclude the legislative process by assenting to the Bill, saying effective tobacco control legislation would help reduce tobacco consumption, protect future generations and ease pressure on the healthcare system.

She said the commemoration of Lung Cancer Awareness Month should serve as a reminder that prevention remained an important tool in addressing tobacco-related diseases.

Ms. Chitindi maintained that protecting citizens from tobacco-related illnesses was an investment in the country's future, adding that no amount of revenue should take precedence over the right to life and good health.

 

 NGO WASH FORUM URGES GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE WATER AND SANITATION FUNDING

By Alain Kabinda

The Zambia NGO WASH Forum has called on Government to increase investment in the water and sanitation sector, warning that the sector's share of the national budget remains at approximately one percent despite its critical role in public health and economic development.

The Forum has also urged the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation to address outstanding government water bills, strengthen rural water infrastructure and improve budget execution to accelerate access to safe water and sanitation services.

Speaking during an engagement with  Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Minister Mr. Elisha Matambo in Lusaka, NGO WASH Forum Coordinator Mrs. Bubala Muyovwe Mumba said the 2027 budget allocation to the sector had increased by approximately 6.2 percent in real terms compared to the previous year.

Mrs Mumba, however, said the sector's share of the national budget remained largely unchanged at around one percent, despite the importance of water and sanitation to public health, food security, education, climate resilience and economic productivity.

She noted that Government's contribution to financing the Ministry's budget had increased from 33 percent in 2022 to approximately 69 percent, demonstrating growing national ownership of the sector.

Mrs Mumba further called for timely and predictable release of funds, protection of operation and maintenance budgets and increased investment in critical infrastructure such as dams, boreholes and sanitation facilities.

Citing the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) Mid-Year Budget Performance Analysis for 2026, she said budget releases for the water, sanitation and hygiene sector had reached K921.8 million by June 2026, representing 38.7 percent of the approved annual allocation.

She said this was the strongest budget execution performance recorded in the past five years, with implementation exceeding targets in some interventions, including borehole rehabilitation and hygiene promotion programmes.

She also said sanitation outcomes remained weak, particularly in achieving open-defecation-free status, while overall financing was still below the levels required to meet national development targets.

Mrs Mumba also called for water and sanitation to be prioritised in the Ninth National Development Plan, saying the next planning cycle presented an opportunity to establish ambitious but realistic targets, strengthen accountability and improve climate resilience.

She urged the Ministry to support the Forum's Stop the Rot Campaign, which seeks to address the premature failure of water points caused by corrosion, inadequate maintenance and weaknesses in spare-parts supply chains.

She said the campaign was advocating for the use of corrosion-resistant materials, improved handpump standards and stronger operation and maintenance systems at community and district levels.

Mrs Mumba further raised concern over the financial sustainability of Commercial Utilities, revealing that their liabilities had increased from approximately K381 million in 2018 to more than K3.2 billion by December 2025 and over K3.5 billion by June 2026.

She said Government institutions collectively owed approximately K458 million in unpaid water bills as of December 2025, despite Government having paid about K115 million in July 2026.

Mrs Mumba said outstanding public-sector arrears affected utility cash flow, delayed maintenance and rehabilitation works, weakened service delivery and increased borrowing requirements.

She therefore called for accelerated settlement of outstanding government water bills and improved budgeting by public institutions to ensure allocations reflected actual water consumption.

Meanwhile, Ministre of water Development and Sanitation Minister  Mr. Elisha Matambo said Government recognised that achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services required collective efforts from Government, cooperating partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.

He said the Zambia NGO WASH Forum, which has 65 member organisations operating across all ten provinces, remained an important partner in complementing Government efforts through community engagement, service delivery and hygiene promotion.

Mr Matambo encouraged the Forum to strengthen coordination among its members and maintain close engagement with the Ministry and other relevant government institutions.

He said the Ministry was keen to strengthen collaboration in policy implementation, sector coordination, knowledge sharing, monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilisation and community feedback.

He further emphasised the need to prioritise rural communities, peri-urban settlements and vulnerable groups that continued to face challenges in accessing essential water and sanitation services.

And NGO WASH Forum Board Chairperson Marlon Phiri called for a formal and predictable dialogue mechanism between the Ministry and civil society organisations to strengthen coordination and accountability in the sector.

Mr Phiri proposed quarterly Ministry–Civil Society WASH dialogue meetings, the appointment of a Ministry focal point and an annual high-level engagement to review progress and address emerging challenges.

He also highlighted the importance of climate-resilient water infrastructure, cholera prevention and the sustainability of rural water facilities, particularly in communities vulnerable to climate shocks.

Mr Phiri further welcomed the enactment of the Water Supply and Sanitation Services Act No. 13 of 2026, describing it as an important foundation for strengthening regulation, service delivery, citizen participation and accountability.

He said the Forum was ready to support Government in raising public awareness and facilitating the effective implementation of the legislation.

The Zambia NGO WASH Forum brings together more than 65 civil society organisations working to advance equitable and sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services across the country.

 

 

200,000 HANDS, ONE MOVEMENT: MATERO CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO MAKE HANDWASHING A COMMUNITY CULTURE

By Alain Kabinda

A community-wide movement targeting 200,000 people has been launched in Matero, Lusaka, to promote handwashing as a daily habit and strengthen the fight against preventable diseases.

Dubbed Sambeni Kuminwe Campaign – Every Hand Counts, the six-month initiative seeks to transform hand hygiene from an occasional public health message into a shared community responsibility practised in homes, schools, workplaces, markets and public spaces.

The campaign, championed by health professional and community advocate Kachusha Nkosha, is being mobilised through the Youth WASH Ambassadors Club (YWAC), in partnership with Line Media and The Impact Solution.

It aims to reach residents across all ten zones of Matero, using community mobilisation, education, storytelling, innovation and practical demonstrations to encourage consistent handwashing practices.

The initiative comes against the recognition that although handwashing is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of preventing disease transmission, awareness alone does not always translate into consistent practice.

Limited access to handwashing facilities, inadequate soap supplies, misconceptions and competing household priorities remain among the challenges that can prevent people from washing their hands at critical moments.

Through the Sambeni Kuminwe Campaign, organisers intend to bridge this gap by moving beyond conventional awareness activities and encouraging residents to take practical responsibility for improving hygiene within their households and communities.

The campaign is designed to involve everyone, including children, parents, teachers, community leaders, traders, young people, institutions and businesses.

Through a documentary-style community engagement approach, participants will be encouraged to publicly make their handwashing commitments, share their experiences and inspire others to adopt better hygiene practices.

Interactive community activities, demonstrations and creative communication will also be used to address everyday barriers to hand hygiene. The first community activation is expected to bring together residents at Matero Community Hall, with an initial target of reaching 1,000 people.

The free exhibition will showcase hygiene innovations, provide information on proper handwashing and encourage residents to become ambassadors of good hygiene practices in their respective households and neighbourhoods.

However, organisers say the ambition extends beyond the initial activation, with a broader vision of building a sustainable community movement that strengthens local ownership and attracts public and private sector investment in practical hygiene solutions.

Businesses, organisations and individuals are also being invited to support the campaign through donations of soap, installation of handwashing facilities, educational materials, branded campaign merchandise, technical assistance and community mobilisation.

The partnership brings together youth-led mobilisation, media engagement and community impact approaches to ensure that the handwashing message reaches people beyond traditional public health awareness platforms.

At its core, the campaign is anchored on the belief that lasting public health improvements require collective action, with every individual playing a role in protecting families and communities.

The organisers maintain that the success of the initiative will not only be measured by the number of people reached but also by the extent to which handwashing becomes an everyday culture across Matero.

With a target of 200,000 participants over six months, the campaign is calling on residents and stakeholders across Lusaka to join the movement and make hand hygiene a shared responsibility.

As the initiative gathers momentum, its message remains simple: one person can influence a household, one household can inspire a neighbourhood, and neighbourhoods working together can transform an entire community.

 Samfya Youth Hail Successful Citizen-Leader Engagement, Call for Action on WASH Commitments

 By Staff Reporter, 

SAMFYA – The highly anticipated citizen engagement forum between Samfya residents and their elected leaders has officially taken place, with youth representatives now calling for the immediate implementation of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) commitments made during the dialogue. 

The meeting, organized with support from Diakonia and various local organizations, was held on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026, at the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, opposite ZESCO in Lupili. It brought together community members, the Council Chairperson, and councillors to address the longstanding gap between citizens and local leadership.

 The Coordinator for the Precious Times Adolescent Youth Club, who also serves as the Luapula Youth WASH Ambassador Coordinator, described the engagement as a critical step toward rebuilding trust and ensuring accountability in the district. 

Speaking after the meeting, the Coordinator noted that the forum successfully created a platform for dialogue on key developmental priorities, particularly concerning the youth and marginalized groups. 

"The Problem Statement highlighted that limited interaction between leaders and citizens has contributed to weak accountability and gaps in development decisions. This meeting was a necessary step in correcting that narrative," the Coordinator said. 

The forum, which aimed to establish a structured citizen-local leadership social contract, focused on securing clear and measurable commitments from the Council Chairperson and Councillors. It also sought to strengthen citizens' understanding of the roles and responsibilities of local leaders. 

A central theme advocated by the youth representative was the importance of WASH as a foundational development priority. The Coordinator emphasized that for youth, women, and persons with disabilities to meaningfully participate in governance, basic needs such as clean water and proper sanitation must be addressed. 

"During the discussions, we made it clear that WASH is not just an infrastructure issue—it is a social contract. When we demand measurable commitments from our leaders, we are demanding guarantees that every young person has access to safe water and sanitation," the Coordinator stated. 

The meeting's expected outcomes included improved relationships and trust between citizens and elected leaders, increased citizen participation in local governance, and improved responsiveness of local leaders to community concerns. The Coordinator expressed optimism that the dialogue will translate into tangible action. 

"The meeting has passed, but the real work begins now. We expect our leaders to honor the commitments made and to ensure that WASH and youth-friendly services are prioritized in the local development agenda," the Coordinator added. 

The Coordinator has since urged the youth of Samfya to remain vigilant and actively participate in follow-up mechanisms established through the new social contract. The Luapula Youth WASH Ambassador Coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of the Precious Times Adolescent Youth Club to holding leaders accountable and ensuring that the voices of young people continue to shape the future of Samfya District.

 IAEA MISSION GUIDANCE TO SHAPE ZAMBIA'S NUCLEAR ENERGY PLANS

By Alain Kabinda

Government has called for stronger institutional coordination and investment in human capital to accelerate the development of Zambia's nuclear power programme as the country seeks to strengthen its long-term energy security.

Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati said the successful implementation of the nuclear energy programme would require sustained investment in technology, natural resources and skilled human resources.

Speaking during the closing of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission Phase One in Lusaka, Mr Mutati emphasised the need for closer collaboration between the Ministries of Technology and Science and Energy.

He said coordinated efforts among Government institutions and other stakeholders were critical to establishing the necessary foundation for Zambia's nuclear energy ambitions.

Mr Mutati said nuclear power development was an important consideration in addressing the country's long-term energy requirements and supporting the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda.

Meanwhile, IAEA INIR Mission Team Leader John Haddad urged Zambia to strengthen its institutional coordination mechanisms, legal frameworks and regulatory systems to support the development of nuclear infrastructure.

Mr Haddad said effective coordination and strong regulatory institutions were essential to ensuring that the country's nuclear power programme progressed in accordance with international standards and safety requirements.

And Energy Minister Peter Kapala said the recommendations from the IAEA mission would help guide Zambia's next steps in developing its nuclear infrastructure.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Director of Energy Mafayo Ziba, Mr Kapala said the mission's recommendations would assist Government in identifying priority areas and strengthening the institutional arrangements required to advance the programme.

Meanwhile, Radiation Protection Authority Board Chairperson Msafiri Sinkala said the board was committed to safeguarding the independence of the country's nuclear regulator to ensure effective oversight and accountability.

Mr Sinkala said the board would engage Government to ensure that adequate resources were provided to build a competent and independent nuclear regulatory institution.

He said an independent regulator with sufficient financial, technical and human resources was essential to ensuring effective oversight of nuclear-related activities.

The IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review is designed to assist countries considering nuclear power in assessing the status of their infrastructure development and identifying areas requiring further attention.

The completion of Phase One provides an opportunity for Zambia to consider the recommendations and strengthen the institutional, legal and regulatory foundations necessary for the safe and sustainable development of its nuclear power programme.

 UFEZ, MEDEF INTERNATIONAL SIGN MoU TO BOOST ZAMBIA-FRANCE INVESTMENT

By Alain Kabinda

The United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French business organisation MEDEF International to strengthen trade, investment and private sector cooperation between Zambia and France.

The agreement was signed at the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) in Lusaka, which is expected to open new business opportunities for companies in both countries through increased access to markets, technology, expertise and investment partnerships.

Speaking during the MOU signing United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) Executive President Dr Humphrey Monde said the agreement represented an important step towards connecting Zambia's resource-rich economy with France's innovative private sector.

Dr Monde said the partnership was more than a formal agreement, but an opportunity to establish lasting business relationships that could support economic transformation and job creation.

He said Zambia offered considerable investment opportunities for French companies, particularly in transport, infrastructure, energy and agriculture.

Dr Monde said the agreement would also enable Zambian businesses to access MEDEF International's network of approximately 8,000 French companies organised into 90 Business Councils.

He said the network would provide opportunities for local businesses to access expertise, technology, investment capital and potential joint ventures.

Dr Monde said the partnership would equally provide French companies with access to Zambia's strategic position in Southern Africa and its potential as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) markets, which have a combined population of more than 500 million people.

He said UFEZ was committed to ensuring that the agreement translated into practical benefits for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which remain important drivers of economic growth and employment.

Dr Monde outlined four commitments by UFEZ, including becoming an active implementation partner, upholding integrity and transparency, prioritising SMEs and promoting inclusive economic growth.

He said the partnership would also seek to create opportunities for young people, women and marginalised communities.

And Dr Monde called on UFEZ members, MEDEF International, Government and other stakeholders to organise business forums, trade missions and investment summits to facilitate commercial partnerships.

He further urged the partners to promote dialogue, address barriers to investment and strengthen confidence between businesses in the two countries.

Dr Monde thanked MEDEF International Managing Director Philippe Gautier and his team for their commitment to the partnership.

He also acknowledged Government, through the Ministries of Commerce, Trade and Industry and Labour and Social Security, for supporting an enabling environment for private sector cooperation.

And IN GROUPE Senior Vice-President for Government Sales and Marketing, Africa, Middle East and Asia, also president for East African business council MEDEF international, Ms Ce'line Gouveia, said the agreement would create opportunities for French companies to invest in Zambia and contribute to local employment creation.

Ms Gouveia said increased cooperation between businesses from the two countries would help attract investment and generate economic opportunities for Zambians.

She called on the partners to promote dialogue, address barriers to investment and strengthen confidence between businesses in Zambia and France.

Ms Gouveia said the agreement would also facilitate business connections and enable French companies to explore opportunities within Zambia through stronger institutional and private sector networks.

The partnership is expected to strengthen Zambia-France economic relations by expanding business networks, promoting cross-border investment and creating opportunities for local enterprises to participate in international markets.