ZAMBIA’S HOUSING SECTOR — TURNING THE DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP INTO AN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA, Zambia — A house is more than a roof over a family's head. It can represent financial security, an investment for the future and a foundation for economic opportunity.

Yet for many Zambians, owning a home remains a distant ambition, constrained by the high cost of construction, limited access to affordable housing finance and the challenge of acquiring land with essential services.

For the construction industry, financial institutions and property developers, these challenges also present an opportunity to rethink how homes are financed, built and delivered.

As Zambia prepares to host the 42nd African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF) Conference and Annual General Meeting, the focus is increasingly shifting towards a critical business question: how can the country transform housing demand into sustainable investment, job creation and inclusive economic growth?

Government officials and industry stakeholders say the answer lies in developing financing models that respond to household incomes, mobilising domestic capital, expanding private-sector participation and reducing the cost of delivering homes.

The ambition is to make housing a stronger contributor to Zambia's economy while ensuring that investment benefits ordinary citizens rather than only those who can afford high-end properties.

Speaking during the media engagement Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning Economic Management and Investments Mr. Mulele Muketo Mulele said housing should be viewed as an economic sector capable of stimulating activity across multiple industries.

He said residential construction could generate demand for locally produced cement, bricks, roofing materials, doors and other building supplies, creating opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, transporters, contractors and skilled workers.

Every housing project can create business opportunities along a supply chain that includes materials production, land development, engineering, construction, plumbing, electrical installation and finishing services.

Mr.Mulele said affordable housing finance, local manufacturing and private investment were essential to expanding homeownership while creating employment and supporting economic growth.

For Zambia's business community, a more active housing sector could therefore provide a market for locally manufactured products and encourage investment in construction-related industries.

 

Mr.Mulele said incremental housing loans could provide an alternative by allowing households to build or improve their homes in stages.

Rather than borrowing the full cost of a completed house, a family could obtain financing for a specific construction phase and progress as its resources permit.

This approach could create new opportunities for financial institutions to develop products suited to customers who might otherwise remain outside the formal housing finance market.

 

Farai Shumba of Habitat for Humanity said affordable financing was particularly important for low-income households, including people living in informal settlements who were often underserved by conventional lenders.

“Affordable housing finance is critical to helping low-income households invest incrementally in their homes,” Shumba said.

He said Habitat for Humanity was drawing on experiences in Kenya and Tanzania to strengthen its housing interventions in Zambia.

The organisation had co-created the Timang housing loan product to support incremental housing investment, including among women participating in savings groups.

Such models could help financial institutions reach customers through more flexible financing arrangements, although their success will depend on affordable interest rates, manageable repayment schedules and appropriate lending criteria.

For lenders, the business opportunity lies in developing products that balance financial sustainability with the needs of households whose incomes may not fit conventional mortgage requirements.

Mr.Mulele said Zambia could mobilise domestic capital through mechanisms such as housing bonds and encourage greater private-sector participation in residential development.

Housing bonds can provide a channel through which investors supply capital for housing-related projects, potentially diversifying funding beyond traditional bank lending and government resources. 

For housing finance to contribute to inclusive economic growth, investments need to support projects that respond to genuine demand, including the needs of low- and middle-income households.

A financing mechanism that expands capital availability without addressing affordability could increase construction activity while leaving many prospective homeowners unable to purchase the resulting properties. 

Speaking at the same engagement Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Professor Albert Malama said housing projects needed to be supported by essential infrastructure, including roads, water and sanitation.

Without these services, developers may face additional costs in preparing land for construction, potentially increasing the final price paid by homeowners.

 

Professor Malama called for a coordinated national approach that would bring together government institutions, financial institutions, developers and other stakeholders.

He proposed three measures: establishing a national task force or committee to coordinate housing development, developing a viable national housing strategy supported by a pipeline of projects, and creating a housing finance framework that addresses both demand and supply.

A project pipeline would help identify developments at different stages of preparation, enabling investors to assess opportunities and determine which projects were ready for financing.

Professor Malama said the supply side required affordable land, suitable financing, supporting infrastructure and construction methods that could enable developers to build homes at prices ordinary citizens could afford.

Bringing the two sides together could help reduce the gap between homes available in the market and homes that prospective buyers can realistically afford.

And Panorama general manager Mwaka Mwape said the company was interested in replicating the housing development model demonstrated at Emerald Hill.

Mwape said the company wanted to contribute to housing delivery through developments that could increase the supply of homes.

However, the commercial viability of replicating such projects would depend on land availability, infrastructure, construction costs and the purchasing power of prospective homeowners.

And Mr. Mwansa Kapeya, representing the managing director of Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS), said the institution was pleased to host the engagement ahead of the continental conference.

He said more than 188 delegates had registered for the event, with approximately 90 per cent expected to be first-time visitors to Zambia.

Participants are expected to exchange ideas on housing finance, construction technologies, digital financial services and partnerships that could expand access to homeownership.

Mr.Kapeya said ZNBS was committed to developing inclusive housing finance products that responded to the needs of different customers, including those seeking flexible options to purchase or improve their homes.

For financial institutions, such innovation could help broaden the customer base and strengthen the connection between savings, lending and housing investment.

The conference also offers an opportunity for Zambian institutions to learn from regional experiences and explore partnerships that could support the development of new products and financing arrangements.

Whether these engagements lead to new investment will depend on the practical opportunities identified and the ability of participating institutions to implement them.

Zambia Tourism Agency chief executive officer Ms. Beautric Munthali said the country was positioning itself to attract five million tourists by 2031.

She said Zambia's geographical position, stability and security presented opportunities to attract visitors and serve as a hub for regional travel and business.

Ms.Munthali said the country had four international airports and facilities capable of hosting meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, including venues able to accommodate gatherings of up to 5,000 people.

She also highlighted tourism attractions such as Kafue National Park, the northern tourism circuit and the country's waterfalls and other natural attractions.

The expected participation of international delegates creates an opportunity for local hospitality and transport businesses to generate additional revenue while showcasing their services to visitors.

However, the lasting economic value of the conference will depend not only on immediate visitor spending but also on the business relationships, investment interest and partnerships developed during the gathering.

Financing must be accessible to households, infrastructure must be available where homes are developed, and projects must be commercially viable without placing properties beyond the reach of their intended buyers.

The proposals advanced by government officials and industry stakeholders point towards a model in which housing finance, local manufacturing, private investment and national planning work together.

For financial institutions, the opportunity is to develop sustainable products for customers who have traditionally struggled to access housing loans. For developers, it is to identify cost-effective construction models and viable markets. For manufacturers, it is to supply the materials required by a growing construction industry.

For ordinary Zambians, the expected benefit is more direct: a realistic opportunity to acquire, build or improve a home.

As the 42nd AUHF Conference and Annual General Meeting brings housing finance stakeholders together, the key business test will be whether discussions translate into bankable projects, accessible loans, stronger local supply chains and homes that households can afford.

Housing can become a powerful engine of economic growth, but its success must be measured not only by investment attracted or properties constructed, but also by the jobs created, businesses supported and families able to turn homeownership from a distant aspiration into a practical reality.

 

 

 BEYOND THE POWER CRISIS — ZAMBIA TURNS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY, INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — For a farmer seeking to irrigate crops through a dry season, a small business struggling with electricity costs, or a household looking for a reliable power supply, energy is more than a technical issue. It is the difference between an opportunity realised and one lost.

As Zambia confronts the consequences of climatic shocks and electricity generation deficits, the search for dependable, affordable and sustainable energy solutions is becoming increasingly urgent.

Against this backdrop, the second edition of Power & Elec Zambia 2026 is positioning itself as a marketplace for technologies, investment and partnerships that could help reshape the country's energy landscape.

And this year’s 2^nd edition is scheduled for October 28 to 30 at the New Government Complex Conference Centre along Independence Avenue in Lusaka, the exhibition and conference will bring together more than 125 companies from Zambia and international markets, including China, India, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

The conference is organised by ETSIPL of India in partnership with the Zambia Renewable Energy Association (ZARENA), will showcase technologies spanning solar power, renewable energy, battery energy storage, transformers, electrical infrastructure, wires and cables, smart grids and electric mobility.

Speaking during the media engagement in Lusaka ETSIPL Chief Executive Officer Mr.  Vijayanka Brighuvanshi said the exhibition was established to create a meeting point where Zambian businesses and international companies could explore commercial opportunities and establish lasting partnerships.

“When we started working on this exhibition, the idea was quite simple. We wanted to create a place where Zambian businesses and international companies could actually meet, do business and explore opportunities together,” Brighuvanshi said.

Mr Brighuvanshi said Zambia offered significant opportunities in solar energy, energy storage, electrical infrastructure, renewable energy and electric mobility.

However, taking advantage of those opportunities requires more than the availability of technology. It also requires investment, market knowledge, technical expertise and partnerships capable of translating innovations into solutions that meet local needs.

Mr Brighuvanshi said ETSIPL wanted to build a platform that would grow alongside Zambia's energy market rather than organise a one-off event.

“We want this to become a place where an international company can come and say, ‘I want to enter the Zambian market.’ And equally, where a Zambian company can come and say, ‘I want to find the right technology or partner for my business,’” he said.

For local enterprises, such connections could open avenues for technology acquisition, technical training and commercial partnerships. For international companies, they could provide opportunities to understand the Zambian market and identify potential local partners.

And ZARENA Board chairman Professor Joseph Mutale said Zambia needed to accelerate efforts to diversify its energy mix and strengthen the infrastructure required to deliver electricity reliably to consumers.

He said the country's first Integrated Resource Plan provided a blueprint for investment in a least-cost and resilient electricity supply system.

Recent climatic shocks have underscored the risks of relying heavily on vulnerable sources of electricity generation, reinforcing the need to develop alternative sources while improving transmission and distribution infrastructure.

“It is time to take aggressive action to diversify the energy mix and build robust electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure to deliver power securely and reliably to end users,” Professor Mutale said.

Zambia has substantial renewable energy resources, including hydropower, solar, biomass and wind. Yet, as Professor Mutale observed, natural resources alone cannot drive economic transformation.

Solar power and battery energy storage are particularly relevant to discussions about diversification because they offer options for generating electricity and storing energy for use when required.

 

For households and businesses, suitable solar and storage systems could provide alternatives to conventional electricity supply, depending on their costs, capacity and installation requirements.

 

The energy challenge is not only about increasing electricity generation. It is also about ensuring that more Zambians can access and use electricity productively.

Professor Mutale also highlighted the importance of the off-grid sector, noting that about half of Zambia's population lives in rural areas and that approximately 75 per cent of people without access to electricity live in rural communities.

He said the updated Rural Electrification Master Plan, launched earlier this year, outlined pathways towards universal access through renewable energy-based mini-grids, solar home systems and conventional grid connections, subject to adequate funding.

He further said that ZARENA its mission includes accelerating renewable energy adoption, supporting rural communities and promoting productive use of energy in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and ETSIPL India.

Meanwhile Ministry of Energy, Senior Energy Economist Evans Ngalande said the country needed immediate and practical diversification in response to climatic shocks and electricity generation deficits.

                                                                              Evans Ngalande 

He said the ministry was working to promote an enabling regulatory environment that supports independent power producers, expands solar irrigation, accelerates mini-grid development and encourages decentralised energy systems.

But Mr Ngalande stressed that policy alone could not deliver the required transformation without investment, technology and effective implementation.

“What makes the second edition so significant is its timing and practical focus. It is not merely an event to display products; it is a dedicated B2B marketplace built to connect international technology providers with local Zambian businesses, engineers, contractors and project developers,” he said.

Professor Mutale said the exhibition should also be judged by its contribution to local economic participation.

He said the platform had broadened its focus to include local manufacturing partnerships, capacity-building opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs, and practical energy solutions for households and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Businesses can participate in equipment distribution, installation, maintenance, engineering services and the supply of electrical components. Young people can benefit from technical training and exposure to emerging technologies, while local companies can explore partnerships with international manufacturers.

Professor Mutale urged journalists to connect technological developments with the everyday needs of citizens, farmers, entrepreneurs and students.

Whether the subject is solar-powered irrigation, battery storage for a home or training opportunities for an engineering student, public understanding will be important in helping people identify suitable solutions. 

HANCHU ESS is the title sponsor, with Felicity Solar as platinum sponsor. MY SOLAR and Ignite Energy Access are gold sponsors, while Africab Zambia is the silver sponsor. Elsewedy Electric Zambia, ZAMEFA and CBI Electric are bronze sponsors, with BYD and E-City Charging supporting the electric vehicle segment. SADC Mining & Construction News is the media partner.

                                                             Ms. Namwinga Namusamba

And BYD General Manager Ms. Namwinga Namusamba added that this exhibition comes at a time when Zambia is seeking to strengthen energy security, expand electricity access and mobilise investment in alternative energy sources and supporting infrastructure.

Zambia's energy future will not be secured by exhibitions alone. It will depend on the decisions, investments and partnerships that follow.

But if Power & Elec Zambia succeeds in connecting the right people with the right opportunities, the three-day gathering could become a meaningful step towards a more diversified, resilient and inclusive energy sector.

 

ZAM CALLS FOR URGENT REFORMS TO BOOST LOCAL MANUFACTURING

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has urged Government to urgently implement economic reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, strengthening local production and expanding markets for Zambian-made goods.

ZAM President Mohammed Umar said the manufacturing sector was ready to support President Hakainde Hichilema’s Grow Zambia Agenda by creating jobs, adding value to locally available raw materials and increasing exports.

                                                        Mr. Mohammed Umar

In a statement welcoming the President’s address at the official opening of the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly on October 9, 2026, Mr Umar said economic stability must now translate into increased industrial investment, higher production and improved living standards.

He said manufacturing’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose to 8.75 percent in 2025, the highest level in 30 years, but remained below the 36.1 percent target set under Vision 2030.

Mr Umar said Zambia needed to significantly increase manufacturing’s contribution to the economy by strengthening value addition and producing more goods for domestic and regional markets.

He welcomed the Government’s focus on manufacturing alongside agriculture, mining, tourism, energy and transport infrastructure as key drivers of economic transformation.

Mr Umar said reliable and competitively priced electricity remained critical to factory operations, noting that the 2024–2025 energy crisis had severely disrupted production across the sector.

He said the President’s target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity, together with increased private sector participation in transmission and distribution, was important for improving industrial competitiveness.

Mr Umar also welcomed plans to reduce the cost of doing business, promote exports of finished products under the African Continental Free Trade Area, COMESA and SADC, and invest in industrial parks and economic zones.

He said digitising border processes, improving transport corridors and introducing non-stop border operations could reduce delays and logistics costs for manufacturers.

The association further called for increased local processing of agricultural and mineral products to ensure that Zambia exports more finished goods instead of relying heavily on raw materials.

Mr Umar said production targets for maize, soya beans, wheat, sugar and beef presented opportunities for agro-processing and the growth of industries linked to agriculture.

He also welcomed the proposed establishment of a skills training centre in every district and a public university in every province that did not yet have one.

Mr Umar said manufacturers continued to face shortages of skilled technical workers, including welders, machinists, food technologists and quality controllers, which constrained business expansion.

He said ZAM was ready to work with Government and training institutions to align technical and vocational education with industry requirements.

The association also welcomed the recognition given to the Proudly Zambian Campaign, which it administers jointly with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

Mr Umar called for the campaign to be integrated into public and private sector procurement to increase demand for locally manufactured goods and support domestic industries.

He urged consumers, businesses and public institutions to prioritise quality Zambian products, saying increased local purchasing could sustain factories and support employment.

Looking ahead to the 2027 National Budget, ZAM said it would engage Government through the Public-Private Dialogue Forum and other platforms to propose measures that support local production, fair competition and export growth.

Mr Umar said manufacturers were ready to support bold and lawful economic measures but called for the announced reforms to be implemented with urgency.

He said the success of the Grow Zambia Agenda would ultimately be reflected in more factories, increased employment and a greater presence of Zambian-made products on local and regional markets.

 ZAMPOST TARGETS E-COMMERCE GROWTH THROUGH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZamPost) is positioning itself to capture emerging business opportunities in e-commerce, courier services, digital financial inclusion and logistics as the country’s economy increasingly embraces digital transactions.

The strategy was highlighted during the 2026 World Post Day commemoration held under the theme, “One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities,” where industry leaders called for modernisation, stronger partnerships and improved customer service to expand the commercial potential of the postal network.

Representing the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, Director of Planning and Information Derick Saboi said ZamPost’s nationwide infrastructure could help businesses reach customers beyond major urban centres.

Mr Saboi said the postal network had the potential to support online trade through parcel delivery, last-mile logistics, payment services and partnerships with financial institutions.

He said technology should complement the existing physical network, allowing businesses and households in underserved areas to access services and participate more fully in the economy.

Mr Saboi noted that ZamPost was pursuing initiatives to respond to the growth of e-commerce through partnerships, parcel delivery services and platforms that could enable banks, microfinance institutions and insurance companies to serve customers through post offices.

He said the expansion of these services could create new revenue opportunities for the corporation while helping small businesses reduce barriers to reaching customers in different parts of the country.

Mr Saboi also highlighted the need to modernise the legal and regulatory framework governing the postal sector to accommodate emerging business models in e-commerce, digital financial services and integrated logistics.

He said proposed reforms were intended to strengthen universal service obligations, consumer protection, postal security, licensing and regulatory oversight.

And speaking at the same event ZamPost Board Chairperson Annie Kalesha said the corporation’s nationwide footprint represented a valuable business asset that could be used to support commerce, logistics and public service delivery.

Ms Kalesha said the movement of goods, payments, documents and information was essential to economic growth, adding that postal infrastructure could help connect producers, businesses and consumers.

She cited ZamPost’s participation in national recruitment exercises as an example of how its existing network could be used to deliver services on a large scale.

Ms Kalesha urged public institutions and private businesses to consider partnerships with ZamPost to extend their reach, improve service delivery and create additional opportunities for the corporation.

She said greater collaboration could help the postal network expand its contribution to e-commerce, financial inclusion and national development.

ZamPost Postmaster General and Group Chief Executive Officer Lydia Lubobya said the corporation’s transformation was being guided by its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which prioritised stakeholder engagement, innovation and opportunities in digital services and e-commerce.

Mrs Lubobya said changing customer expectations and the growth of digital communication required postal operators to provide faster, more convenient and accessible services.

She said ZamPost’s expansion into courier solutions, digital services and financial inclusion demonstrated the potential to transform traditional post offices into broader service centres.

Mrs Lubobya stressed that commercial growth would depend not only on introducing new services, but also on improving customer experience through reliability, professionalism and efficient service delivery.

She called for investment in employee training, skills development and accountability to ensure that staff could support the corporation’s transformation and respond effectively to changing market demands.

Meanwhile, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) Director Bernard Banda said the postal sector could support the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda by helping manufacturers, artisans and small businesses access wider markets.

Representing the ZICTA Director General, Mr Banda said more than 142 postal operators had been licensed in Zambia as of June 2026, while the country recorded approximately 14.7 million fixed and mobile internet subscriptions at the end of the same month.

He said the growing use of online transactions created opportunities for postal and courier operators to provide dependable physical delivery services that connect digital purchases to customers.

Mr Banda said improved delivery services could help businesses increase sales, retain customers and build sustainable enterprises, while investment in transport, warehousing, technology and customer service could generate further economic opportunities.

He urged postal operators to strengthen parcel tracking, transparent pricing, customer care and complaint resolution to build public confidence and improve competitiveness.

ZICTA, he said, would continue promoting fair competition, consumer protection, investment and innovation within the sector.

The discussions at the commemoration pointed to several opportunities for ZamPost and other postal operators, including partnerships with banks and insurers, improved last-mile delivery, digital payment services and logistics solutions for online retailers.

However, the sector’s ability to convert these opportunities into sustainable business growth will depend on the reliability and affordability of its services, effective use of infrastructure, investment in digital systems and the development of partnerships that generate measurable commercial value.

For Zambia’s small businesses, a modern and dependable postal network could provide a practical route to customers in markets that might otherwise be costly or difficult to reach.

As e-commerce continues to create new ways of buying and selling goods, ZamPost’s challenge will be to turn its nationwide presence into a competitive advantage in the country’s evolving digital economy.

 INDIGENOUS SEEDS: A PATH TO AFFORDABLE FOOD AND FARMING IN ZAMBIA

 

By Alain Kabinda

 

For small-scale farmers, the struggle to put food on the table often begins long before harvest. It starts with the cost of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, the uncertainty of rainfall, and the question of whether there will be a reliable market for whatever they manage to grow.

For farmers such as Ana Muhaswa of Mumbwa, access to indigenous seeds is part of that struggle. Traditional varieties may offer opportunities to diversify production, preserve agricultural knowledge and reduce reliance on purchased planting materials, but finding the seeds is not always easy.

Muhaswa says indigenous seeds are not readily available in many agricultural input shops, making it difficult for farmers who want to grow traditional crops.

Her experience reflects a wider concern raised by farmers and agroecology advocates: Zambia’s food security challenge is not simply about producing more food, but also about making production affordable, protecting the environment and ensuring that nutritious food reaches households at prices they can manage.

At a territorial market day and food exhibition held at Government Complex in Lusaka on October 9, 2026, farmers called for greater investment in indigenous seeds and traditional crops. They also urged Government to consider allowing indigenous crop producers to supply the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), arguing that dependable markets could encourage farmers to increase production.

Their message was clear: traditional crops could play a greater role in Zambia’s food system if farmers had access to suitable seeds, practical agricultural advice and buyers for their produce.

For many small-scale farmers, the decision about what to plant is influenced by the money available before the farming season begins.

Seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, transport and labour all compete for limited household resources. When input costs rise, farmers may struggle to cultivate larger areas or diversify into crops they believe could perform well under local conditions.

Agroecology advocates argue that indigenous seeds, combined with suitable farming practices, can offer farmers more options.

Some farmers preserve seeds from previous harvests, exchange them with other growers or obtain them through community seed banks. These approaches can reduce the need to purchase planting materials every season, provided the seeds remain viable, healthy and suitable for the next crop.

However, indigenous seeds are not automatically free or readily available. Farmers need systems that preserve seed quality, maintain diverse varieties and ensure planting materials can be accessed when they are needed.

Muhaswa’s concern about the limited availability of indigenous seeds in agricultural shops highlights the gap between promoting traditional agriculture and making it practical for farmers.

For households that depend on farming for both food and income, reducing some production expenses could leave more resources for education, healthcare and other essential needs.

But lower input costs alone do not guarantee higher profits. Harvest volumes, labour requirements, storage, transport and selling prices also determine whether a farmer makes a worthwhile return.

The argument for indigenous crops extends beyond the farm. It reaches into the kitchen, where households must balance food prices, nutrition and the money available for daily meals.

Traditional crops such as cassava, sorghum, cowpeas and sweet potatoes can diversify the foods available to families.

Cassava and sweet potatoes provide dietary energy, while cowpeas and other legumes contribute protein. The nutritional value of each crop depends on its variety, preparation and the wider diet.

Diversification can also help farmers manage agricultural risks. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, some traditional crops can tolerate dry conditions better than more water-demanding alternatives.

However, indigenous foods will not necessarily be cheaper in every market. Their prices depend on seasonal availability, transport, processing, storage and consumer demand.

The potential benefit is in strengthening local production and supply chains so that diverse, nutritious foods are available in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices.

Speaking at the Lusaka exhibition, Kalomo District Administrative Officer Doreen Mwernda encouraged farmers to embrace indigenous crops, highlighting their potential contribution to food security and resilience against drought.

She urged farmers to increase production, showcase their produce and exchange knowledge in support of national agricultural development.

“As farmers from all over the country, we need to work hand in hand to ensure that we have enough food for the country,” Mwernda said.

She said the promotion of traditional crops could contribute to the Government’s Grow Zambia agenda.

Beyond the crops themselves, agroecology advocates are calling for farming systems that protect soil health, conserve water and make better use of locally available resources.

Agroecology applies ecological principles to agriculture through practices such as composting, mulching, crop rotation, intercropping and maintaining ground cover.

When appropriately applied, these methods can help improve soil structure, conserve moisture and support long-term soil fertility.

However, agroecology is not simply about abandoning all synthetic agricultural inputs. Farmers require practical guidance on which methods and combinations of inputs are suitable for their soils, crops and production goals.

The objective is to build productive farming systems that remain economically viable while protecting the natural resources on which future harvests depend.

Without reliable markets, farmers may be reluctant to increase production because they risk being left with unsold produce or being forced to accept low prices when supplies are abundant.

Zambia Governance Foundation Specialist for Environmental Protection Sarah Haloba said the organisation was working with agroecological farmers and market actors to improve public awareness and strengthen links with mainstream markets.

“We want to be part of the market, not as a niche, but we want to be part of every market system,” Haloba said.

Her remarks reflect the concern that agroecological produce should not be restricted to specialised outlets but should become accessible through ordinary retail and food distribution channels.

Haloba said farmers also needed support in value addition and access to affordable systems for verifying agroecological production.

She noted that some organic certification options were expensive for small-scale farmers, making it difficult for them to demonstrate how their produce was grown.

Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) could provide an alternative approach by involving farmers and other stakeholders in locally organised assurance processes.

Such systems would require appropriate standards, credible verification and engagement with relevant institutions to build consumer confidence.

Better market access could also encourage farmers to invest in processing and packaging, helping traditional crops reach more consumers and potentially remain available for longer periods.

Wilson Phiri of the Petauke Chamber of Commerce said farmers needed to organise themselves, coordinate production and honour supply agreements.

He cited an arrangement in which Choppies had agreed to provide shelf space for farmers supplying vegetables, beans and other produce, but the farmers failed to deliver the agreed quantities.

The experience illustrates a challenge facing agricultural diversification: securing a buyer is only one part of the process. Farmers must also plan production, maintain quality and deliver agreed quantities on time.

Farmer organisations, extension officers and buyers could help address these gaps by coordinating planting schedules, sharing market information and supporting consistent production.

For farmer Shonga Jeffrey, expanding indigenous crop production requires more dependable outlets for the harvest.

At the exhibition, Jeffrey called on Government to consider allowing farmers growing indigenous crops to supply the Food Reserve Agency.

The proposal is intended to address the uncertainty farmers face when deciding whether to increase production of crops that may have fewer established buyers.

The FRA already purchases selected agricultural commodities, particularly maize. Extending its purchasing arrangements to indigenous crops would require decisions on eligible varieties, pricing, quality standards, purchasing volumes, storage and collection points.

Nevertheless, the proposal raises an important question for agricultural policy: how can public procurement and private markets encourage farmers to diversify production while providing dependable outlets for their harvests?

A well-designed purchasing arrangement could give farmers greater confidence to plant additional crops, provided demand, storage capacity and distribution systems are properly assessed.

But public purchasing alone would not resolve all market challenges. Farmers would still need access to suitable seeds, agricultural advice, post-harvest facilities and buyers willing to purchase produce that meets agreed standards.

Indigenous seeds represent more than a way to reduce farming costs. They also carry agricultural knowledge developed through generations of cultivation and selection.

Maintaining diverse crop varieties gives farmers options when weather conditions, pests and consumer preferences change.

Seed fairs, community exchanges and local seed banks can help preserve varieties that might otherwise receive less attention as farming systems become increasingly dependent on a narrow range of commercial crops.

Senior Agriculture Officer in Kalomo Oscar Makuyu said the Department of Agriculture encouraged farmers to meet household food needs before selling their surplus.

He also highlighted the importance of promoting traditional foods and preserving indigenous varieties through seed fairs and community engagement.

For such efforts to succeed, seed preservation must be accompanied by proper storage, quality management and reliable access to viable planting materials before the rains begin.

Agricultural extension services also have a role to play in helping farmers identify suitable varieties, improve soil and water management and determine which production practices work best under local conditions.

Investment in storage and processing could reduce post-harvest losses and give farmers more flexibility over when to sell their crops.

Consumer education would be equally important, helping households understand the nutritional value, preparation and availability of traditional foods.

Rather, farmers and advocates are calling for a food system that connects affordable production with reliable markets, environmental sustainability and access to nutritious food.

That requires more than promoting traditional crops at exhibitions. It calls for practical investment in seed systems, extension services, farmer organisations, storage, processing and market infrastructure.

For farmers such as Muhaswa, the immediate concern remains access to the seeds they want to plant. For others, the challenge is finding buyers who can offer dependable markets for the crops they produce.

For households, the ultimate question is whether these efforts can translate into a wider supply of nutritious food at prices they can afford.

Indigenous crops will not automatically make every farm more productive or every meal cheaper. Their contribution will depend on the varieties available, how they are grown, the markets they reach and the costs involved along the supply chain.

But supported by appropriate farming practices, stronger seed access and dependable markets, traditional crops offer an opportunity to preserve agricultural heritage while building a more resilient food economy.

The challenge now is to turn the calls made at the Lusaka exhibition into practical measures that help farmers produce sustainably, earn reliable incomes and ensure that more Zambian households can afford to eat well.

 SDA CHURCH, YOUTH WASH AMBASSADORS LAUNCH HANDWASHING CHALLENGE

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, through its Lusaka Conference Health Ministries Department, has partnered with the Youth WASH Ambassador Club (YWAC) to launch a Handwashing Challenge aimed at promoting hygiene and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

The initiative, launched as part of Global Handwashing Day commemorations under the theme “Be a Hygiene Hero,” seeks to encourage church members, families, young people and communities to practise proper handwashing using soap and clean water.

Lusaka Conference Health Director Ms. Ntinga said simple hygiene practices could make a significant difference in protecting public health.

                                                                Ms. Ntinga

She said the Church had an important role to play in educating its members and communities about the importance of handwashing and disease prevention.

“Sometimes, we think that making a difference requires significant resources or a large platform. However, change can begin with something as simple as washing our hands correctly with soap and clean water,” Ms. Ntinga said.

She said the Church would use its existing structures, including worship services, youth programmes and community outreach activities, to promote good hygiene practices.

The Lusaka Conference has 109,119 members, 334 churches and 34 mission districts, providing a broad network for spreading hygiene awareness.

The Handwashing Challenge encourages church members, families and community groups to demonstrate proper handwashing techniques, educate others and inspire more people to become hygiene champions.

The initiative comes amid continued public health concerns over cholera and diarrhoeal diseases, which can be reduced through appropriate hygiene practices.

Handwashing with soap and clean water is an important measure for preventing infections, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.

The partnership also seeks to strengthen youth participation in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) advocacy by encouraging young people to use their networks and digital platforms to promote positive behavioural change.

The initiative complements the SDA Church’s “One Voice, One Health” message, which promotes collaboration across departments to advance community wellbeing.

Ms Ntinga urged households, schools, church departments and community organisations to embrace the initiative and make hygiene a shared responsibility.

“Let us use our faith to inspire action. Let every home, church department, school and community become a place where good hygiene is practised and promoted,” she said.

The two organisations have called on the public to participate in the challenge, practise proper handwashing at critical times and encourage others to adopt the habit.