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The UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has emphasized the crucial role of connectivity, investment, and skills development in building a more resilient and prosperous tourism sector for both Africa and Americas.Meanwhile, UN Tourism Secretary-General, Pololikashvii expressed his gratitude to Zambia for hosting the 2nd UN Tourism Africa and Americas summit in Livingstone noting the city’s impressive hospitality and the warm welcome extended to attendees.

Addressing delegates at the 2nd UN Tourism Africa and Americas summit in Livingstone, Zambia, Pololikashvili expressed his gratitude to Zambia for hosting the summit in Livingstone, noting the city’s impressive hospitality and the warm welcome extended to attendees.

The Secretary-General underscored the significance of the summit as a testament to the enduring commitment of Africa and the Americas to cross-border and intercontinental cooperation. He highlighted the sector’s remarkable recovery and potential, citing UN Tourism data indicating that international arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2024, representing 99% of pre-pandemic levels.

Africa experienced a 12% increase in international travelers, welcoming 74 million, while the Americas saw 213 million arrivals, reaching approximately 97% of 2019 figures.Pololikashvili stressed the proven ability of connectivity to foster economic and cultural exchange, reiterating UN Tourism’s commitment to working with member states to enhance connections within and between regions.

He also highlighted the role of investment as a key driver of development and progress. He noted that Africa and the Americas attracted over $40 billion in foreign direct investment between 2019 and 2023, generating approximately 150,000 jobs across 520 greenfield projects. He also pointed out the increasing trend towards environmentally conscious tourism investments, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, representing Vice President W.K. Mutale Nalumango, highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges posed by recent global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the El Niño drought. He emphasized the critical role of connectivity in facilitating the movement of people and ideas, advocating for streamlined visa processes and enhanced logistical frameworks stating that as tangible demonstration of this commitment, Zambia announced the expansion of visa-free travel to nationals from an additional 53 countries, bringing the total to 167.

The Minister also underscored the necessity of strategic investment in sustainable and innovative tourism projects.

He cited UN Tourism data indicating significant growth in international tourist arrivals and export revenues within the Africa and Americas regions, as well as substantial foreign direct investment in the sector.

He urged public and private sector representatives to forge partnerships aimed at channeling investments into projects that promote sustainable development.Addressing the issue of skilled workforce development, Minister Sikumba acknowledged the sector’s labor-intensive nature and the current shortage of qualified professionals.

He called for prioritizing education and training programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet evolving industry demands.

He emphasized the importance of empowering youth and creating pathways to opportunities, positioning them as future leaders in the tourism sector.

Sikumba encouraged delegates to engage actively, share insights, and foster new partnerships, emphasizing the invaluable contributions of local communities to tourism development.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and in his capacity as Chairperson of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa, Vice Minister Carlos Peguero underscored the transformative power of tourism beyond its economic impact, positioning it as a vital instrument for social and cultural development.

He highlighted its capacity to foster inclusion, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen the unique cultural identities of nations within both regions.Drawing attention to the deep historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Americas, stemming from the era of the transatlantic slave trade, Peguero emphasized the potential of tourism to celebrate and further strengthen these enduring connections.

He called for leveraging this shared heritage to drive economic development and promote sustainable tourism practices.

He also lauded Zambia for hosting the summit and reiterated the commitment of the Dominican Republic to working alongside African nations to ensure that tourism serves as a robust pillar for development across both continents.

The UN Tourism Africa and Americas Summit has been officially declared open, with a focus on unlocking the full potential of tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural enrichment.

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The UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has

Tech

The Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) Chief Executive Officer – CEO, Matongo Matamwandi says the Agency is strategically prioritizing the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions and Events (MICE) sector as a crucial driver in achieving its ambitious target of 2.5 million tourist arrivals this year.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2nd UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit in Livingstone, Matamwandi underscored the agency’s deliberate and long-standing commitment to developing Zambia as a premier MICE destination.

“Our focus on MICE is not a reactive measure but a well-defined strategy within our destination marketing plan,” stated CEO Matamwandi. affirmed CEO Matamwandi.

He elaborated on the ZTA’s proactive engagement with NGOs, government bodies, and professional associations, offering specialized support to facilitate successful bids for hosting international and regional events in Zambia.

“We are actively equipping these organizations with the necessary skills and resources to attract significant MICE business, which directly aligns with our strategic objectives for this high-value tourism segment.” Matamwandi highlighted the substantial economic impact of MICE tourism, citing both global trends and compelling local data indicating that 70 to 80% of revenue for surveyed Zambian hotels originates from MICE activities.

He emphasized the widespread benefits of hosting large-scale events, extending beyond accommodation to positively influence transportation, local businesses, and overall community development.

The ZTA CEO also noted the strategic timing of the UN Tourism summit in amplifying Zambia’s MICE potential adding that the presence of numerous international delegates, including a significant contingent from Latin American countries, provided invaluable networking and benchmarking opportunities. Planned familiarization trips to iconic attractions like Victoria Falls aimed to showcase Zambia’s appeal as a holistic destination, potentially leading to future leisure and MICE bookings, alongside positive word-of-mouth promotion.

Looking ahead, the ZTA is actively pursuing government-to-government collaborations and bilateral meetings to forge joint marketing initiatives, with a specific focus on engaging with countries in Africa and Latin America for mutually beneficial tourism exchanges that include MICE components.

Acknowledging existing infrastructural limitations, such as the need for a dedicated convention center in Livingstone and current bed capacity constraints, Matamwandi stated that the growing demand for hosting larger events is prompting increased private sector investment in expanding facilities and discussions surrounding potential funding opportunities to address these infrastructural needs are ongoing.

Despite these challenges, the ZTA remains optimistic about achieving its tourism targets adding that the reported 38% increase in international inquiries last year underscores the growing global interest in Zambia.

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The Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) Chief Executive

Tech

The United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, has commenced an official visit to Zambia, signaling a significant advancement in the nation’s strategic tourism development initiatives.

Upon arrival, Secretary-General Pololikashvili is scheduled to conduct a formal courtesy call with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House, Lusaka. This high-level engagement underscores Zambia’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a pivotal driver of sustainable economic growth and reinforces the collaborative partnership between Zambia and UN Tourism.

Following the State House meeting, Secretary-General Pololikashvili will officiate the Education Summit on April 7, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Center. This summit will convene key stakeholders from government, academia, and the tourism sector to deliberate on the critical role of education in fostering a resilient and inclusive tourism industry.

On April 8, 2025, the Secretary-General will proceed to Livingstone, Zambia’s prominent tourism hub, to officiate at the second edition of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa and the Commission for the Americas (CAFCAM) at the Radisson Blu Resort.

CAFCAM serves as a strategic platform for showcasing Africa’s diverse cultural heritage and promoting the creative industries as integral components of sustainable tourism development.

Welcoming the Secretary-General to Zambia, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Evans Muhanga, extended a formal welcome to Secretary-General Pololikashvili, stating, “We are honored to host Secretary-General Pololikashvili in Zambia. “His visit is both timely and strategically significant, aligning with our national objectives to position tourism as a catalyst for inclusive growth, education, and innovation.”

“Zambia possesses a wealth of cultural and natural assets, and we are committed to collaborating with international partners such as UN Tourism to maximize the potential of our tourism sector. We anticipate that this visit will cultivate new avenues for investment, collaboration, and sustainable development.”

Secretary-General Pololikashvili’s visit to Zambia affirms the nation’s increasing prominence in the global tourism dialogue and presents a valuable opportunity to showcase Zambia’s natural attractions, cultural heritage, and investment potential. This engagement is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation with UN Tourism, attract strategic investments, and promote Zambia as a center for sustainable tourism, education, and cultural exchange, thereby solidifying its position as a burgeoning tourism destination in Africa and beyond.

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The United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) Secretary-General,

Agribusiness

Once an accessible source of protein for many Zambian households, fish is now becoming a costly commodity as prices have surged across markets, leaving consumers frustrated and fish vendors struggling to keep up with demand.


According to the Zambian Aquaculture Cooperative Society Limited (ZACOSO), the price of fish in Zambia has surged due to a sharp decline in small-scale aquaculture production, largely driven by spilling effects of the drought and power supply challenges.


‎Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT, ZACOSO Chairperson Dr Collins Kachaka explained that many small-scale fish farmers who are the major contributors of fish on the market have abandoned their trade after suffering significant losses. “The major issue here is that several small-scale fish farmers have stopped producing fish. They are no longer in the business because
of the drought,” he said.


‎ Dr Kachaka alluded that the prolonged dry spell led to widespread borehole failures, leaving farmers without a crucial water supply for their fishponds, highlighting that even those who had minimal water reserves faced further setbacks due to erratic electricity supply, which made it impossible to pump water into their ponds. The result was catastrophic mass fish mortalities and extensive financial losses.


‎Beyond the immediate impact of water scarcity, Dr. Kachaka highlighted another key challenge
with pond liners. “About 80% of small-scale fish farmers in Zambia use pond liners, which are large plastic sheets used to line fishponds. Due to the extreme heat caused by the drought, these liners were damaged beyond repair,” he explained. “With no income to replace the expensive liners, many farmers have been unable to resume production.”
‎With small-scale farmers struggling, the supply of fish in Zambia has become heavily dependent on large commercial farms, particularly those in Siavonga. This shift has created supply gaps, ultimately driving up prices.


‎”In Zambia, we primarily stock tilapia, especially Oreochromis niloticus, which is the dominant fish in the market. But now, all tilapia species are in short supply,” Dr. Kachaka noted.
‎However, with the scarcity, high fish prices are expected to persist for some time as small-scale
farmers remain without support to recover from their losses.


‎Meanwhile, Dr. Kachaka made an urgent appeal for financial empowerment to revive small scale fish farming. “Small fish farmers contribute about 70% of Zambia’s fish supply and are major employers in aquaculture. If they have incurred such heavy losses, they must be empowered,” he urged.
‎He called on the government and financial institutions to provide targeted grants and loans to
struggling farmers, stressing that such support would help revitalize the industry, restore jobs, and
combat poverty.” This situation will take time before it is corrected,” he warned. “Without intervention, the fish shortage will continue, and prices will remain high,” he added

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Once an accessible source of protein for

Markets

The Oil Marketing Companies Association of Zambia (OMCAZ) has called on the government to
implement deliberate policies that will protect and empower local oil marketing companies (OMCs) in
the petroleum sector.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times ZBT, OMCAZ President Mubanga Kafula stated that while the Open Access Regime was designed to promote competition in the use of the TAZAMA pipeline, local OMCs are struggling to compete with international players due to stringent
financial requirements and the lack of structured market access.
‎Kafula explained that while Zambia has made progress in ensuring fair access to the pipeline, the tendering process poses a major challenge. Unlike countries such as Tanzania, which conduct fuel tenders every month to ensure cost-reflective pricing, Zambia has yet to adopt a model that aligns with international best practices.


‎Kafula highlighted that the high cost of performance bonds required in fuel procurement is a major barrier for local OMCs. He noted that most Zambian OMCs lack the financial muscle to provide the necessary securities, making it difficult for them to win government fuel supply contracts.
“Very few Zambian OMCs today can provide the required security instruments such as performance
bonds. These are a huge cost, and without them, local companies cannot effectively compete in fuel procurement tenders,” Kafula said.


‎According to OMCAZ, another major concern is the lack of market access for local OMCs, with larger foreign firms controlling supply to major off-takers such as the mines.
Kafula pointed out that most mining companies in Zambia, including Mopani Copper Mines, source their
fuel from international players, leaving local firms with little to no share of the market.
“You cannot have a system where major mining companies are exclusively supplied by foreign firms.
There must be a deliberate policy to ensure that at least 30-40% of mine fuel supply is allocated to local OMCs. Without this, Zambian businesses will continue to struggle,” he said.

Kafula further emphasized that even though Zambian OMCs have demonstrated their ability to supply fuel, the absence of supportive policies has hindered their growth. He recalled that in 2020 and 2021, when multinational companies withdrew investments in the sector, local OMCs stepped up and maintained national supply levels despite operating with limited resources. Kafula warned that without these measures, the fuel industry will continue to be dominated by foreign companies, making it difficult for Zambians to benefit from the sector.


“It is not enough to issue licenses to Zambian OMCs if they do not have access to the market. Government must ensure that its policies match its empowerment agenda by creating opportunities for local companies,” he said.
Kafula has since urged the government to introduce a regulatory framework that protects the interests of Zambian OMCs. He reiterated that Zambian OMCs are ready to play a bigger role in the industry but need government support to level the playing field and promote economic growth.

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The Oil Marketing Companies Association of Zambia

Agribusiness

A Chadiza Zemba area ,tobacco farmer says tobacco farming is a lucrative business that brings more money as it is one of the crops that most buyers pay in dollars.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, tobacco farmer Leonard Banda said, when one grows tobacco, they need to make sure that they properly manage the crop from both the field and the curing part .
“I have planted 2.8 hectares which is equivalent to 3 hectares just for tobacco. Tobacco is one crop that
pays well as compared to other crops.” Banda stated.
He added that from the 3 hectares where he has planted tobacco, he is anticipating to produce about 3,000 Kgs of which on average in terms of worth in Zambian Kwacha will be valued at not less than K250,000 regardless of how the market price will be.


He further disclosed that this year he is anticipating to have a bumper harvest as compared to last year
were his yields were badly affected by the droughts. “Last year because of the droughts
I encountered a loss, as I didn’t harvest the quantities which I was expecting due to the droughts. Last
year I harvested about almost a thousand kgs of which after selling it, I got about K73,000 which I later
invested and used it to purchase a taxi (Car) .” He said. Banda further outlined that currently one of the challenge that they are facing is availability of trees , looking at it that in their area most of the tobacco farmers are into (FCV) Virginia tobacco farming, which is cured tobacco as it requires them to
use firewood to cure the same commodity.


He added that there is need for organizations like TAZ, IITA, TBZ being an umbrella for the crop to step up awareness and even provide trees for planting so as to encourage farmers to replant the trees that they
will use or cut down during production. Banda further called on the government to ensure that they prioritize the farmers interest when it comes to the market price so that when it comes to buying the commodity it should be bought at a price that will benefit both the buyer and producer, putting in mind issues of production cost.


He further told ZBT that, the industry needs governments full support and not restricting them from growing tobacco as many farmers rely on the same crop to sustain their livelihood.

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A Chadiza Zemba area ,tobacco farmer says

Markets, Politics

Govt risks breach of IMF ECF conditionalities over TAZARA withhold of critical tender award details

The committee that sat to scrutinize the 18 shortlisted bidders risks the Zambian government breaching the conditionalities and pledges agreed with the International Monetary Fund – IMF by dragging their feet in publishing and sharing the full list of bidders and their beneficial owners. The tender results have shocked some participating companies who confided that some of the companies awarded literary have no experience and may have been awarded due to to corruption and favoritism.

The committee announced that Indeni Energy Company Limited, Boltt Global Solutions Limited, and a joint venture between Titanium Oil Corporation and ADNOC has been selected for April 2025 and further that the Zambian government had pledged as part of the Extended Credit Facility – ECF and wider IMF country support to Zambia to transparently disclose details that would enable the general public to get the best price from competitive bidding and implement the open access regime for importation of diesel using the TAZAMA pipeline. During the IMF visit, it had been noted that the deal with Agro fuel had not been awarded through a competitive tender process.

Using of the pipeline as opposed to road tanker trucking is expected to cut the transportation cost component by more than half, a scenario that would lead to a cut in both wholesale and retail pump prices that would benefit the country in terms of reduction in fuel prices, a key driver of inflation.

According to a source who spoke to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, asking for their identity to be withheld due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that the Zambian authorities (govt) pledged higher standards of transparency after it emerged that the earlier contract by Agro Fuel and its partners was heavily profiting from a a retail price formula that used road transportation cost as part of the computation.

A check by ZBT confirmed that indeed the Zambian Government committed to higher levels of transparency. An IMF document seen by ZBT shows that the Zambian government committed to “publish the Tazama open access tender results on the Ministry of Energy website within one month of the contract award, including winning bidder with price, type and quantities of inputs, total contract amounts and their beneficial owners as well all unsuccessful bids with price, type, and quantities of inputs.

The Zambia government further committed to the financier (IMF) that “Single-sourcing procurement for strategic reasons under direct bidding will remain an exception regulated under the open access guidelines and the nominated OMC will undergo the standard procurement vetting process applied to all OMCs in open tenders. Contracts under the direct bidding methods will be published within a month on Ministry of Energy website, including volume, price, and beneficial ownership information.

At time of going to press, this information had not been published. The tender committee chairperson Dr. Lameck Banda when contacted by ZBT stated that he could not comment and referred the matter to the TAZAMA procurement member of the committee. Tazama Procurement Head Musenge Sinkala told ZBT that they were not aware of the government commitment to IMF but stated that they are able and willing to share the details.

“We were working using the open access guidelines that did not specify the needs that are in the IMF document, some of the information is readily available since this was an open tender and all bidders were present, its only the beneficial owners that needs further PACRA searches and legal services involvement”, stated Sinkala. He told ZBT that reasons for all rejected bidders were made public and are available.

TAZAMA Managing Director Davison Thawethe told ZBT that he was not part of the tender committee that sat to select the preferred bidders but promised that he would share the contacts of the procurement team member responsible. At at time of publishing, only the information for beneficial ownership was outstanding. 

Further, the Zambian government committed to “no longer grant waivers for the sale of petroleum products outside of ERB price and in foreign currency. Going forward, diesel imported through the pipeline will only be sold in local currency for domestic retail distribution”.

The above commitment to sell only to local retail market, according to the ZBT impeccable source, was a result of findings that some of the diesel imported for the Zambian market ended up being sold into the neighboring DRC at lucrative US dollar prices by the single sourced.

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The committee that sat to scrutinise the