Published on
September 5, 2025
Zambia and New Zealand are strengthening their collaboration in the areas of sustainable tourism, wildlife protection, and responsible investment. New agreements after high-level talks in Lusaka state both countries will explore new tourism opportunities that help local economies while safeguarding the environment.
For Zambia, tourism is a vital pillar of the economy, enabling job creation, localized growth, and national revenue generation. Having recognized the potential the sector possesses, discussions focused on the ways in which the growth of the sector can be sustainable and inclusive. These discussions are centered on eco-tourism, community-based tourism development, and the promotion of Zambia’s culture and natural resources.
In Zambia, the recent incident of a visitor death from a wildlife encounter is contributing to increased visitor protection efforts. These include refined wildlife patrols, improved rapid response teams, and local strategies to help reduce wildlife conflicts. Aimed at wildlife, these efforts grant a safe interaction space while allowing freedom of movement.
Sustainable development focuses on integrating tourism to Zambia’s advancement strategies. Eco-lodges, community conservancies, and other nature-based enterprises have been identified as pillars to make tourism work for the people. The resulting employment, improved infrastructure, and strengthened community-led conservation initiatives demonstrate the project’s impact on people’s lives. Zambia’s approach to conservation is to work with residents to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, expanding economic development, and environmental conservation opportunities.
Zambia’s plans will be supported with collaborative work from New Zealand on the development of and investment in shared project opportunities. Prospects for collaboration include the development of environmentally sustainable tourism infrastructure, the implementation of reciprocal culture programs, and the and the development of tourism activities integrating conservation with economic development. Such strategies will improve Zambia’s reputation as a tourism destination while welcoming investment that is environmentally responsible.
As with any other tourism policy in Zambia, the protection of wildlife is primary. Zambia is strengthening anti-poaching activities, biodiversity, and community conservation initiatives as the pillars for sustainable tourism development. The economic benefits of tourism have been proven to improve the conservation of wildlife in the country, especially with the increasing volume of ‘paying’ visitors. Sustainable tourism incorporates ecosystem monitoring, guiding, tourism promotion, and active community involvement as the pillars for conservation.
New Zealand recognizes the commitment by the Zambian people and as a result, has drawn attention to the need for collaboration in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. Planned cooperation is expected to include technical support, investment in community tourism initiatives, sustainable conservation initiatives that serve the community. This shows that responsible tourism has the potential to foster economic and environmental development, the world over.
The two countries have agreed to develop a tourism policy that fosters safety, ecological health, and social equity. They aim to enhance the experience of tourists, attract investment, and empower local communities as wildlife custodians. Local participation is crucial in the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, livelihood improvement, and the promotion of tourism development that is environmentally and socially sustainable.
Following the Vision of Zambia 2030 and the guiding framework of the National Tourism Policy, Zambia is establishing itself as the leading eco-tourism destination in Africa. Zambia presents unparalleled offerings with wildlife, culture and nature, reflecting a commitment to responsible and equitable eco tourism. Zambia is forming a tourism industry that spurs economic development, nurtures culture, and preserves the environment, all through the strategic integration of global partnerships, community-centered investments, and international collaboration to Zambia’s world-class tourism offerings.
It is anticipated that the collaboration with New Zealand will improve the tourism of Zambia and provide safer and more interesting prospectives for the visitors while benefitting the local communities. By bringing together foreign skill and domestic market insight, Zambia is formulating a tourism approach that focuses on the socio-economic growth of the country while empowering conservation, preserving wildlife and uplifting the communities.
