Lusaka, 22 November 2019. Following consultations with various stakeholders such as the Chamber of Mines, the Zambian Tourism Agency, and the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative in Lusaka, the APRM targeted review team led by Panel Member Bishop Don Dinis Salomão Sengulane, travelled far and wide within Zambia for a week to study in detail the nature of the mineral resources and tourism sectors.

In the course of this regional tour, village chiefs, permanent secretaries and district commissioners were visited. Overall, these officials expressed their hope that the communities they serve would reap benefits from the resources they possess. They urged the APRM to address developmental needs and help bring about higher standards of living for Zambians. In addition to talks with senior government figures, focus group discussions were held with the media, clergy and unions to understand their perspectives and the issues which they consider salient.

While Zambia has good practices to share with the rest of the continent, much work remains to be done to fully exploit mineral resources and tourism. It is hoped that the reports on tourism and mineral resources will have concise recommendations which will be implemented fast in a way that advances the interests of those segments of society which have hitherto been deprived of the financial advantages derived from the development of tourism and mining activities.

Subsequent to the regional tour, the APRM targeted review team returned to Lusaka and paid a courtesy call, at State House, on the President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu who affirmed that he looks forward to receiving the reports which will be presented at the February 2020 APR Forum of Heads of State and Government.

The courtesy call on His Excellency the President was followed by a meeting in Parliament with Chairpersons on committees responsible for tourism and mineral resources. Members of parliament interacted openly and extensively with the APRM targeted review team and discussed issues such as the need for the international community to be aware of the devastating impact climate change wrought on the Victoria Falls, plans to revive Zambia’s national carrier, strengthening the capacity of government to raise revenues from the mining sector by combating outward financial flows and empowering the private sector.

For inquiries please contact: Liziwe Selana (Head of Communications APRM)