Office of The Vice President - Zambia

HICHILEMA TARGETS $1BN TOURISM REVENUE, 2.5M ARRIVALS BY YEAR-END AS ZATEX 2026 OPENS.

LUSAKA, 5 June 2026

President Hakainde Hichilema has set a target of over 2.5 million international arrivals and US$1 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2026, Vice President Mutale Nalumango announced as she officially opened the 2026 Zambia Travel Exposition (ZATEX) at Mulungushi International Conference Centre today.

Officiating at ZATEX on behalf of President Hichilema, Vice President Nalumango said tourism remains a “cornerstone” of Government’s development agenda under the Eighth National Development Plan, with potential to drive economic diversification and job creation.

“We have set a target to attain over 2.5 million international arrivals by the end of 2026, with a goal of generating over US$1 billion in tourism revenue,” the Vice President said, delivering the President’s message. “This is part of our broader strategy to position tourism as a key pillar of Zambia’s economy.”

She reported that Zambia recorded over 2.2 million international arrivals in 2024, up 35 percent from the previous year, and grew further to 2.3 million in 2025. Domestic visits to national parks, museums, and heritage sites also rose, with over 562,000 visitors recorded in 2025.

To meet the 2026 targets, Government is implementing four key interventions: rehabilitating roads to major destinations including South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi National Parks; strengthening promotion through the “Zambia Moves You” and “Visit Zambia” campaigns; expanding visa waivers to 167 nations; and promoting domestic tourism through the “Take A Holiday Yamu Loko” campaign.

Government is also advancing a 24-hour economy concept to support tourism with “efficient, round-the-clock services” and is working with the private sector to expand hospitality infrastructure and bed capacity, she said.

Through the World Bank–supported Green, Resilient, and Transformational Tourism Development Project (GREAT–TDP), Zambia is investing in sustainable tourism growth, the Vice President added.

She commended small and medium enterprises, especially those led by women and youth, calling them “the backbone of this sector.” Government is shifting to ensure communities are “active participants and beneficiaries” in tourism, from traditional ceremonies to community-based enterprises, she noted.

On regional cooperation, the Vice President called for stronger intra-African tourism, improved air connectivity, and joint bidding for global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events. “By combining our strengths, we can position Africa as a leading destination for conferences, exhibitions and business tourism. Zambia stands ready,” she said, conveying President Hichilema’s message.

“To our esteemed investors, Zambia is open for business,” she said. “We offer a stable environment with consistent policies and a clear, forward-looking vision for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”

The 2026 ZATEX has drawn exhibitors, operators, investors, diplomats, and officials. The Vice President described the expo as “a platform for partnerships, a marketplace for ideas, signing of deals and a catalyst for investment.”

Present at the event were former Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba, Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior government officials.

VEEP NALUMANGO HAILS HICHILEMA FOR ASSENTING TO LAWS ON FREE EDUCATION, PENSIONS REFORMS.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for assenting to new legislation that guarantees free education and reforms the pension sector.

Speaking the ceremony, Dr. Nalumango described the move as “a defining moment in Zambia’s journey towards inclusive development, social justice, and economic security for all.”

The newly signed laws enshrine free education into law, ensuring access for all children regardless of background or economic status. The legislation also strengthens pension benefits, improves retirement security, and enhances oversight of pension funds to protect workers and retirees.

“This historic achievement demonstrates the New Dawn Government’s unwavering commitment to putting people first,” Nalumango said. “By enshrining free education into law, we have taken a bold and irreversible step towards ensuring that every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

On pension reforms, the Vice President said the measures will provide greater protection and dignity for workers after retirement. “These reflect our belief that those who dedicate their lives to building our nation deserve a secure and dignified future,” she said.

Dr. Nalumango called the legislation “more than a collection of laws,” saying it represents a vision of a Zambia where opportunity is shared and no one is left behind. She expressed appreciation to President Hichilema for “steadfast leadership and commitment to delivering meaningful change.”

The Vice President urged citizens to remain united to build a “prosperous, equitable, and resilient Zambia.”

She concluded with blessings for President Hichilema, the Zambian people, and the Republic.

President Hakainde Hichilema has assented the Free Education into Law.

Pictures courtesy of Kalemba

In case you missed it!

The Office of the Vice President’s Resettlement Division has started harvesting maize from its 10-hectare demonstration field at Kanakantapa Resettlement Scheme, with more than 700 × 50kg bags expected for national reserves.

Permanent Secretary Mavis Nkomeshya said the entire harvest will be sold to the Food Reserve Agency to strengthen national food security.

The field was established as a demonstration plot to promote improved farming methods among resettled farmers and surrounding communities.

To support year-round production, the division will sink mechanised boreholes at the scheme. Nkomeshya said the irrigation system will serve both the scheme’s fields and nearby farmers, in line with government’s agenda to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.

Ms. Nkomeshya said farmers must adopt modern methods and utilise land efficiently to increase productivity. She added that government will continue providing training and other support to raise agricultural output.

Kanakantapa Scheme Manager Nakaala Lwiindi said the harvest shows the Office of the Vice President is contributing directly to Zambia’s food security goals. He called on civil servants and other Zambians to take up farming for household consumption and commercial gain.

The project has also created jobs for locals. Resident Cynthia Kanguye said several community members were employed to work on the demonstration field during planting and harvesting.

The Kanakantapa Resettlement Scheme in Chongwe District is one of several schemes under the Resettlement Division aimed at improving livelihoods through agriculture.

AFTER President Hakainde Hichilema assents the pensions bills today, the minimum monthly pension will increase from K1,861 to K2,327, with more than 17,000 pensioners set to receive the adjustment immediately.

OVP LAUNCHES 2024 SERVICE DELIVERY CHARTER SENSITISATION PROGRAMME.

Today, the Office of the Vice President, through the Human Resources and Administration Division, rolled out the 2024 Service Delivery Charter Sensitisation Programme!

The Office kicked off this initiative with the dedicated officers from the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD). Over the coming weeks, the Office will reach officers in other provinces.

What is this about?

The programme breaks down our Service Delivery Charter — what it is, why it matters, and how it guides us daily. Officers are being sensitised on:

- The purpose, mission, vision, and core values of the Office of the Vice President
- What our clients and the public should expect from us
- The mandates of key divisions: Parliamentary Business, National Guidance and Religious Affairs, *Disaster Risk Management*, and Resettlement

Why it matters.

A Service Delivery Charter is our promise to you. It sets clear standards for transparency, accountability, and quality service. By ensuring every officer understands our mandate and values, we are strengthening our commitment to serve Zambians better.

OVP thanks the DRMD team for their active participation as we begin this important journey.

"Together, we are building a public service that delivers with integrity and excellence."