UNDP, Ministry of Tourism Strengthen Ties to Boost Sustainable Tourism in Zambia
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zambia Country Office paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Rodney M. Sikumba, MP, on 18th June 2025, to reinforce their ongoing partnership and explore new areas of collaboration.
The high-level meeting, led by Mathias Naab, PhD, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, focused on sustainable tourism development, environmental conservation, and empowering rural communities.
Naab commended Zambia’s growing recognition as a leading eco-tourism destination in the region and lauded the Ministry’s efforts in promoting responsible travel.
Key discussion areas included strengthening community-based tourism to drive job creation in marginalised regions, improving biodiversity and heritage conservation, building skills and entrepreneurship among youth and women in the tourism sector, and enhancing Zambia’s global visibility through digital platforms and green investments.
Both parties also discussed strategies to improve the resilience of tourism infrastructure in the face of climate change.
Minister Sikumba thanked the UNDP for its continuous support, emphasizing that tourism plays a pivotal role in Zambia’s economic diversification, cultural identity, and environmental protection.
“The Ministry is keen to deepen collaboration with UNDP, especially in areas that promote inclusive growth, climate resilience, and the protection of our natural heritage,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to align future projects with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
