Hon. Sikumba Wins International Conservation Honour in the United States
Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Rodney M. Sikumba, has been honoured with the 2026 Legislator of the Year Award by Safari Club International (SCI), in recognition of his leadership in wildlife conservation and the promotion of sustainable hunting practices.
The award was presented during the annual SCI Convention held at the Music City Convention Center in Nashville, one of the world’s largest global gatherings of conservationists, policymakers, tourism leaders and industry stakeholders.
SCI confers the Legislator of the Year Award annually on a global leader who demonstrates outstanding commitment to science-based conservation, progressive policy-making, sustainable use of wildlife resources and the promotion of community livelihoods through conservation.
Mr Sikumba was recognised for advancing Zambia’s conservation agenda, strengthening sustainable wildlife management frameworks and positioning conservation as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism development.
Speaking after receiving the award, the Minister said the recognition belonged to the Government and people of Zambia, noting that conservation remains central to biodiversity protection, community empowerment and long-term national development.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to conservation under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema, emphasising the role of tourism in driving Zambia’s economic transformation.
The Ministry of Tourism said the international recognition places Zambia among leading nations in wildlife conservation and reflects sustained efforts to promote ethical, sustainable hunting and community-based natural resource management.
The Ministry further pledged to continue strengthening partnerships with local and international stakeholders to ensure wildlife resources contribute meaningfully to national development and benefit future generations.
