Workers Across Africa to See Safer Workplaces Through Historic ZASAA–Vision Zero Alliance
The Zambia Safety Awards for Excellence (ZASAA) and the Africa Vision Zero Network (AVZN) have signed a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening workplace safety standards across Zambia and the wider African continent.
The agreement was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lusaka on 13 March, marking a significant step towards promoting occupational safety, advancing safety excellence and implementing the Vision Zero philosophy.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Hellen Mwamba described the partnership as a major milestone in efforts to transform workplace safety.
“Today, ZASAA takes an important step forward in its mission to transform workplace safety, not only in Zambia but across the region. This partnership aligns us with globally recognised best practices and reinforces our belief that safety is foundational, a leadership responsibility and a moral obligation,” Mwamba said.
She explained that the collaboration will integrate Vision Zero principles into ZASAA campaigns and introduce a Vision Zero Excellence Award, while also expanding capacity-building initiatives such as workshops, conferences and training programmes for industry leaders.
Mwamba also announced that the 2026 Zambia Safety Awards will be held on 28 April at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, coinciding with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
The event will be sponsored by Zambia Sugar Plc and supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Zambia Occupational Health and Safety Association.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Lungu-Nkumbula said the partnership represents a commitment to improving safety conditions in workplaces across Africa.
“This MoU is a pledge to make zero harm a reality in workplaces across Africa. Every worker deserves to return home safely every day,” she said.
Dr Lungu-Nkumbula added that through the partnership the two organisations will train, mentor and inspire leaders and workers to prioritise safety in decision-making processes.
“Safety is not a cost, it is an investment in people, families, communities and the future of Africa,” she said.
Both organisations emphasised that the partnership goes beyond a formal agreement, describing it as a shared commitment to eliminating workplace injuries and fatalities while fostering a culture of safety that goes beyond regulatory compliance.
They noted that the collaboration will combine ZASAA’s growing national platform with AVZN’s regional expertise to support research, policy engagement and practical solutions aimed at improving occupational safety across industries in Africa.
