Communities Key to Zambia’s Tourism Growth, Says Sikumba
The Minister of Tourism, Rodney M. Sikumba, has emphasised that local communities must play a central role in the growth and sustainability of Zambia’s tourism sector.
Speaking during a public lecture at the University of Zambia titled “Tourism and National Development: Harnessing Benefits from Local Communities for an Enhanced Tourism Sector,” Mr Sikumba said government is committed to ensuring that tourism development improves livelihoods for communities living around key tourism destinations.
He noted that Zambia’s tourism industry has recorded significant growth in recent years, with international tourist arrivals increasing from 554,290 in 2021 to more than 2.2 million in 2025. Domestic tourism has also risen steadily, with visits to national parks, museums and heritage sites increasing from 235,392 to 566,523 over the same period.
“These achievements demonstrate growing confidence in Zambia as a tourism destination and reaffirm the importance of inclusive development where communities are fully integrated into the tourism value chain,” the minister said.
Mr Sikumba explained that the government is implementing reforms aligned with the country’s development agenda, including Vision 2030, the Eighth National Development Plan and the Tourism Master Plan 2018–2038, which aim to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
He also highlighted the role of communities in wildlife conservation and management under the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 and the recently launched Community Based Natural Resources Management Policy.
Through Community Resource Boards, local communities are increasingly involved in conservation activities, anti-poaching operations and efforts to mitigate human–wildlife conflict. The number of Community Resource Boards has risen from 58 in 2021 to 85 in 2025, while government funding to the structures increased from K9.6 million to K22.3 million during the same period.
The minister further noted that communities are vital to tourism product development and cultural tourism, citing traditional ceremonies such as the Nc’wala Ceremony, Kuomboka Ceremony, Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena Ceremony and Umutomboko Ceremony, which attract both local and international visitors.
He encouraged citizens to support the domestic tourism campaign Take a Holiday – Yamu Loko and promote the national branding initiative Zambia Moves You launched by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr Sikumba also called on universities and research institutions to contribute to the sector through innovation and research.
“Our communities are the foundation of tourism. They are custodians of our heritage, landscapes and culture. Government does not want communities to remain spectators while others extract value from their heritage. We want them to become owners, partners and innovators in the tourism sector,” he said.
He concluded by urging the academic community and other stakeholders to work with government in strengthening the sector, noting that transforming tourism would ultimately contribute to the broader transformation of Zambia’s economy.
