President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed tourism’s vital role in the country’s development agenda, emphasising its potential to drive economic diversification, job creation and community empowerment.
In a speech read for him by Vice President Mutale Nalumango during the official opening of the 2026 Zambia Travel Exposition (ZATEX) on Friday, the Head of State emphasised regional collaboration, with a call to African nations to work together to boost intra-Africa tourism, improve air connectivity, and jointly bid for global conferences and exhibitions.
Highlighting Zambia’s tourism sector growth, President Hichilema noted that since his government assumed office in 2021, the government has prioritised building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector.
“Tourism remains a cornerstone of our development agenda,” the Head of State said.
The President noted that looking ahead, the country aims to attract over 2.5 million international visitors by 2026 and generate more than USD $1 billion in tourism revenue.
Mr Hichilema expressed that his government is also implementing targeted strategies including infrastructure upgrades such as rehabilitating roads to key parks like the South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi,as well as strengthening global promotion through initiatives like the “Visit Zambia” campaign.
The President added that government is also promoting a 24-hour economy to support vibrant city life and smooth visitor experiences, while working closely with the private sector to expand hospitality infrastructure, among other developments.
Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga emphasised the importance of intensified collaboration with the private sector.
He noted that the government cannot achieve its set targets alone as partnerships are essential, particularly in areas such as destination marketing, product innovation, and other initiatives to grow the tourism value chain.
“Future growth in tourism will require a comprehensive approach, including sectors such as education, wellness, travel, and food tourism, among others. Tourism must also reflect environmental stewardship and cultural preservation,” he added.
He explained that the future of tourism will be shaped by innovation, especially technological advancements in the sector, emphasising that platforms like ZATEX are vital for knowledge exchange and regional collaboration.
He has since urged local citizens to take advantage of the positive performance of the kwacha by patronising local tourism destinations.
ZANACO Bank Chief Executive Officer Mukwandi Chibesakunda, who was represented by the Banks Chief Financial Officer, Itwi Kalaluka, highlighted the bank’s partnership with the ministry, emphasising that tourism creates employment and stimulates value chains across the hospitality and creative industries in the country.
Ms Chibesakunda expressed that the country’s positive momentum in increasing tourist visits reinforces tourism as a key pillar supporting over 400,000 jobs, among other benefits.
She commended the government for its continued support of the sector through infrastructure development and efforts to enhance economic resilience.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Council of Zambia Chairperson Glyden Mungaila highlighted that tourism in Zambia is private sector driven and government led, citing that government has placed deliberate partnerships with the private sector.
Ms Mungaila noted that the sector has continued to nurture and grow domestic and regional tourism even after global markets faced challenges.
The 2026 Zambia Travel Exposition (ZATEX) is being held under the theme, Building Authentic and Sustainable Tourism Through Partnerships.
