Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, has been recognised by Safari Club International (SCI) as the 2026 International Legislator of the Year, a distinction highlighting his role in promoting sustainable-use conservation and wildlife policy on the global stage.
The award was presented during an SCI gathering where organisers cited Sikumba’s advocacy for science-based wildlife management, habitat protection, and policies linking conservation to community livelihoods. In the citation, SCI described Zambia’s approach as one anchored in governance, local participation, and responsible use of natural resources.
During his acceptance remarks, Sikumba framed the honour as both personal and national, speaking as a life member of the organisation and as a representative of Zambia’s conservation agenda. He told delegates that conservation in Zambia is not symbolic but tied to survival, stewardship, and responsibility, pointing to the country’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife populations as assets that require balanced management.
He said Zambia’s conservation strategy seeks to protect wildlife while ensuring benefits reach communities living near national parks and game management areas, stressing that policies succeed when people see value in preserving natural heritage. The minister also referenced the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism and wildlife protection under President Hakainde Hichilema.
Sikumba acknowledged the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, outfitters, rural communities, and international partners, describing the award as recognition of collective effort rather than individual achievement. He added that Zambia would continue promoting conservation models that combine ecological protection with economic opportunity through regulated hunting, tourism, and community-based initiatives.
Safari Club International’s legislator award is given to policymakers whose work influences conservation frameworks beyond their own countries. Sikumba’s role as Chair of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa was also cited as a factor in advancing Southern Africa’s sustainable-use model within international tourism and wildlife discussions.
Closing his remarks, the minister said the recognition would serve as motivation for continued collaboration and partnership, positioning Zambia as a contributor to global conservation debates while maintaining a focus on local development and wildlife protection.
New Dawn becomes desperate for sontapo. Every little award must be vuvuzelad to the masses kikikikikiki!
Congratulations and keep up the excellent work ????????
Typical DeadNBC story
“muzungu hunters anikonde” syndrome. Or mwana wa Trump anikonde
Go and experience how local tourists are treated in Livingstone. An example is the sunset ride on the Zambezi Queen. You pay for the Zambezi Queen but are directed to the Zambezi Princess(a smaller and unsightly(imo) boat). Apparently the Zambezi Princess is for Zambians because the owner felt sorry for Zambians!?!
How does a foreignor feel sorry for me in my own country!?!
There is your Minister accommodating all these shenanigans.
How about going for the Nobel peace prize now? Kekekekeke!
This is good but please work on the issue of the many lives that we continue to loose due to the human animal conflict which has reached emergency and crisis levels if you follow most rural Zambia news. Crocodiles are killing people daily, elephants have also been on rampage these past years, hippos as well. We have not heard a convincing strategy around this issue, and unfortunately we have lost tourists at times. When was the last cropping of crocodiles done around the country?
his is good but please work on the issue of the many lives that we continue to loose due to the human animal conflict which has reached emergency and crisis levels if you follow most rural Zambia news. Crocodiles are killing people daily, elephants have also been on rampage these past years, hippos as well.
This is good, but please work on the escalating human animal conflict
Crocodiles are killing people daily in Zambia, and there is no word from anybody. Somebody please help
Iwe Fales: as long as it doesn’t disturb CDF. After all those crocs are tourist attractions
As far as I know Africa’s hippos claim more human lives than crocs