The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has intensified efforts to regulate Zambia’s growing outdoor advertising industry by reviewing the draft Outdoor Advertising Policy aimed at improving road safety, enhancing urban aesthetics and ensuring effective management of advertising infrastructure across the country.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Lusaka, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Chief Planner Belinda Lumbala says the policy seeks to address concerns surrounding the placement of billboards, digital advertising displays and design standards.
 Ms Lumbala disclosed that uncoordinated outdoor advertising can contribute to environmental degradation and pose risks to road users.
She noted that the sector is expanding rapidly and plays an important role in promoting a competitive economy, noting that the policy will also strengthen the capacity of local authorities to monitor outdoor advertising and improve revenue collection.
Ms Lumbala has since urged stakeholders to actively contribute to refining the draft policy to ensure it responds to the country’s development needs.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Senior Planner Akim Machila stressed that the review process is intended to build consensus on key policy issues, identify implementation challenges and strengthen collaboration among government institutions and private sectors.
Mr Machila observed that Zambia currently has no dedicated policy governing outdoor advertising, despite existing laws administered by different institutions.
“The policy will provide a coordinated framework for regulating outdoor advertising while promoting safer placement of billboards and digital screens through clear standards on location, size, density, lighting and design, ultimately improving road safety and the appearance of our towns and cities,” Mr Machila said.
