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.

Finance Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane told citizens that leadership choices play a decisive role in shaping national prosperity, urging voters to select leaders capable of sustaining economic progress if Zambia is to achieve development outcomes comparable to countries such as Mauritius.

Speaking during parliamentary proceedings, Musokotwane explained that economic transformation depends on consistent policy direction and responsible governance. He said nations that achieve stability often do so through disciplined leadership and clear long-term planning, noting that voters have a role in determining the direction a country takes.

The minister said Zambia’s economic challenges cannot be separated from leadership decisions made over time. According to Musokotwane, citizens must consider the qualities of individuals seeking public office, stressing that economic management requires competence, accountability and a focus on national interest.

During the discussion, he reflected on examples from other countries that have achieved sustained growth, saying development is linked to the type of leadership citizens choose. He argued that a country’s prosperity does not happen by chance but grows from consistent governance practices that encourage investment and productivity.

Musokotwane also addressed concerns about economic pressures faced by households, including the rising cost of living. He told lawmakers that government policies aim to create a stable environment that supports growth while protecting citizens from economic shocks. He added that responsible leadership contributes to predictable policy frameworks that help businesses and communities plan for the future.

The minister highlighted the importance of economic discipline, stating that public institutions must remain focused on long-term goals rather than short-term political interests. He told Parliament that Zambia’s development trajectory depends on maintaining reforms designed to stabilise the economy and attract investment.

His remarks drew attention within the chamber, with lawmakers listening closely as he described the link between democratic participation and economic outcomes. Musokotwane maintained that informed voting decisions strengthen governance systems and help ensure continuity in national programmes.

He also spoke about the need for citizens to evaluate policy proposals carefully, saying economic progress requires collective responsibility between leaders and the electorate. According to the minister, public participation in elections should reflect an understanding of how governance decisions affect national development.

Musokotwane told lawmakers that Zambia has the potential to achieve higher levels of prosperity through disciplined economic management. He said achieving that goal requires unity and a commitment to policies that encourage growth across sectors such as industry, agriculture and tourism.

The address formed part of a broader discussion on governance and economic strategy during the parliamentary session. Musokotwane concluded by encouraging citizens to remain engaged in national decision-making processes, stating that leadership choices made today shape the country’s future trajectory.

President Hakainde Hichilema told Parliament that government intends to increase the Constituency Development Fund next year, linking the planned expansion to efforts aimed at strengthening governance, fighting corruption and stabilising the cost of living.

Speaking during a parliamentary session in Lusaka, the President outlined an economic direction that places local development at the centre of national policy. He stated that increasing the CDF allocation would allow communities to accelerate infrastructure projects, social services and small-scale economic activities that directly benefit citizens at constituency level.

Hichilema explained that the proposed funding increase forms part of a broader strategy to ensure public resources reach communities more efficiently. He noted that decentralised development remains a key pillar of government policy, with the CDF programme viewed as a tool to deliver visible progress in areas such as education, healthcare facilities and youth empowerment initiatives.

The President also spoke about the need to reinforce accountability mechanisms. He indicated that expanding funding would be accompanied by tighter oversight structures intended to reduce misuse of public resources. According to Hichilema, strengthening transparency within development programmes helps maintain public trust while supporting long-term economic stability.

During the address, the Head of State emphasised that the fight against corruption remains central to government planning. He said economic progress depends on protecting public funds and ensuring that development projects serve intended communities. The President stressed that governance reforms are designed to create a system where resources are used responsibly and efficiently.

Price stability featured prominently in his remarks. Hichilema acknowledged concerns about the cost of living and told lawmakers that stabilising prices requires coordinated fiscal discipline and improved economic management. He said government policies aim to create conditions that support local production while protecting household purchasing power.

Members of Parliament listened as the President described how increased funding at constituency level could support entrepreneurship and small-scale economic initiatives. He explained that communities benefit when local leaders have the resources to respond directly to development priorities identified by residents.

Hichilema indicated that economic reforms must balance growth with inclusivity. He said expanding the CDF envelope aligns with efforts to ensure that development is felt beyond urban centres, reaching rural districts where access to resources has historically been limited. He added that strengthening grassroots projects supports national unity and equitable progress.

The President reiterated that improving governance standards remains essential to sustaining economic gains. He said stronger institutions and responsible leadership contribute to investor confidence and national stability. According to Hichilema, maintaining a focus on integrity in public administration creates an environment where development programmes deliver measurable outcomes.

Lawmakers responded to the address within a wider discussion about economic direction and fiscal priorities. The President maintained that Zambia’s development path requires both strategic investment and careful management of public funds. He described the coming year as an opportunity to consolidate reforms that strengthen the country’s economic foundation.

Hichilema concluded by reaffirming government commitment to community-driven development. He said expanding the CDF allocation represents a practical step toward empowering citizens and accelerating projects that improve livelihoods across the country.

President Hakainde Hichilema apologised to Zambians for the hardship endured during years of electricity shortages, telling the National Assembly that the period had placed severe pressure on households, businesses and public services across the country.

Delivering his address during a parliamentary sitting in Lusaka, the President acknowledged the difficulties faced by citizens during prolonged power cuts. He stated that the country had gone through a demanding phase in the energy sector and described the experience as a lesson that required national reflection and unity.

Hichilema recognised that many families struggled to cope with disrupted daily routines, noting that electricity shortages affected cooking, schooling, healthcare and economic activity. He said his administration understood the frustrations felt by citizens during that time and emphasised that government had taken note of those experiences while shaping future policy.

The Head of State told lawmakers that energy challenges were rooted in a combination of historical infrastructure limitations and external pressures on generation capacity. He stressed that improving electricity supply remained central to broader economic recovery efforts, adding that reliable power was essential for investment, industrial growth and job creation.

During the address, Hichilema thanked citizens for their patience throughout the crisis period. He acknowledged that public trust had been tested when outages intensified, yet he maintained that cooperation between communities and institutions helped stabilise the situation. He also recognised the work done by energy officials and technical teams who remained active during the most difficult periods.

The President spoke about the importance of accountability and transparency in addressing national challenges. He said acknowledging past difficulties formed part of building a stronger governance culture, where leaders accepted responsibility and communicated openly with the public. According to Hichilema, lessons drawn from the electricity shortages would inform future decisions aimed at strengthening infrastructure resilience.

Members of Parliament listened as he explained that restoring stability to the power sector required both short-term responses and long-term structural reforms. He referred to ongoing efforts to expand generation capacity and modernise systems, stating that energy security would remain a priority area for the administration.

Hichilema indicated that Zambia’s development agenda depended heavily on dependable electricity supply, particularly for manufacturing, mining and agriculture. He told lawmakers that improvements in energy planning were intended to prevent a recurrence of severe shortages that affected production and livelihoods in previous years.

In his remarks, the President also highlighted the importance of cooperation between government agencies and citizens. He called on communities to continue supporting national development efforts while institutions worked to strengthen systems that sustain economic growth. He added that national recovery required a shared commitment to progress rather than division.

The address drew attention from both sides of the political spectrum, with lawmakers acknowledging the significance of the apology within a broader discussion on governance and public service delivery. Hichilema maintained that leadership involved recognising challenges openly and working collectively to move forward.

He concluded by expressing appreciation to citizens who endured the difficult period with resilience. The President reiterated that government remained focused on improving service delivery and ensuring that future generations benefited from stronger infrastructure and better planning within the energy sector.