Zambia Calls for the Stronger Public-Private Collaboration to Unlock Sustainable Tourism Growth, Boost Employment and Community Development – Travel And Tour World

Zambia Calls for Stronger Public-Private Collaboration to Unlock Sustainable Tourism Growth

Published on December 16, 2025

Introduction

During the 20th-anniversary commemoration of Sandy’s Creations Resort and Retail held in Chilanga on December 14th, Zambia’s Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba emphasized the critical need for enhanced collaboration between the government and private sector to drive sustainable tourism development. This partnership is viewed as essential for boosting employment and fostering community development, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Private Investment Driving Sustainable Tourism in Zambia

Sandy’s Creations Resort exemplifies the positive impact of private investment in Zambia’s tourism sector. The business directly employs up to 150 people and supports a network of artisans, contractors, and suppliers, contributing significantly to local economic development and job creation.

• Supports sustainable tourism aligned with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Promotes renewable energy use, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Encourages domestic travel, fostering regional economic growth.
• Transforms the Lusaka-Chilanga corridor into an emerging tourism hub.

This sustainable tourism model highlights the vital role of private-sector partnerships in achieving long-term and inclusive growth (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities), with innovative and holistic approaches to development.

Creating a Competitive Tourism Destination through Public-Private Partnerships

Minister Sikumba’s call for closer public-private partnerships reflects the recognition that joint efforts are essential to address challenges and seize opportunities within Zambia’s tourism sector. Key areas of collaboration include:

1. Enhancement of tourism infrastructure (SDG 9).
2. Investment in skills development to empower local communities (SDG 4: Quality Education).
3. Promotion of inclusive growth models benefiting both local communities and tourism businesses (SDG 8 and SDG 10).

Private investment is anticipated to be a major driver of regional economic development, with businesses like Sandy’s Creations demonstrating wide-reaching positive impacts such as:

• Job creation and support for local suppliers.
• Attraction of international tourists.
• Contribution to the national economy.

This collaboration ensures that Zambia’s tourism sector remains sustainable and scalable, paving the way for future tourism-related ventures.

The Future Impact of Sustainable Tourism on Zambia’s Economy

Sustainable tourism is poised to become a significant contributor to Zambia’s economic growth. Increased private investment combined with government-facilitated collaborative frameworks will lead to:

• Growth in employment opportunities (SDG 8).
• Strengthened local supply chains.
• Improved tourism infrastructure (SDG 9).
• Equitable distribution of tourism benefits across communities (SDG 10).

Additionally, Zambia’s focus on renewable energy and eco-friendly practices aligns with global trends in eco-tourism and green travel, attracting environmentally conscious international visitors and supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Skills Development and Job Creation: A Long-Term Strategy for Tourism Growth

The sustainable growth of Zambia’s tourism sector depends heavily on developing local skills and creating jobs. The government’s emphasis on infrastructure investment and human capital development will ensure local communities benefit from tourism expansion.

• Focus on skills training in hospitality, tour guiding, sustainable tourism management, and local craftsmanship.
• Partnerships with educational institutions to provide relevant training programs (SDG 4).
• Investment in local businesses to create sustainable and fair tourism jobs (SDG 8).

Future Prospects: Tourism as a Catalyst for Broader Economic Growth

Tourism is increasingly integral to Zambia’s economic diversification strategy. Sustainable tourism offers a pathway to stable, long-term economic growth by:

• Encouraging private sector involvement and public-private partnerships (SDG 17).
• Building a resilient and inclusive tourism economy that generates new job opportunities and strengthens local economies.
• Capitalizing on Zambia’s unique natural resources and cultural heritage to attract niche markets such as eco-tourism and adventure travel.

Balancing growth with sustainability will create a tourism ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders while protecting Zambia’s invaluable natural and cultural assets (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

The Path Forward for Sustainable Tourism in Zambia

Zambia’s sustainable tourism future depends on continued private sector investment, capacity building, and strong collaboration between government and private entities. This partnership is crucial to positioning Zambia competitively in the global tourism industry and ensuring inclusive growth and development nationwide.

The Lusaka-Chilanga corridor and other tourist destinations are expected to experience significant growth, reinforcing Zambia’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable tourism development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article emphasizes job creation, economic development, and inclusive growth through sustainable tourism and private sector investment.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • References to investment in tourism infrastructure and innovative public-private partnerships align with this goal.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The development of tourism hubs like the Lusaka-Chilanga corridor and community benefits from tourism development relate to sustainable urban and community development.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Focus on sustainable tourism models, eco-friendly practices, and renewable energy use in tourism supports responsible consumption and production.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article mentions renewable energy and eco-tourism, which contribute to climate action efforts.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Strong emphasis on public-private collaboration to unlock sustainable tourism growth directly relates to SDG 17.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 8 – Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
   • Article highlights job creation through private investment and skills development in tourism.
2. SDG 8 – Target 8.9: Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
   • The article’s focus on sustainable tourism and supporting local artisans and suppliers aligns with this target.
3. SDG 9 – Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Investment in tourism infrastructure and public-private partnerships mentioned in the article.
4. SDG 11 – Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • Article references Zambia’s natural resources and cultural heritage as tourism assets.
5. SDG 12 – Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
   • Promotion of sustainable tourism models and eco-friendly practices.
6. SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Focus on renewable energy and eco-tourism as part of tourism development.
7. SDG 17 – Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.
   • Article’s emphasis on public-private collaboration to drive sustainable tourism growth.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Employment Numbers in Tourism Sector
   • Example: Sandy’s Creations Resort employs up to 150 people directly; job creation is a key measure of progress.
2. Number of Local Artisans, Contractors, and Suppliers Supported
   • Support for local suppliers and artisans indicates economic inclusivity and community benefit.
3. Investment Levels in Tourism Infrastructure and Private Sector Participation
   • Growth in private investment and infrastructure development as indicators of sustainable tourism growth.
4. Tourism-Related Skills Development and Training Programs
   • Number of training programs and skilled workers in hospitality, tour guiding, and sustainable tourism management.
5. Use of Renewable Energy and Adoption of Eco-Friendly Practices
   • Extent of renewable energy integration and eco-tourism initiatives as environmental sustainability indicators.
6. Tourism Growth Metrics
   • Increase in domestic and international tourists, tourism-related revenue, and economic contribution to national GDP.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com