Africa-Press – Zambia. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has announced a target of over 2.5 million international arrivals and achieving $1 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2026, as stated by the Vice President Mutale Nalumango during the official opening of the Zambia Travel and Tourism Expo 2026 (ZATEX) at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre today.
In her speech on behalf of President Hichilema, the Vice President noted that the tourism sector is a key pillar in the government’s development agenda under the eighth national development plan, due to its potential to drive economic diversification and create jobs.
She added, “We have set a target to reach over 2.5 million international tourists by the end of 2026, while aiming to achieve over $1 billion in tourism revenue. This is part of our broader strategy to position tourism as a fundamental pillar of Zambia’s economy.”
Nalumango highlighted that Zambia recorded over 2.2 million international arrivals in 2024, a 35% increase from the previous year, and the number rose to 2.3 million in 2025. Local visits to national parks, museums, and heritage sites also increased, with over 562,000 visitors recorded in 2025.
To achieve the 2026 goals, the government is implementing four key interventions, including rehabilitating roads leading to major tourist destinations such as South Luangwa and Kafue National Parks and Lower Zambezi, enhancing promotion through the campaigns “Zambia Moves You” and “Visit Zambia,” expanding visa exemptions to include 167 countries, and boosting domestic tourism through the “Take Your Holiday Within Your Country” campaign.
The government is also working on a 24-hour economy concept to support the tourism sector through continuous services, alongside collaborating with the private sector to expand hotel infrastructure and increase capacity.
The Vice President mentioned that Zambia is also investing in the Green, Resilient, and Sustainable Tourism Development Project (GREAT-TDP) with support from the World Bank.
She praised small and medium enterprises, particularly those led by women and youth, describing them as “the backbone of this sector,” and emphasized that the government is working to engage local communities as active beneficiaries in tourism.
Regarding regional cooperation, she called for enhanced tourism within the African continent and improved air connectivity, as well as collaboration in hosting business events and international exhibitions, stating, “Zambia is ready to be a leading platform for tourism and business in Africa.”
She added, “To esteemed investors, Zambia is open for business, providing a stable environment and a clear vision for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”
The ZATEX 2026 expo saw the attendance of numerous exhibitors, investors, diplomats, and government officials, serving as a platform to strengthen partnerships, finalize deals, and attract investments.
The event was also attended by several senior officials, including former Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism Evans Muhanga, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior government officials.
