Rodney M. Sikumba has inaugurated the new Board of the Zambia Tourism Agency, describing it as a key step in Government’s efforts to position Zambia as a globally competitive tourism destination and a stronger contributor to economic growth.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Lusaka on 9 May 2026, Sikumba congratulated the Board members and expressed confidence in their ability to help reposition the tourism sector.
Rodney M. Sikumba, Zambia’s Minister of Tourism
The Board is chaired by Keira L. Johnson and includes representatives from Government institutions and the private sector.
The Minister said tourism under President Hakainde Hichilema has evolved from a leisure-focused sector into a strategic pillar for economic diversification, investment, job creation and foreign exchange earnings.
He noted that international tourist arrivals grew from just over one million in 2022 to about 2.2 million in 2024 and 2.3 million in 2025, attributing the growth to improved destination marketing, stronger international engagement, increased air access and investor confidence. Sikumba also revealed that the Ministry of Tourism’s budget had increased from about K304 million in 2021 to more than K1.2 billion in 2025.
The Minister stressed the need for Zambia to diversify its tourism products beyond traditional offerings to include culture, heritage, eco-tourism, gastronomy, sports tourism, faith tourism, adventure tourism, community tourism and MICE tourism.
He further urged the Board to ensure the Agency becomes more innovative, data-driven and digitally focused in order to compete effectively on the global stage.
“The expectations of Government are high because the opportunities before Zambia are enormous. The people of Zambia expect results, the private sector expects leadership and Government expects delivery,” Sikumba said.
Speaking at the event, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga said the Board assumes office at a time when Zambia’s tourism sector is experiencing strong recovery and renewed global interest.
Meanwhile, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Tourism Agency, Abigail Shansonga, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to aggressively marketing Zambia as a preferred tourism destination while strengthening tourism standards, innovation and digital transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Japhet Lishomwa thanked Government for the confidence placed in the new Board and pledged strategic leadership to support Government’s tourism development agenda.
