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LuWSI Strategy Launch : A Vision for Water Security in Zambia

January 27, 2025

On December 13, 2024, the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) unveiled its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan in an event that brought together over 70 distinguished guests from government, business and civil society organisations. Co-sponsored by GIZ NatuReS Zambia, Zambian Breweries and LuWSI, the launch underscored the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing water security and sanitation challenges in Lusaka and beyond.

Official Launch of the LuWSI Strategy led by Engineer Peter Mutale – Chief Inspector at the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council, Ms Nalucha Nganga Ziba – Country Director of WWF Zambia and Ms Adjoa Parker Country Coordinator of NatuReS GIZ (left to right). ©GIZ

The Urgency of Water Security

Water security remains one of Zambia’s most pressing challenges, as evidenced by the 2024 drought and resulting power shortages due to hydropower disruptions. These crises have had far-reaching effects on agriculture, energy, and economic development, underscoring the urgent need for collective action. The World Bank in a snap shot overview of the country explains it further; “This climatic disaster has slowed real GDP growth to 1.9% year-on-year in the first half of 2024 from 4.3% during 2023, reflecting contractions in the agriculture and energy sectors, and subdued performance in administrative and support services”.

As noted by Mr. Pasca Mwila, the Assistant Director of the department of resources and development in a speech he read on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation “Water security remains one of the most pressing issues that affects both human health and economic development and events like these are a significant step towards ensuring collective steps are undertaken to secure a sustainable water future for Zambia”.

This sentiment aligns with LuWSI’s mission to foster partnerships that safeguard natural resources while promoting equitable and sustainable access to water for all.

Community ensemble Arts dance group showcase their spectacular traditional dance moves and make a call for collective action during the opening ceremony of the Strategy Launch. ©GIZ

A Vision for the Future

LuWSI’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing natural resource-related risks. Guided by a vision of a water-secure Zambia where residents and businesses thrive, the strategy outlines clear objectives and actionable steps to drive impactful change.

Key insights from the strategic plan include:

  • Water Security as a Development Cornerstone: Recognizing water security as vital for sustainable development, the plan emphasizes the importance of cross-sector collaboration to champion a shared agenda.
  • Alignment with National Priorities: The strategy aligns with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), reflecting stakeholders’ growing demand for nationwide multi-stakeholder collaboration to address water challenges.

Four Strategic Objectives

  1. Enhance Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships across sectors to foster unified efforts.
  2. Catalyze Sustainable Resourcing: Secure funding and resources to sustain collaborative initiatives.
  3. Streamline Procedures and Processes: Improve operational efficiency to support LuWSI’s expanded mandate.
  4. Strengthen Governance and Secretariat Capacity: Build internal capacity to effectively implement the strategic plan.
The Interim Coordinator of LuWSI Engineer Kasenga Hara giving an overview of the new LuWSI Strategy. ©GIZ

Celebrating Champions of Water Stewardship

The event also celebrated excellence in promoting water stewardship and good governance, applauding private sector companies and individuals for their impactful contributions. Initiated in 2018, these private sector awards are preceded by a rigorous evaluation process, conducted by LuWSI partners. The goal is to encourage and recognise companies that align their production processes to good water stewardship practices in order to protect resources. For 2024, Zambian Breweries received first place for its outstanding efforts, while Zambia Sugar secured second place.

Individual awards went to Mr. Jonathan Phiri (Water and Sanitation Association of Zambia- Wasaza), Mr. David Nonde Mwamba (GIZ NatuReS), and Mr. Gershom Pule (Worldwide Fund for Nature – WWF), who were honoured as 2024 Water Security Champions for their dedication to fostering collaboration and championing water security on the LuWSI Platform.

The private sector awards ceremony led by Ms. Yankho Mataya LuWSI Board Chairperson and Wateraid Zambia Country Director, Mr. Pasca Mwila the Assistant Director of the department of resources and development and Fungai Musana Chief External Engagements Officer WWF (right to left). ©GIZ

Looking Ahead

The LuWSI Strategy Launch 2024 marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s journey toward water security. By leveraging the power of partnerships and aligning with national priorities, LuWSI is on course to drive transformative change over the next five years.

“Together, we can secure a future where every Zambian thrives with reliable and sustainable access to water” stated the LuWSI Board chairperson Ms. Yankho Mataya. The initiative’s renewed commitment to collaboration and innovation promises to inspire and empower stakeholders to tackle water security challenges head-on. 

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