Tag: Zambia

From May 27-29, 2025, stakeholders from across Africa and beyond gathered in Lusaka, Zambia, for the 3rd African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water – the PANAFCON-3. Convened under the theme “Assuring Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sanitation for the Africa We Want,” they came together to review the draft for the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy. The conference was a call to action – aiming to reignite political and institutional commitment to water and sanitation as a core driver for achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Against this backdrop, the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) and Wiggles Ventures convened a session titled “ESG and Sustainability for the Private Sector” on May 27. LuWSI is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together public institutions, private sector companies, civil society, and academia to safeguard Lusaka’s water resources. Wiggles Ventures, a sustainability-focused enterprise, is committed to promoting green business practices and inclusive development through innovation, technology, and partnerships. The Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS) contributed to the organisation of the session, supporting LuWSI and sharing its expertise in stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships.

ESG and the private sector’s evolving role in achieving sustainability

The session aligned directly with PANAFCON’s broader goal of inclusive and climate-resilient water and sanitation strategies: It explored the growing convergence between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) adoption and climate imperatives. And it discussed how the private sector contributes to sustainable water and sanitation outcomes through ESG implementation, driving both resilience and competitiveness in the private sector.

The session, moderated by NatuReS’ Adjoa Parker, opened with a keynote address by Mr Elvin Nasilele, CEO of the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI). Mr Nasilele unpacked the concept of ESG, explaining how the three pillars help businesses future-proof operations, build stakeholder trust, and demonstrate credibility to investors, regulators, and communities. He emphasized that ESG should be seen not merely as compliance but as a business enabler, especially in navigating the ESG-climate change nexus, which increasingly defines risk and opportunity landscapes for the private sector. Mr Nasilele also called for collective action, underscoring the role of multi-stakeholder platforms in convening diverse stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity building, aligning business action with national sustainability goals, and creating an enabling environment for ESG uptake.

Multi-stakeholder collaboration as implementation framework

A cornerstone of the session was the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration – the idea that when businesses, governments, and civil society work together, they can unlock shared value and co-create a better future – essential to both LuWSI’s work and the PANAFCON-3 ethos. The session featured a multi-stakeholder panel with representatives from the different sectors who shared diverse perspectives on ESG implementation in Zambia. Key challenges mentioned included siloed efforts and lack of coordination among stakeholders, the absence of incentives and diverging priorities across sectors, the perception of ESG as a tick-box exercise rather than a transformative framework, as well as resource constraints.

In this regard, the multi-stakeholder approach came out as an important success factor for ESG implementation. Discussions also included how businesses investing in ESG tend to foster local community development and how civil society as well as auditing firms can support capacity building and governance frameworks. Further, the session underlined how ESG implementation that considers youth engagement, gender equity, and wellbeing can deliver more inclusive long-term outcomes. Integrating ESG into business strategy is also a powerful tool for building climate resilience, particularly in the water and environmental sectors that are vulnerable to climate shocks.

Beyond this session at PANAFCON-3, NatuReS continues to champion the value of transformative multi-stakeholder partnerships such as LuWSI. Through these stewardship partnerships, NatuReS works to identify and mitigate risks collaboratively, promote inclusive development, and co-create solutions that drive environmental health, economic resilience, and social equity.

In Zambia, like any other place on the planet, water sustains life, livelihoods, and the environment. And commercial utilities (CUs) play a pivotal role in managing it. Zambia’s 11 CUs are responsible for supplying potable water, supporting public health, managing rising urban water demand, and strengthening capacity in communities for effective management of water access and sewerage infrastructure. Their mandate also stretches across complex operational issues like non-revenue water (NRW), water treatment, and network expansion – all while working to ensure service continuity and safety.

Amid these challenges, a quiet transformation is underway. The concept of Water and Environmental Stewardship is helping to shift CUs from being just service providers to becoming active partners in sustainable water governance. This paradigm change encourages a stakeholder-based approach, where utilities not only manage infrastructure but also help protect water resources through innovation, community engagement, and collaboration.

To recognize and promote this critical evolution, the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) launched the Stewardship Awards in 2018. LuWSI is a platform of over 40 partners from the public and private sector and civil society, supported by GIZ’s Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS II). Now, in its Commercial Utility edition, the award is shining a well-deserved spotlight on the efforts made within Zambia’s water sector.

Showcasing Stewardship in Action

This year’s edition of the award saw seven Commercial Utilities submit entries documenting their sustainability practices, innovations, and community engagement strategies. These submissions were independently verified through site visits and reviews. The evaluation teams comprised the Lusaka Water Security Initiative Secretariat, National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the NatuReS Programme. They assessed key criteria including leadership and institutional commitment, operational practices, innovation and technology as well as community engagement and environmental protection. The evaluations both uncovered shared challenges and opportunities, reinforcing the value of collective learning in the sector.

All utilities demonstrated high levels of commitment, with their initiatives underlining how stewardship is not a one-size-fits-all model but a spectrum of solutions adapted to local contexts – and driven by genuine care for natural resources and the communities served:

• Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company (SWASSCO) invested in intake protection along the Zambezi River in Kazungula. This effort combined engineering upgrades with tree-planting and community sensitisation to protect vulnerable intake points.

• Luapula Water reinforced its community engagement by partnering with local watch groups that promote WASH practices and report vandalism. These groups interface directly with the Utility’s senior management – eliminating bureaucratic delays and fostering trust. By embedding community voices into utility operations, it strengthens public accountability and drives improved environmental outcomes. This sets a strong example of inclusive stewardship that can be replicated across the sector.

• Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) showcased multiple innovations. At Chongwe intake, improved filtration shall enhance water quality, while at the Lolanda treatment plant, a system has been implemented to repurpose backwash water – reducing waste and increasing efficiency. In Kafue, LWSC partnered with Fresh Life to pilot affordable container based toilets in markets and select residential areas. These sanitation solutions offer a safer, more sustainable alternative to pit latrines by minimizing groundwater contamination and supporting urban hygiene.

The award ceremony was held on April 16 alongside the official launch of the Water Sector Report, presided over by the Zambian Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Hon. Collins Nzovu. The Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) emerged as the winner, with Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company (SWASSCO) as runner-up.

Building a Culture of Stewardship

Ultimately, the Stewardship Award is not just about accolades. It is a call to action, encouraging utilities to go beyond compliance and embrace their role as environmental guardians. It promotes a mindset where collaboration – across regulators, businesses, communities, and development partners – becomes the norm, not the exception. For Zambia to achieve its vision of water security and resilience, especially in the face of climate change and rapid urbanisation, Commercial Utilities are central actors. The award is a step toward further embedding stewardship into the culture of service delivery.

The progress seen across Zambia’s Commercial Utilities is enabled through the support of NatuReS, committed to advancing a Just Transition with fair, sustainable, and inclusive outcomes for all stakeholders. Through these efforts, NatuReS helps to anchor stewardship and resilience principles at the core of water governance in Zambia.

“Water is the driving force of all nature” – Leonardo da Vinci

Water is a vital resource that underpins economic growth, human health, and environmental sustainability. Yet, alarming estimates from the World Bank warn that by 2030, global water demand will exceed supply by 40% if current practices persist. This stark reality is even more pronounced in Zambia, where a severe drought has profoundly impacted the nation’s economy, society, and environment.  

Recognising the urgency of sustainable water management, GIZ NatuReS and the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) re-invigorated the conversation on water stewardship through an Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Foundation Class on March 13, 2025. The training introduced key stewardship principles and the AWS Standard, empowering diverse water users, regulators, and city planners to implement sustainable water practices. 

Understanding the AWS Standard

The AWS Standard is a globally applicable framework for major water users to understand their water use and impacts, and to work collaboratively and transparently for sustainable water management within a catchment context. The AWS Standard promotes responsible water use that is socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial.It achieves this by engaging water-using sites in understanding and addressing shared catchment water challenges as well as water risks and opportunities.

Private Sector Action for Water Stewardship

Participants of the foundation class gained a comprehensive understanding of the AWS framework and its application across various industries, equipping them with the tools they need to drive effective water stewardship.

A highlight of the class was a presentation from British American Tobacco (BAT), the first AWS-certified site in Zambia. BAT shared valuable insights into their certification journey, offering a practice example of how businesses can integrate sustainable water management into their operations. A key take-away was the need for good institutional buy-in at all levels from management to the technical level to successfully implement stewardship initiatives.

To bring theory to life, participants visited Zambian Breweries the following day for a firsthand look at water efficiency and circularity strategies. The visit showcased innovative approaches to water resource management and sparked further discussions on how private sector collaboration can drive collective action for water stewardship.  

A Call for Businesses to Move Beyond Compliance

One of the key discussions during the event centered around the potential of the AWS Standard to encourage businesses to move beyond mere compliance with regulations. Regulators often struggle with enforcement, but implementing stewardship principles can serve as a powerful tool to compel businesses to adopt sustainable water practices – a win-win for business and the regulator. By developing stewardship action plans, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their water usage and take meaningful steps to safeguard this critical resource.

Shifting towards stewardship requires a significant mindset change, but the benefits are undeniable. Beyond enhancing corporate reputation, businesses that embrace stewardship become more resilient to water-related risks and strengthen their relationships with government bodies and local communities. Proactively engaging in water stewardship can also help prevent conflicts over water access, ensuring a more stable and cooperative business environment. 

A Step Towards a Sustainable Future 

The AWS Foundation Class was a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, equipping participants with the principles, tools, and inspiration to champion water stewardship in their respective sectors. As Zambia grapples with the challenges of water scarcity, initiatives like this provide hope for a future where businesses, government and communities work together to safeguard water for generations to come.  

The call to action is clear: water stewardship is not just an environmental responsibility but a strategic imperative. By fostering sustainable practices today, we can build a more resilient, water-secure tomorrow. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.