Zambia Environmental Management Agency

04/09/2026

ZEMA HOLDS A 2ND PUBLIC HEARING FOR AVOCADO MINE

ZEMA today held a public hearing for Avocado Mining Limited. The mine requested the Agency to consider being granted a chance to undertake a second trial-run for the pollution abatement equipment installed after the first trial-run whose outcome was not favourable.

During the 1st Public Hearing of July 2, 2026, the community observed that Avocado had not completed the installation of the pollution abatement equipment. As a result, a resolution was reached by both the residents and the mine to allow for the mine to install equipment that was to address the issues of emissions. The submissions from the meeting as well as from various stakeholders were presented before the Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) for consideration.

In August, 2026, Avocado communicated that they had completed the installation of pollution abatement equipment. Following this development, the EAC at its sitting resolved that another Public Hearing be convened to inform the residents of the interventions the Mine had put in place to mitigate the concerns earlier raised. ZEMA convened a second Public Hearing whose purpose was to create a platform for the Kalulushi Community, Avocado and other interest and affected parties to engage. During this engagement, Avocado had the task to present to the community all measures taken to address the air pollution which in the past had adversely affected the community around it's facility.

Today, 4th September, 2026, ZEMA held a public Hearing were the mine presented on the major pollution-control infrastructure that has been installed. Avocado Minning Limited presented that the followingiiii8 pollution abatement equipment:

-Wet scrubbers and filtration to improve gas cleaning;
-Higher Stuck configuration which is an upgrade from the previous 26m to 53 m;
-Induced -draft fans which is expected to improve gas movement through the smelting and control system;
-A new baghouse/ESP system with a larger pollution-control unit and dust-management provisions.
-A Scrubber -water and sludge controls.
-Air ducts have been repositioned above water, additional reservoir provided, and improved sludge filtration installed
-The Converter-to-scrubber bypass was removed

After its presentation, Avocado Mining Limited made an additional request to be allowed to demonstrate the performance of the improvements through a controlled trial run whilst under monitoring by representatives for the affected residents, concerned, interested parties as well as ZEMA.

As a resolution of the meeting, the residents granted Avocado Mining Limited an opportunity to conduct a trail run whilst subjecting tests to an independent internationally certified laboratory.

ZEMA facilitates for public hearings in a quest to allow for concerns from different aggrieved parties on impacts to human, plant and animal life to be addressed. This is in line with its mandate to manage the environment through sustainable practices.

04/09/2026

SOLWEZI- KIPUSHI ROAD TO BE UPGRADED TO BITUMINOUS STANDARDS

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved the upgrading to bituminous standard of the 111-kilometre Solwezi–Kipushi gravel road in North-Western Province. The approval was granted by the Agency's Environmental Assessments Committee at its 8th Ordinary Meeting, held on 27th August 2026.

The project, which spans two districts, Solwezi and Mushindamo, will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership concession granted by the Road Development Agency to Border Way Capital Investments Limited. Once completed, the Solwezi–Kipushi road is expected to improve regional connectivity, link economic zones and boost cross-border trade.

Additionally, ZEMA approved the Chongwe Water Supply Improvement Project and the Bulk Water Supply System for the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Lusaka Province, both of which will be undertaken by the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company. These initiatives are expected to secure Lusaka's long-term water supply.

By sector, the Agency has approved 24 projects under Mining and Mineral Processing, 16 under Energy, 13 under Infrastructure, 10 under Manufacturing and two (02) under Agriculture. A further nine (09) projects were rejected and five (05) deferred.

ZEMA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that every project is assessed in accordance with the Environmental Management Act, Cap. 204 of the Laws of Zambia, and the Environmental Management (Environmental Impact Assessments) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2026.

Issued by:
[Original copy signed]
Ruth Kanyanga Kamwi
Manager – Corporate Affairs

📷: RDA

03/09/2026

ZEMA DONATES MODERN REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) today, Thursday 3rd September, 2026 handed over equipment and toolkits for the Management Plan related to the Phase Out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to the Northern Technical College (NORTEC) in Ndola. Simply put, HCFC’s are gases used as refrigerants (in fridges and air conditioners). When released in the open environment and they interact with ozone, they damage it. The damage or depletion of the ozone layer poses, among others, the following significant risks to human health and ecosystems:

Human Health: damage to DNA; increase the risk of skin cancers; eye damage; accelerate skin aging; sunburns; and suppresses the immune system thereby reducing the body’s ability to fight infections.

Ecosystems: Terrestrial (land) plants may experience reduced growth and photosynthesis, affecting crop yields; and food security thereby affecting livelihoods.

The importance of the donated equipment is that it will strengthen hands-on skills in refrigerant recovery, leak detection, identification, evacuation, charging and other good refrigeration management practices. This in turn will minimize and hopefully eradicate the release of these ozone damaging gases thereby securing human health, ecosystems and livelihoods.

This equipment was secured with support from United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) which is a clear demonstration of UNIDO's continued commitment to strengthening Zambia's capacity to implement the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. ZEMA is pleased to be part of Zambia's efforts to strengthen capacity in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector, and to support the country's obligations under the protocol, whilst contributing to the country’s economy.

Through this donation to NORTEC, it is envisaged that this equipment will provide practical training opportunities for students, technicians and trainers.

The equipment donated included:

1) Electronic gas detector for Hydrocarbon (HC), Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants

2) Complete four-way manifold set

3) Electronic scale

4) Recovery units

5) Double-stage high-vacuum pump

6) Advanced portable refrigerant identifier

7) Electronic leak detectors

8) Electronic weighing scale

9) Portable refrigerant recovery unit

10) Refillable refrigerant recovery cylinders, 12.5 kg [units/specification to be confirmed]

11) NCS didactic system – refrigeration

12) Nitrogen regulator set

This partnership between ZEMA, NORTEC and UNIDO as well as other partners, will strengthen the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector, reduce avoidable refrigerant emissions, and support Zambia's transition to environmentally sound technologies.

02/09/2026

Abena Kalulushi, we are back in your territory. Let's attend the Public hearing in numbers.
See meeting details below.

01/09/2026

Message of Congratulations to President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice President W.K. Mutale Nalumango

"As ZEMA, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting and facilitating the Government's development agenda. Underpinned by the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 development agenda for the next five years, the Agency will continue to fulfil its mandate of promoting sustainable environmental management and safeguarding human health across the country."

20/08/2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA AND VICE PRESIDENT W.K. MUTALE NALUMANGO ON THEIR RE-ELECTION

The Board, Management, and Staff of the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) extend heartfelt congratulations on your re-election as President and Vice President of the Republic of Zambia.

This renewed mandate is a clear testament to the confidence the Zambian people have placed in your leadership and vision for the continued development of the nation.

As ZEMA, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting and facilitating the Government's development agenda. Underpinned by your 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 Presidential manifesto for the next five years, ZEMA will continue to fulfil its mandate of promoting sustainable environmental management and safeguarding human health across the country, in support of the manifesto's realisation.

This Agency reaffirms its pledge to expeditiously review and approve development projects across the various sectors that feed into these strategies, ensuring that such investments are implemented in an environmentally sustainable manner that safeguards both current and future generations.

We look forward to another term of strengthened collaboration between the Agency and the Government in advancing Zambia's development priorities while protecting our environment.

Congratulations once again, and we wish you God's guidance.

ZEMA Board, Management, and Staff

18/08/2026

Friends of the environment, let's represent Zambia.

Achimwene, here we come!

10/08/2026

Hello Environmental Educators and Practitioners!

Tiyeni kuli Achimwene.

Zambia Ku Chalo! Let's go to EEASA Conference

The countdown to the 44th Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa - EEASA Conference has officially begun!

Join us as we proudly represent Zambia at the 44th EEASA Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi (21–25 September 2026).

To make the trip affordable, ZANEEP has organised group travel.

Group Contribution: ZMW 7,500 per person (covers accommodation, fuel contribution, and travel insurance).

Please note: The EEASA registration fee is mandatory and must be paid separately through the official EEASA registration portal.

Let's travel, learn, network, and showcase Zambia together!

For more information, contact ZANEEP secretariat on 0770 809 262 during official working hours and days.

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

ZAMBIA LAUNCHES NATIONAL CARBON REGISTRY!

Today, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE) and ZEMA officially launched Zambia's National Carbon Registry, with support from the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) Program.

This online platform will track, manage and report carbon project emissions reductions accurately and transparently, in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

✅ Built through South-South cooperation with Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
✅ Applies international Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV), accounting and crediting standards
✅ Will link with the UNFCCC's Centralised Accounting and Reporting Platform (CARP) to prevent double counting
✅ Supports Zambia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and national carbon market regulations

Permanent Secretary (MGEE) Dr. Douty Chibamba~ "Zambia's Carbon Registry is fully online, demonstrating our integrity and strong commitment to accountability and transparency."

📌 Phase 1
The Zambia Carbon Registry will first cover Article 6-aligned activities.

📌 Phase 2
Voluntary Carbon Market activities will be added in a later phase.

This phased approach strengthens Zambia's readiness for high-integrity carbon trading, transparent tracking, credible reporting, and alignment with national and international climate goals.