Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 2nd March, 2025.
Mpika, Muchinga Province, Zambia.
The Zambian government is intensifying efforts to position the Northern Circuit as a premier ecotourism destination, with a strong focus on infrastructure development, conservation, and community engagement. Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga, embarked on a two-day working visit to the Bangweulu Wetlands to assess tourism potential, enhance conservation strategies, and promote investment opportunities.
During the visit, the delegation inspected key tourism infrastructure, including wildlife police camps and traditional leaders’ residences, which play a crucial role in safeguarding both Zambia’s cultural heritage and natural biodiversity. Minister Sikumba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading facilities in the region, ensuring the sustainability of attractions like the Bangweulu Wetlands, home to rare species such as the shoebill stork and black lechwe.
“The Northern Circuit has immense potential to attract both domestic and international tourists. By improving infrastructure and ensuring that communities benefit from conservation efforts, we are positioning this region as a top ecotourism destination,” Sikumba stated.
The minister further urged Zambians to explore domestic tourism and encouraged private sector investment in the Northern Circuit, emphasizing its untapped potential compared to Zambia’s more established tourism hotspots like Victoria Falls and South Luangwa National Park.
As part of the tour, the Ministry of Tourism engaged with traditional leaders, community members, and wildlife officers, addressing challenges such as poaching, resource management, and investment opportunities. Permanent Secretary Muhanga underscored the ministry’s collaboration with conservation stakeholders to protect the ecological balance of the wetlands while simultaneously developing heritage tourism.
A major focus was also placed on the region’s accessibility challenges, which have hindered its full utilization as a leading attraction. The government committed to improving road networks once the rainy season subsides, ensuring seamless connectivity for tourists and investors.
The Bangweulu Wetlands, a globally recognized Ramsar Site, play a vital role in Zambia’s conservation and tourism landscape. This latest initiative aligns with the New Dawn Government’s broader vision to:
- Diversify Zambia’s tourism offerings by expanding beyond the Southern Circuit.
- Boost local economies through increased visitor numbers and job creation.
- Enhance conservation efforts to protect endangered species and natural habitats.
- Encourage private sector investment in eco-friendly tourism projects.
- Position Zambia as a leading regional tourism hub in Africa.
Before concluding his visit, Minister Sikumba officiated at the Bangweulu Wetlands Annual General Meeting, where discussions focused on improving connectivity, infrastructure development, and marketing strategies to promote the Northern Circuit to both domestic and international travelers.
The Ministry of Tourism’s renewed focus on the Northern Circuit underscores the government’s commitment to unlocking Zambia’s full tourism potential. If fully developed, the region is poised to become a key driver of sustainable tourism, economic growth, and environmental conservation in Zambia.
The Agency.