Zambia aims for $1 billion in tourism and 2.5 million visitors by 2026
Hachellma targets $1 billion in tourism revenue
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Announced Zambian President Hakainde Hitchilema set a target of exceeding 2.5 million international arrivals and generating US$1 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2026, as announced by Vice President Mutali Nalumango during the official opening of the Zambia Travel and Tourism Expo 2026 (ZATEX) at the Mulungushi International Convention Centre today.
Zambia aims for $1 billion in tourism and 2.5 million visitors by 2026
In her speech on behalf of President Hichilmma, the Vice President said that the tourism sector is a key pillar in the government’s development agenda within the Eighth National Development Plan, due to its ability to drive economic diversification and create jobs.
She added: “We have set a target of reaching more than 2.5 million international tourists by the end of 2026, while aiming to generate more than $1 billion in tourism revenue.
This is part of our broader strategy to position tourism as a key pillar of Zambia's economy.”.
She noted that Zambia recorded more than 2.2 million international arrivals in 2024, an increase of 351,000 over the previous year, and then the number rose to 2.3 million in 2025. Domestic visits to national parks, museums and heritage sites also increased, with more than 562,000 visitors recorded in 2025.
To achieve the 2026 goals, the government is implementing four key interventions, including the rehabilitation of roads leading to major tourist destinations such as the South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi National Parks, boosting promotion through the “Zambia Moves You” and “Visit Zambia” campaigns, expanding visa exemptions to include 167 countries, and promoting domestic tourism through the “Take Your Holiday Within Your Country” campaign.
The government is also working to implement the concept of a 24-hour economy to support the tourism sector through continuous services, in addition to cooperating with the private sector to expand hotel infrastructure and increase capacity.
The Vice President noted that Zambia is also investing in the Green, Resilient and Sustainable Tourism Development Project (GREAT-TDP) with support from the World Bank.
She praised small and medium-sized enterprises, especially those led by women and youth, describing them as “the backbone of this sector,” and stressed that the government is working to involve local communities as active beneficiaries in tourism.
Regarding regional cooperation, she called for boosting tourism within the African continent, improving air connectivity, and cooperating in hosting international business events and exhibitions, saying: ”Zambia is ready to be a leading platform for tourism and business in Africa.”.
She added: “To our valued investors, Zambia is open for business, offering a stable environment and a clear vision for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”.
ZATEX 2026 was attended by a number of exhibitors, investors, diplomats and government officials, and was considered a platform to promote partnerships, make deals and attract investments.
The event was also attended by a number of senior officials, including former Minister of Tourism Rodney Secumba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism Evans Muhanga, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior government officials.
