Lusaka, Zambia – 17th February 2026 – CSR Network Zambia today convened an exclusive Directors’ CSR & ESG Roundtable at the Southern Sun Hotel, bringing together a distinguished group of Chief Executive Officers, Board Chairpersons, Directors, and senior executives for a high-level dialogue on the future of responsible business in Zambia.
The roundtable, serving as the strategic prelude to the 7th Annual CSR, ESG and Sustainability Conference, was officially opened by Dr. Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE) , who delivered a powerful keynote address that set the tone for the day’s deliberations.
Official Opening: A Call to Strategic Leadership
In his address, Dr. Chibamba commended CSR Network Zambia for convening this critical platform for dialogue among corporate leaders.
“The participation of Chief Executive Officers, Directors and other heads of institutions underscores a growing recognition that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is no longer a peripheral issue, but a core strategic imperative for sustainable business and national development.”
He emphasised that the roundtable comes at a critical time when businesses are increasingly called upon not only to generate economic value, but also to demonstrate measurable social impact and environmental stewardship.
The Strategic Role of Corporates in National Development
Dr. Chibamba highlighted the pivotal moment at which Zambia stands in its development trajectory, noting that as the nation pursues economic transformation, industrialisation, and increased investment, growth must not come at the expense of the environment or social cohesion.
“ESG provides a structured and transparent approach for integrating environmental protection, social inclusion, ethical leadership, and accountability into corporate decision-making. It is a practical tool that enables companies to identify and manage risks, improve compliance, attract sustainable finance, and strengthen stakeholder trust.”
He further emphasised that ESG positions Zambian companies competitively within global value chains where investors and markets increasingly demand sustainability performance and climate disclosures.
The Permanent Secretary anchored this call firmly within national policy direction, referencing:
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The Eighth National Development Plan, which places environmental sustainability and climate resilience at the centre of Zambia’s socio-economic transformation
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Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, which require strong private sector engagement in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable land management
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The National Green Growth Strategy, which provides a roadmap for transitioning to a resource-efficient, climate-resilient economy
“ESG implementation within your institutions directly contributes to realising this strategy by aligning profitability with environmental integrity and social equity.”
Appreciation for Corporate Leadership
Dr. Chibamba expressed profound appreciation for the role Zambian corporates are already playing in advancing sustainable development, acknowledging that the responsibility for sustainable development cannot rest on government alone.
“It requires a shared vision and collective action between the public and private sectors. ESG is the bridge that connects business performance with national development priorities.”
He also extended sincere gratitude to the Government of Sweden, through His Excellency Ambassador Johan Hallenborg, for its collaboration under the Zambia National Extractive Exchange (ZAMNEX) Partnership , demonstrating how international partnerships can support transparency, responsible investment, and sustainable resource governance in Zambia.
“We value Sweden’s continued support in strengthening ESG practices and responsible business conduct in our country.”
Boards: The Key to Unlocking Sustainability Potential
A central theme of the roundtable was the critical role of boards in driving the sustainability agenda. Dr. Chibamba underscored that leaders set the tone at the top:
“When boards prioritise ESG, management follows. When CEOs integrate sustainability into corporate strategy, employees internalise it. When companies operate responsibly, communities prosper and the nation benefits.”
Ms. Claire Limbwambwa, who facilitated the Strategic Plenary on Boardroom Challenges in ESG Adoption, led participants in a candid, closed-door discussion on the friction between short-term profitability and long-term sustainability. The session explored the real-world challenges Zambian boards face, including:
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Misaligned board composition that lacks sustainability expertise
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Inadequate training of board members on emerging ESG issues and the strategic components of CSR
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Hindering dynamics within boards that prevent meaningful integration of sustainability into governance structures
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The need to move beyond viewing ESG as a compliance exercise to embracing it as a driver of business viability and risk management
Mr. Trevor Hambayi, who facilitated the Formulation Session: Defining the ‘Responsible Business’ Standard for Zambia, guided participants through group work designed to provide executive input on the practical application of a responsible business in Zambia. The session grappled with the unique dynamics of defining responsible business within the Zambian socio-economic context—bridging global standards with local, community-centered traditions.
Participants explored what constitutes a “Responsible Business” in Zambia, considering:
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The balance between international ESG frameworks and local cultural values
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Community-centered approaches to stakeholder engagement
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The integration of traditional leadership structures into modern governance practices
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Practical pathways for embedding sustainability into core business strategy
The sessions underscored that while Zambian boards face significant challenges, they also hold the key to unlocking long-term value through strategic ESG integration.
CSR Network Zambia: Sustaining the Conversation at the Highest Level
Reflecting on the day’s outcomes, Lee Muzala, Executive Director of CSR Network Zambia, emphasised the need for such conversations to be held regularly and at the highest levels of corporate leadership.
“What we witnessed today is a recognition that sustainability cannot be delegated to peripheral departments. It must be owned in the boardroom. The candid exchanges, the honest acknowledgment of challenges, and the collective commitment to shaping a Zambian standard for responsible business—these are the foundations upon which we will build a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous economy.”
He reaffirmed CSRNZ’s commitment to creating platforms for peer learning, capacity building, and strategic dialogue, ensuring that Zambian leaders are equipped to navigate the evolving ESG landscape with confidence and integrity.
“This roundtable is not a once-off event. It is the beginning of an ongoing conversation at the highest level. We will continue to convene, to challenge, and to support our corporate leaders as they lead the charge toward a sustainable and prosperous Zambia.”
Looking Ahead
CSR Network Zambia is pleased to announce that the Directors’ CSR & ESG Roundtable will now be convened as an annual event on the corporate calendar. This decision stems from the recognition that sustainability cannot be driven from operational levels alone—it requires sustained, high-level engagement where those who set strategic direction can candidly explore emerging challenges, share innovative solutions, and hold themselves collectively accountable. By bringing together CEOs, Board Directors, and senior executives every year, CSRNZ aims to create a continuous platform for peer learning, governance excellence, and strategic alignment with both national priorities and global ESG standards. This annual convening ensures that Zambia’s corporate leadership remains at the forefront of responsible business practice, driving impact not as a one-time commitment, but as an enduring legacy.
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