National CSR Guiding Framework for Zambia Officially Launched
Lusaka, Zambia – 2nd October 2026
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE) officially launched the National Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Guiding Framework for Zambia at a high-level ceremony held at The Pamdozi Hotel in Lusaka.
The Framework represents a historic milestone in Zambia’s journey towards responsible business conduct, sustainable development, and inclusive socio-economic growth. It is the first unified national standard for CSR in Zambia, developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultative process led by MGEE with support from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, under the ZAMNEX Programme funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and supported by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SwEPA).
A Framework for All Zambians
The Framework provides clear guidance to help businesses move from ad-hoc philanthropy to strategic, measurable Corporate Social Investment (CSI) that aligns with Zambia’s development priorities. It is anchored on four pillars:
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Corporate Governance and Accountability – ethical leadership, transparency, and anti-corruption.
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Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action – pollution prevention, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection.
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Community Engagement and Socio-Economic Development – meaningful consultation, local content, and inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
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Human Rights and Decent Work – fair labour practices, human rights due diligence, and access to remedy.
The Framework is deliberately aligned with Vision 2030, the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) , and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , ensuring that private sector investment contributes meaningfully to national development.
Key Features
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Voluntary but structured – no new legal obligations, but clear standards and guidance.
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Incentives – pathways to access fiscal benefits, procurement preferences, and recognition.
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Reporting – aligned with ZICA IFRS S1/S2 and OECD DAC criteria.
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Community-focused – accessible grievance mechanisms and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
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Inclusive – simplified reporting for MSMEs and targeted support for vulnerable groups.
A Collective Achievement
The launch ceremony was graced by Dr. Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, who delivered the keynote address and officially launched the Framework. His Excellency Ambassador Per-Ola Mattsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Zambia, also delivered remarks, underscoring Sweden’s continued partnership with Zambia.
Mr. Andreas Lindström, ZAMNEX Programme Manager, and Mr. Lee M. Muzala, Executive Director of CSR Network Zambia, also gave statements. Certificates of recognition were presented to members of the Multi-Sectoral Technical Task Force in appreciation of their dedication and expertise.
Download the Framework
The National CSR Guiding Framework for Zambia is now available for download.
Join the Movement
CSR Network Zambia invites all businesses, government institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders to embrace this Framework and work together to build a Zambia where responsible business is not just a slogan — but a practice.
For more information, please contact:
CSR Network Zambia
Email: info@csrzambia.org
Website: www.csrzambia.org
