DEC Partners with ZIDIS to Strengthen Law Enforcement Capacity

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has partnered with the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (ZIDIS) to strengthen professional capacity and enhance international cooperation in law enforcement.

The two institutions formalised the partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lusaka on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

The collaboration comes amid growing concerns over the increasingly complex and transnational nature of organised crime, including the trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals, as well as money laundering.

The DEC and ZIDIS say these challenges require stronger investigative and enforcement capabilities, as well as effective international cooperation, negotiation and diplomatic engagement.

Under the partnership, the two institutions will leverage their respective expertise in diplomacy, international relations and law enforcement.

ZIDIS will provide specialised capacity-building programmes covering international relations and diplomacy, state and public protocol, etiquette, negotiation tactics, consular affairs and conflict management.

The training is expected to equip law enforcement officers with the diplomatic knowledge and skills needed when engaging with international counterparts, diplomatic missions, regional and international organisations and other strategic partners.

The partnership will also create opportunities for diplomats and students trained by ZIDIS to benefit from the DEC's technical and operational expertise.

This will include guest lectures, expert seminars and knowledge-sharing initiatives focusing on areas such as anti-money laundering, narcotics control and the impact of security threats on diplomacy.

The institutions said the collaboration will strengthen institutional linkages, improve professional capacity and promote policy-relevant solutions to both domestic and transnational organised crime.

They further said the partnership is expected to contribute to efforts aimed at building a safer, more secure and prosperous Zambia.