Livingstone at the Centre of Renewed Drive to Transform Zambia's Tourism Capital

by Pauline Ngozoh

Livingstone continues to be at the centre of national attention as discussions intensify around transforming Zambia's tourism capital into a world-class destination.

Livingstone Mayor His Worship Mr. Bright Hanakamba has welcomed the ongoing collaboration between the Livingstone City Council, Government through the Great Tourism Development Programme (Great-TDP) and the World Bank.

The partnership is aimed at upgrading Livingstone's tourism infrastructure, enhancing its destination appeal and unlocking economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

Mayor Hanakamba has emphasized that the involvement of the City Council is critical to ensuring that any intervention responds to the city's actual development priorities and strengthens Livingstone's position internationally.

According to the Council, focus areas under discussion include improved tourism infrastructure, destination management, investment environment and local economic development.

The initiative aligns with Zambia's broader tourism ambition of attracting five million visitors by 2031 under President Hakainde Hichilema's Grow Zambia Agenda.

The Great Tourism Development Programme is seen as a key intervention in this national drive. According to Great-TDP Project Coordinator Ms. Chilala Habasimbi and World Bank Team Leader Ms. Blerta Derimi, the programme is designed to provide economic opportunities in selected tourism destinations by improving access to basic tourism infrastructure, strengthening the enabling environment and supporting destination branding and marketing.

The programme is scheduled to run through 2030 and has recently undergone restructuring to accelerate implementation and delivery of intended outcomes.

The focus on Livingstone is significant. The city is internationally recognised as Zambia's tourism capital and serves as the gateway to the Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage property shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, alongside a range of natural and cultural heritage attractions.

Stakeholders note that improving Livingstone's infrastructure and investment environment is expected to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays, stimulate private-sector investment and create employment opportunities for local communities.

As engagements continue, the question many Zambians are asking is how this transformation will translate into tangible benefits — better roads, thriving local businesses, jobs for youths and a more competitive Livingstone on the global tourism map.

The collaboration between the Council, Great-TDP and the World Bank provides a foundation for coordinated implementation and local ownership as the programme progresses.