Minister appoints new ZEMA board, sets December deadline for digitalisation

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Dr Gilbert Siame, has appointed a new nine-member Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) board with expertise spanning government, mining, law, engineering, planning, academia and civil society.

The new board, chaired by Professor Felix Mbesiye, has been tasked with providing strategic direction and oversight to the agency, with digitalisation of all ZEMA applications by December 30, 2026, among its key performance targets.

Dr Siame said the agency must move away from hard-copy applications and adopt a fully digital system that allows applicants to submit documents, receive feedback and obtain decisions without having to visit ZEMA offices in person.

He said the digital system should improve efficiency, reduce delays and allow applicants to receive timely updates on the progress of their applications.

The minister also directed ZEMA to realign its resources within two weeks to ensure staff and other resources are deployed effectively to improve service delivery.

He urged the board to ensure applications are processed within legally stipulated timelines, encouraging the agency to explore innovative ways of speeding up assessments without compromising environmental protection.

Dr Siame said unnecessary delays in processing applications could frustrate the public and discourage investment, adding that applicants whose proposals are rejected or require changes should receive clear explanations and guidance on what needs to be addressed.

He emphasised that ZEMA has a dual responsibility to protect the environment and facilitate economic investment, saying both priorities must be treated equally.

The minister warned that investment, particularly in the mining sector, would not excuse pollution, stressing that all companies must operate within the conditions of their permits and comply with environmental requirements.

He said Zambia must attract investment while safeguarding its water resources, forests and other natural assets, adding that the agency should strengthen pollution monitoring and enforcement.

Dr Siame also called for innovative partnerships with local authorities and other institutions to improve inspections, share expertise and make environmental regulation more efficient.

He said the new board would receive the support of the ministry and ZEMA management but stressed that its performance would be measured by its ability to deliver on the agency’s mandate.

The minister said the ultimate goal was to improve efficiency, protect the environment and create a regulatory system that supports responsible investment and national development.