ZASAA, Vision Zero Seal Safety Pact
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (13-03-2026) – The Zambia Safety Awards for Excellence (ZASAA) has officially sealed a safety partnership with the Africa Vision Zero Network, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing occupational safety, health, and well-being across Zambia and the broader African region.
The agreement, which formalizes the collaboration between ZASAA and the regional safety body, reinforces the Vision Zero philosophy.
The approach promotes the elimination of workplace injuries, diseases, and fatalities through strong safety leadership, training, and the adoption of global best practices.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the SMTS Zambia offices in Lusaka, ZASAA Founder and Patron Hellen Mwamba described the MoU as a defining moment for workplace safety in Zambia.
“Safety is a leadership responsibility and a moral obligation,” she emphasized.
She added that the awards platform recognizes organizations and individuals who go beyond compliance to achieve measurable excellence in occupational safety, health, and employee well-being.
Ms. Mwamba noted that the partnership with the Africa Vision Zero Network allows ZASAA to align its programs with internationally recognized safety standards. She said this will strengthen advocacy for safer workplaces across sectors.
Under the collaboration, Ms. Mwamba explained, ZASAA will integrate Vision Zero principles into campaigns, programs, and award categories.
This includes the introduction of a Vision Zero Excellence Award to honor organizations that demonstrate measurable and sustainable safety performance.
She added that ZASAA will use the platform to promote innovation and best practices in safety management.
“We will also expand capacity-building initiatives such as workshops, conferences, and training programs to strengthen safety leadership across industries,” Ms. Mwamba said.
Ms. Mwamba further announced that the 2026 Zambia Safety Awards will take place on April 28 at the , coinciding with the , and in collaboration with the .
She highlighted that is the headline sponsor and noted that the awards also have the endorsement of the , reflecting strong private sector commitment to workplace safety.
Meanwhile, President of the Africa Vision Zero Network, Elizabeth Lungu-Nkumbula, said the MoU represents a continent-wide pledge to ensure that every worker returns home safely.
Dr. Lungu-Nkumbula said the partnership will focus on training, education, and implementing world-class safety practices.
“Safety is not a cost—it is an investment in people, families, communities, and the future of Africa,” she said.
She emphasized that the agreement will foster collaboration among organizations, institutions, and safety professionals to eliminate workplace injuries and fatalities.
“This is a call to action to embed safety culture, leadership, and accountability across workplaces,” Dr. Lungu-Nkumbula added.
Dr. Lungu-Nkumbula noted that over 250 participants from government, academia, industry, and the safety profession are expected to attend this year’s awards.
She said this level of participation reflects growing national momentum toward prioritizing workplace safety and recognizing excellence in occupational health.
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