MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HON. RODNEY M. SIKUMBA HONOURED WITH THE 2026 SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Nashville, Tennessee -21st February, 2026
The Ministry of Tourism is pleased to announce that the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Rodney M. Sikumba, MP, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Legislator of the Year Award by Safari Club International (SCI), in recognition of his exemplary leadership in wildlife conservation and the promotion of sustainable hunting for future generations.
The award was presented at the Music City Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, during the annual SCI Convention one of the world’s largest and most influential gatherings of conservationists, policymakers, tourism leaders and industry stakeholders.
The SCI Legislator of the Year Award is conferred annually upon a distinguished global leader who demonstrates exceptional commitment to science-based conservation, progressive policy development, sustainable use of wildlife resources, and the promotion of community livelihoods through conservation.
Honourable Sikumba was recognised for his outstanding leadership in advancing Zambia’s conservation agenda, strengthening sustainable wildlife management frameworks, and positioning conservation as a key driver of economic growth and tourism development.
Speaking after receiving the award, the Honourable Minister stated:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition on behalf of the Government and the people of Zambia. This award affirms our unwavering commitment to protecting our rich wildlife heritage and promoting responsible conservation practices. Conservation is fundamental not only to safeguarding biodiversity, but also to empowering communities, strengthening tourism, and securing our nation’s future.”
He further reiterated the Government’s firm commitment, under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, to strengthening conservation systems, protecting wildlife resources and promoting tourism as a cornerstone of Zambia’s economic transformation agenda.
The Ministry of Tourism notes that this international recognition firmly positions Zambia among global leaders in wildlife conservation. It reflects the country’s sustained efforts to implement progressive policies, promote ethical and sustainable hunting practices and support community-based natural resource management initiatives.
This award further underscores Zambia’s growing influence and credibility on the international stage in matters of biodiversity protection, wildlife management and sustainable tourism development.
The Ministry remains committed to strengthening partnerships with local and international stakeholders to ensure that Zambia’s wildlife resources continue to contribute meaningfully to national development and benefit present and future generations.
The Ministry of Tourism congratulates the Honourable Minister on this well-deserved recognition and reaffirms its dedication to advancing Zambia’s conservation and tourism agenda.
Issued by:
Nelly Banda
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Tourism
Banda.Nelly@mot.gov.zm
