Zambia builds preparedness for CBRN threats through EU-supported training on multi-agency cooperation and strategic communication during emergencies

In an era where global security challenges are increasingly complex, preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats are more critical than ever. The potential misuse, mishandling, or accidental release of hazardous materials poses significant risks to public health, national security, and economic stability. As Zambia expands its industrial and scientific sectors, strengthening its resilience against CBRN risks is essential—not just for national security but for the protection of communities, the environment, and regional stability. 

Refining national and regional strategies for responding to CBRN incidents 

Recognising this urgency, from 3 to 6 February 2025, the African country became the center of an ambitious effort to enhance CBRN risk mitigation. With the support of the European Union, Zambia completed a series of capacity-building activities aimed at refining national and regional strategies for responding to CBRN incidents.

Organised in the capital Lusaka, the event comprised immersive scenario-based exercises simulating chemical, biological, and radiological incidents, as well as a workshop on strategic communication during CBRN emergencies. 

The simulations provided a unique opportunity to assess both operational and strategic responses, ensuring that decision-makers and first responders could refine their crisis management capabilities under realistic conditions. 

The strategic communication workshop, led by UNICRI experts, emphasised the role of transparent public engagement and countering misinformation in responding to CBRN emergencies.

A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Strengthening CBRN Preparedness 

The training brought together key Zambian institutions*, international experts, and specialized agencies, reinforcing Zambia’s commitment to a multi-agency response to evolving threats. The wide-ranging participation underscored the necessity of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to CBRN risk management. 

 “This exercise marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen Zambia’s preparedness and response capabilities against CBRN risks. The insights gained from today’s discussions will be critical in ensuring that our CBRN national action plan is robust, practical, and aligned with international best practices.” 

“The Zambia National Team on CBRN is diligently working towards the development and implementation of a National Action Plan, scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2025. This plan will outline our strategic priorities, interventions, and mechanisms for mitigating CBRN threats,” reflected on the event’s significance Mr. Susiku Akapelwa, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Zambia Mining Action Centre.

Sustaining Momentum: The Path Forward 

The knowledge gained and recommendations formulated during the this activity will serve as a foundation for future capacity-building efforts in Zambia and across the region. Beyond immediate preparedness, the event reinforced Zambia’s commitment to ensuring that its CBRN mitigation strategies align with international best practices, fostering long-term resilience. 

Looking ahead, Zambia’s engagement with the EU CBRN CoE Initiative will continue to build national capabilities, ensuring sustainable implementation of security policies and interagency cooperation. The next steps include further refining national CBRN action plans, strengthening institutional frameworks, and increasing public awareness of risk mitigation measures. 

TEST: improving CBRN threats readiness on a global scale

The capacity building programme in Zambia was supported through the EU CBRN CoE Project 106 - CBRN Table top and field Exercises, Simulations, Training (TEST) to mitigate risks. 

Established in the context of the EU CBRN CoE Initiative, the three and a half years project (May 2024 – November 2027) collaborates with the 63 partner countries of the CBRN CoE Network - from 8 regions across Africa, Europe and Asia - with the aim of improving preparedness, detection of, response and mitigation against risks related to CBRN materials, and to enhance cooperation among CBRN stakeholders.

TEST builds on the successes of the EU CBRN CoE by strengthening the skills acquired in previous CoE projects and by enhancing the participants’ knowledge via different types of capacity-building activities. The project has an on-demand format in which partner countries request assistance based on the needs identified by the project team through a bottom-up analysis.

Funded by the European Union, the project is implemented by  GOPA PACE (Consortium lead), together with ISEM Institute (Technical co-lead), GOPA Worldwide, the Belgian National Crisis Center and the University of Łódź (Consortium Partners). 

To learn more about the EU CBRN CoE support to CBRN risk mitigation in Southeast Asia, visit the Regional Secretariat page

* The event convened representatives from Zambia’s core national institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Ministry of Health, and the National Anti-Terrorism Centre. Additional participants included the Zambia Police, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, the Radiation Protection Authority, the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), among others.