On 21st October,2026 Environment Africa Zambia convened a powerful dialogue during the launch of the report,"Undeniable: Anglo American's Role in the Kabwe Sacrifice Zone," bringing together government representatives, 4 Members of the UK Parliament and House of Commons, civil society organisations, affected communities, and young people to discuss justice, accountability, and solutions for Kabwe. The report produced by Action for Southern Africa highlights the enduring consequences of lead contamination and the urgent need for meaningful long term comprehensive remediation and accountability.
Honourable Chrizoster Phiri, Member of Parliament for Kabwe Central, reaffirmed the Zambian Government's commitment to addressing lead contamination through the established Presidential Technical Committee and ongoing efforts to protect affected communities.
Community members shared compelling testimonies on the devastating impact of lead poisoning on children's health, cognitive development, and educational outcomes, underscoring the human cost behind decades of environmental contamination.
Speaking during the launch , Environment Africa Zambia Country Director, Mr. Namo Chuma emphasized that the people of Kabwe deserve justice and that Anglo American has a moral responsibility to contribute towards addressing the harm linked to its historical operations. He noted that the pollution and resulting public health crisis in Kabwe remain a colonial legacy whose impacts continue to be borne by present and future generations.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of international cooperation. Lord Jonathan Oates, a member of the UK House of Lords reaffirmed that dialogue between the Governments of Zambia and the United Kingdom will continue as stakeholders seek pathways toward accountability, remediation, and support for affected communities.
As echoed throughout the event, Kabwe's future should not be defined by the pollution it has endured, but by the collective action taken to secure environmental justice, healthier communities, and a better future for every child.
The Kabwe lead mitigation advocacy work is supported by Terre des homes Germany, Action for Southern Africa and Human Rights Watch.
