Zambian Breweries and WWF join forces to revitalize Kafue River basin 

ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries, through its parent company AB InBev, has partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) for a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the productivity and resilience of the Kafue lower sub-catchment. 

This partnership, now in its third phase, signifies a remarkable alignment of objectives between the world’s largest brewing company and the largest conservation organization. Their shared commitment revolves around environmental sustainability, water stewardship, and the overall well-being of local communities. 

The focus of this alliance is the Magoye River, a vital tributary of the Kafue River, where comprehensive measures will be undertaken to revitalize and safeguard the entire Kafue River basin. 

In a statement by the giant brewer, the collaborative vision aims to improve both the quantity and quality of water through various interventions such as research, farmer-managed natural regeneration, forestry, assisted natural regeneration, and soil and water conservation by the year 2025. 

During the announcement, Mazabuka District Commissioner Oliver Mulomba handed over water testing kits to Citizen Scientists, a local research institution.  

He urged local communities to actively support the regeneration and protection of the Kafue basin for the collective benefit and well-being of everyone in the district. 

The initiative places significant emphasis on community engagement, as Zambian Breweries and WWF plan to work closely with residents in the Magoye and Kafue River basin areas.  

The collaborative efforts aim to raise awareness, build capacity, and empower communities to actively participate in the conservation and sustainable use of water resources. 

Zambian Breweries Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Tawanda Hojane, expressed the company’s commitment to collaborative efforts with community stakeholders.  

Hojane stated, “Whether it’s supporting local water security projects such as the Kafue Water Basin, conducting educational programmes, or fostering community-led initiatives, we aim to be a positive force for change.” 

Recognizing the link between agriculture and water quality, the partnership will also support and promote sustainable farming practices to reduce runoff and minimize the use of agrochemicals in the Kafue River catchment area. 

Nachilala Nkombo, WWF Zambia Country Director, underscored the prime objectives of the undertaking.  

“This project speaks to actual implementation of measures to restore key ecosystems such as the Magoye River catchment,” Nkombo stated, expressing hope that the initiative would contribute to global efforts like the freshwater challenge. 

Rigorous monitoring and research activities are planned to assess the impact of restoration efforts and inform adaptive management strategies.  

The partners will collaborate with local research institutions such as the Citizen Scientist to gather data on water quality, biodiversity, and community well-being.   

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