Zambia
Our work focuses on media development and reaching and engaging with youth -- contributing to the country's vibrant and rapid development
- Our office: Lusaka
- Our areas of focus: Governance, media development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, sexual and gender-based violence, and young people
- Our partners: Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (Sida), European Union, NDI, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Unicef, World Health Organization
About our work
BBC Media Action’s work in Zambia revolves around long-term mentorship of 40+ independent community radio and TV stations across the country including the national broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, and Parliament Radio and TV. Through six projects - Funsani (Ask), Citizens' Voices, Tikambe (Let’s Talk), Deepening Democracy Facilities, Protecting Independent Media and Healthy Information Environments (PIMHIE), and BRAVE Media – we support partners to produce high-quality content on local and national issues, including service provision, elections, corruption, climate change, land and resource management, and maternal and child health. This work also includes support for weekly programmes running over the years and produced by our media partners, as well as live debate shows, fact-checked content and content that helps counter mis- & disinformation, investigative journalism pieces on issues of relevance to citizens and their everyday lives, as well as social media content.
In partnership with Restless Development, we work closely with young people, including through Ishiwi, our popular Facebook page which engages young people in civic life and issues of governance, explain complex governance topics and process, including bills, functions of various institutions and roles of various political leaders; and through Tikambe (‘Let’s Talk’) which supports media partners to produce educational programmes made by young people, for young people on sexual reproductive health and rights. This work is complemented by engaging digital outreach - including our popular Facebook page.
We are also working in Zambia with the Media Institute of Southern Africa, Free Press Initiative, Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia, and other partners on issues of media freedom and regulation, supporting the media sector's drive toward high editorial standards and codes of conduct while preserving its vibrancy and diversity.
Latest news from Zambia
Our projects in Zambia
Communities coming together to tackle gender-based violence in northern Zambia
We’re supporting local radio stations in northern Zambia to produce shows that improve understanding of, and discussion around, gender equality – with the aim of shifting norms around sexual and gender-based violence.
Strengthening community radio in Zambia
BBC Media Action aims to strengthen the professionalism and sustainability of community and independent radio stations in Zambia through expert training.
Ishiwi - giving young people a voice in Zambia
A youth-led initiative combining discussion and media to help address the priorities of young people and help them to participate in local and national decision-making processes in Zambia.
