The visit of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, to Zambia has placed the longstanding relationship between Zambia and the United Kingdom under the spotlight, while bringing attention to issues ranging from eye health and women’s empowerment to conservation, education and the creative arts.
The Duchess arrived in Zambia on September 14 for an official visit running until September 19, travelling through Lusaka, the Lower Zambezi and Livingstone.
The programme was designed to highlight areas of shared interest between the two countries and the work of Zambian communities, professionals and organisations.
Her first engagements in Lusaka focused strongly on eye health. As Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Sophie attended a reception bringing together Government representatives, medical professionals and organisations working to prevent avoidable sight loss. Zambia has made progress in areas including cataract surgery, specialist training, community-based eye care and the elimination of trachoma.
The Duchess also used her visit to highlight the growing contribution of Zambian women to the economy.
She met women business leaders who shared their experiences in banking, investment, agriculture and manufacturing and discussed leadership, resilience and opportunities for the next generation.
At Jewel of Africa, she saw how Zambian gemstones are sourced, cut and polished locally, and even tried her hand at shaping a piece of quartz. The family-owned business also provides training opportunities for young refugees, including women, through jewellery-making programmes.
Another important theme was the fight against gender-based violence. At Imvelo Studios in Lusaka, Sophie met artists and survivors who are using creative expression to promote healing, confidence and community dialogue.
The engagement demonstrated how art can become a tool for addressing difficult social issues.
Her visit also included a meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema and First Lady Mutinta Hichilema at Community House. The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the warm and longstanding relationship between Zambia and Britain.
President Hichilema has identified education, tourism, investment, mining, health and the green economy among areas where Zambia sees potential for continued cooperation with the United Kingdom.
In the Lower Zambezi, the Duchess turned her attention to wildlife conservation. She visited Conservation Lower Zambezi and met members of the Kufadza Female Scouts, described as Zambia’s first all-women ranger unit.
She observed their anti-poaching work and took part in discussions about the role of women in conservation and wildlife protection.
The final part of the tour took her to Livingstone, where she visited Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Victoria Falls and laid flowers at the Victoria Falls Cenotaph in remembrance of those who died during the First World War.
She subsequently visited Mukuni Rural Health Centre, where she met health workers, patients and volunteers involved in Zambia’s efforts to eliminate trachoma.
At Libuyu Secondary School, she learned about a Women’s Integrated Sexual Health outreach programme, while at the Wayi Wayi Art Centre she met artists using their work to address gender relations and domestic violence.
Beyond royal ceremony, Sophie’s visit has therefore offered a snapshot of the many connections between Zambia and Britain. From classrooms and clinics to businesses, conservation areas and artists’ studios, the tour has highlighted people and organisations working on practical challenges while strengthening links between the two countries.
Picture: Duchess of Edinburgh
