Group warns weak regulatory framework could derail Zambia’s beef export ambitions

The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) has warned that the government may fall short of its beef export targets due to a lack of a robust and specialized regulatory framework.

VAZ President, Dr. Malcom Chiyoba, said the current legal environment fails to ensure the timely availability of veterinary vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics, undermining efforts to grow the livestock sector.

Chiyoba noted that the government had articulated its ambition to expand the national cattle population to 7.4 million by 2027 while preparing the country for beef exports.

He stressed that a unified regulatory authority under a human-focused framework delayed critical veterinary interventions, especially for emerging and trans-boundary animal diseases.

“Therefore, the separation of regulatory authority is not merely a professional concern—it is a strategic national livestock sector imperative,” Chiyoba said.

He also highlighted the lack of local veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, noting that heavy reliance on imports made a flexible and efficient regulatory process essential.

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“Any bill that maintains the current regulatory structure will only worsen the already fragile veterinary supply chain, discouraging investment in local production and innovation,” Chiyoba said.

He recommended establishing a separate Veterinary Medicines and Allied Substance Directorate with independent regulatory authority under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock—a model already in practice in Kenya.

Chiyoba called for stronger stakeholder engagement, including veterinary professionals and livestock industry players, in regulatory policy-making.

“For Zambia to meet its livestock growth targets, unlock beef export potential, and ensure sustainable animal healthcare, we must adopt a regulatory approach that is fit for purpose,” he said.

He urged lawmakers, relevant ministries, and the public to support the separation of veterinary regulatory functions as a matter of strategic national importance.

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