EFF’s Mwenda demands revocation of GMO import permits, alleges ABDI MS registered as radio broadcasting company

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Zambia President Kasonde Mwenda has called on the government to immediately revoke all import permits for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) granted to two companies, citing violations of national laws and public health risks.

Mwenda, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, accused the government of endangering the lives of millions of Zambians by authorizing GMO imports through permits granted by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA).

The NBA recently approved five-year permits for Cold Chain Zambia Limited and ABDI MS Sales and Distribution Limited to import products that may contain GMOs.

Mwenda described the move as reckless and illegal, claiming it contravenes Zambia’s Biosafety Act No. 10 of 2007.

He cited Section 11(1) of the Act, which prohibits GMO importation or sale of crops and livestock of strategic importance to national food security.

“Maize and potatoes, the products in question, are staple foods for millions of Zambians and clearly fall under this category,” Mwenda stated.

He said: “These permits are null, void, and illegal.”

Mwenda further demanded a public apology from President Hakainde Hichilema for what he termed a gross violation of the law and a betrayal of public trust.

According to Mwenda, records from the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) show that both Cold Chain Zambia Ltd and ABDI MS Sales and Distribution Ltd are non-compliant with registration and operational standards.

“Shockingly, ABDI MS is registered as a Radio Broadcasting company, yet it has been awarded permits to import GMO food products—a blatant regulatory breach,” he charged.

Mwenda also demanded a full, independent investigation into the operations of the National Biosafety Authority, the process behind the issuance of the permits, and a national audit of all GMO-related food products currently in circulation.

He alleged that the two companies lacked valid shareholding records, tax compliance documentation, and verifiable legal status under Zambian law.

Mwenda warned that scientific studies continue to link GMO consumption to serious health risks, including increased cancer prevalence. He expressed concern over the country’s ongoing cancer crisis and limited capacity at Zambia’s only cancer hospital, which is already grappling with drug shortages and supply chain issues.

“It is disgraceful that the government is choosing to expose citizens to even greater health risks while corruption in the health sector has already led to the suspension of U.S. medical aid, as confirmed by credible media reports,” Mwenda said.

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