Tanzania and Zambia Strengthen Wildlife Security Cooperation at 4th Cross-Border Meeting
Lusaka, Zambia | 25–26 June 2026
The Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF) successfully convened the 4th Tanzania–Zambia Wildlife Cross-Border Security Meeting at M’kango Golf View Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia, from 25–26 June 2026, reaffirming the two countries’ shared commitment to combating transnational wildlife and forest crime.
Participants at the Tanzania Cross-Border Wildlife Security Meeting
Hosted by Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the meeting brought together senior officials and field officers from the wildlife authorities and law enforcement agencies of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Zambia. The forum provided an important platform to review progress, strengthen operational collaboration, and develop coordinated strategies to address emerging cross-border conservation and security challenges.
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation to combat illegal wildlife trafficking involving ivory, tortoises, reptiles, rare birds and other protected species, as well as the illegal harvesting and smuggling of valuable timber species along the Tanzania–Zambia border. Participants emphasized that transnational wildlife crime continues to threaten biodiversity, undermine livelihoods, and fuel organized criminal networks, requiring sustained regional cooperation and intelligence-led enforcement.
Delegates following the proceedings of the Meeting
Delegates following the proceedings of the Meeting
Delegates reviewed the implementation of resolutions adopted during the 3rd Tanzania–Zambia Wildlife Cross-Border Security Meeting, held in Mbeya, Tanzania, in May 2025. The review highlighted notable progress in operational collaboration while identifying areas requiring strengthened coordination and increased joint action.
Following extensive deliberations, the meeting adopted several key resolutions aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation. These include:
- Enhanced intelligence and information sharing: The two countries committed to strengthening intelligence collection, analysis and real-time information sharing to support intelligence-led investigations and coordinated enforcement actions. The meeting further resolved to continue conducting joint and concurrent cross-border patrols and operations targeting wildlife and forest crime syndicates.
- Broader regional collaboration: Recognizing the transnational nature of wildlife crime, participants agreed to advance efforts towards involving neighboring countries, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, in future cross-border security meetings. Their participation is expected to strengthen regional coordination and close enforcement gaps across shared ecosystems and trafficking routes.
- Capacity building for frontline officers: The meeting underscored the importance of continuous training for officers stationed at border entry and exit points to improve the identification of protected wildlife species, timber products and other regulated natural resources. LATF reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing financial and technical support from cooperating partners while encouraging continued co-financing by participating countries.
Speaking during the meeting, the Director of the Lusaka Agreement Task Force emphasized that effective cross-border cooperation remains one of the most powerful tools in disrupting organized wildlife crime. He noted that regular engagement between frontline officers enhances trust, facilitates rapid information exchange, and improves the coordination of enforcement operations across international borders.
The successful hosting of the meeting in Zambia marks another important milestone in the longstanding partnership between Tanzania and Zambia under the framework of the Lusaka Agreement. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute significantly to strengthening regional wildlife law enforcement, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable management of shared natural resources.
The Lusaka Agreement Task Force remains committed to supporting Member States through coordinated intelligence, joint operations, capacity building and strategic partnerships aimed at eliminating illegal wildlife trade and safeguarding Africa’s wildlife heritage for future generations.
