Lusaka | November 9 2025 – The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) on Tuesday, November 4 2025, hosted a high-level engagement with researchers from the Centre on Human Trafficking Research and Outreach (CenHTRO) aimed at strengthening collaboration under the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Labour Trafficking Project.

In attendance were at the meeting was the learned Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, Mrs. Gracillia Chipulu-Mulenga, Deputy Chief State Advocate (DCSA) and head of the Taxation and Financial Crimes Department, State Advocate Mrs. Chisomo Mtolo-Sikanyika, and three CenHTRO researchers. The meeting provided a platform to exchange insights and reinforce cooperation in the fight against labour trafficking in Zambia.

During the engagement, the CenHTRO representatives voiced a strong optimism for a collaborative partnership with the National Prosecution Authority in the fight against labour trafficking. In response, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, clarified the Authority’s key role, confirming that while the NPA’s core mandate is the prosecution of criminal cases, it stands ready and committed to prosecuting all cases of labour trafficking that are brought before it by investigators.

Further discussions focused on enhancing investigative capacity to ensure that those behind trafficking syndicates are effectively identified and prosecuted. Participants also emphasised the need to conduct parallel financial investigations in trafficking cases, noting that depriving traffickers of illicit proceeds disrupts their operations and serves as a strong deterrent.

It was further observed that labour trafficking remains under-reported in Zambia, largely due to limited public understanding of the difference between labour exploitation and labour trafficking.

Participants agreed on the importance of sustained awareness and sensitisation campaigns to improve detection, reporting and prevention of such crimes.

During the engagement, CenHTRO researchers extended an invitation to the NPA to attend the launch of Phase 2 of the Labour Trafficking Reduction Project in the SADC Region, which was later held on November 6 2025 at Ciela Resort in Lusaka. Representing the NPA at the launch were Ms. Chisomo Mtolo-Sikanyika and Mrs. Gracillia Chipulu-Mulenga.

The launch marked the commencement of the second phase of a multi-year initiative funded by the United States Department of State, which targets the reduction of labour trafficking in four Zambian districts Lusaka, Livingstone, Sesheke and Chipata.

Phase 2 focuses on implementing economic-empowerment interventions for youth and young adults aged 18 to 37, with the objective of strengthening financial resilience and addressing the root causes of vulnerability to trafficking.

The event brought together representatives from government ministries, law-enforcement agencies, development partners and civil-society organisations, who confirmed their commitment to coordinated and evidence-based action against labour trafficking in the region.

The National Prosecution Authority remains committed to ensuring accountability for trafficking-related offences and to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals. The strengthened partnership with CenHTRO represents a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to combat human trafficking and reinforces the nation’s resolve to safeguard vulnerable populations and promote justice throughout the region.