NOCZ Records Major Milestones in First Quarter of 2026

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia reported significant achievements in the first quarter of 2026, including progress in sports governance, athlete development, infrastructure, and international competition preparations.

Speaking during the media briefing on 14 May 2026, NOCZ Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi described the first quarter as productive and encouraging, noting ongoing efforts to strengthen systems that promote Olympism, excellence, and integrity in sport.

NOCZ Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi

Kambikambi disclosed that the quarter also recorded the signing of a construction contract with ZhengTai Group (Z) Limited to construct the NOCZ House at the Olympafrica Centre in Lusaka. The project, which is an ANOCA initiative, is expected to improve operational efficiency and provide a permanent hub for programme implementation and collaboration with national sports federations.

Kambikambi further noted that NOCZ remained committed to athlete welfare, education, and clean sport initiatives. He highlighted the Committee’s participation in the UNESCO Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport Trainer of Trainers seminar held in Lusaka from 18 to 20 March 2026. The engagement reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to promoting fair play and integrity as athletes prepare for major competitions under international anti-doping standards.

The quarter also brought international recognition for Zambia after Olympian Rachael Kundananji was named Africa’s continental winner of the 2025 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Award. NOCZ also commended Nchimunya Mweetwa for representing Zambia at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games as an IOC “Believe in Sport” ambassador.

In efforts to strengthen sports administration, NOCZ successfully concluded Cohort III of the Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) on 21 March 2026 with support from Olympic Solidarity. The programme focused on enhancing leadership and governance skills among sports administrators through training in marketing, event organisation, and association management.

Additionally, the Committee hosted the General Secretaries' Seminar on 28 February 2026 under the theme “Organisational Governance Principles.” The seminar provided federation administrators with an opportunity to strengthen institutional accountability, planning, communication, and leadership skills. NOCZ also conducted an orientation workshop for newly appointed Commission Members to enhance their understanding of their responsibilities within the Olympic Movement.

In the area of Olympic education, the National Olympic Academy implemented the Olympic Values Education Programme at Mukamambo Girls Boarding School, benefiting more than 500 pupils with lessons centred on respect, excellence, and friendship. The initiative continues to promote values-based education through sport among young people.

The first quarter also saw Zambia strengthen its international sporting position after the Zambia Boxing Federation successfully affiliated with World Boxing, following approval by African Boxing and World Boxing structures. The affiliation restores the federation’s eligibility to participate in major Olympic and Commonwealth Games qualification pathways, including the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games also intensified during the quarter as CGA Zambia participated in the Chef de Mission Seminar, where officials engaged in discussions on athlete welfare, logistics, and Games operations.

NOCZ also celebrated the achievements of athletes during the quarter by congratulating young swimmer Kira Haabazoka for being named the 2025 Junior Sportswoman of the Year. The recognition was complemented by the successful hosting of the Short Course National Age Group Swimming Championships by the Zambia Swimming Union, which continues to provide a platform for identifying and nurturing young talent.

Kambikambi added that NOCZ would continue focusing on preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games through structured athlete development programmes, safeguarding initiatives, clean sport education, and improved governance systems.

He expressed gratitude to the Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, sports federations, athletes, partners, and the media for their continued support in promoting and developing sport in Zambia.

NOCZ will continue to build a stronger Olympic Movement and ensure that Zambia remains competitive on the continental and global stage.