Zambia has been selected to host the 2026 Global Child Nutrition Forum (GCNF), a prestigious biannual event aimed at advancing child nutrition policies and practices.
The forum, scheduled for early November 2026 in Lusaka, will showcase Zambia’s remarkable progress in expanding Home-Grown School Meals, currently benefiting 4.6 million children across 106 of the country’s 116 districts, covering 8,193 schools nationwide. The program is set to expand further, targeting 5.6 million children by 2026.
Speaking at the inaugural preparatory meeting of the event, Lillian M. Kapusana, Permanent Secretary in charge of administration in the Office of the Vice President emphasised the importance of working together as a team to make the event a success.
Mrs. Kapusana stressed that the hosting of the global event helps government to showcase Zambia’s commitment to child nutrition.
“We are not just hosting an event, we are showcasing Zambia’s commitment to child nutrition,” she said.
Mrs Kapusana who is also Deputy Chairperson for Permanent Secretaries’ Committee on Food and Nutrition, highlighted the forum’s potential impact, saying, the hosting of the event is an chance for Zambia to demonstrate its leadership in child nutrition.
“This is an opportunity for Zambia to demonstrate its leadership in child nutrition and share best practices with the global community.”
The Permanent Secretary highlighted that the forum’s objectives include showcasing national progress in child nutrition, sharing lessons learned and best practices, positioning Zambia as a regional leader in nutrition-sensitive development planning, and enhancing Zambia’s global image.
She called on all other stakeholders to collaborate with government in making the global event on child nutrition a success.
“We need to work together as a team to make this event a success and highlight Zambia’s commitment to child nutrition,” Mrs. Kapusana urged, emphasising the importance of a multisectoral approach.
Speaking earlier at the same meeting, Kelvin Mambwe, Permanent Secretary for Education Services in the Ministry of Education, noted that the event will attract high-level participation, including government leaders, technical experts, and partners from around the world.
Dr. Mambwe said school feeding in Zambia has attracted an additional 2 million learners, especially the most vulnerable, adding that government is honoured to host the 2026 Forum and share experience with the world.
“School feeding in Zambia has attracted an additional 2 million learners, especially the most vulnerable. We are honoured to host the 2026 Forum and share our experience with the world,” He said.
The meeting outlined immediate steps, including establishing a national coordination structure, identifying priority themes, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and developing a clear roadmap with milestones leading up to the event.
The forum’s key objectives include showcasing national progress in child nutrition, sharing lessons learned and best practices, positioning Zambia as a regional leader in nutrition-sensitive development planning, and enhancing Zambia’s global image.
Zambia’s Home-Grown School Feeding program is a model for the region, with its locally sourced, community-driven approach improving school attendance, supporting smallholder farmers, and empowering women and youth. The program is also promoting climate-smart agriculture, with initiatives like school gardens and tree planting projects.
With the event just months away, stakeholders are working tirelessly to ensure its success.
“We need to work together as a team to make this event a success and highlight Zambia’s commitment to child nutrition,” Mrs. Kapusana urged.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including National Food Systems Convener Victor Mbumwae and technocrats from the Office of the Vice President, Ministry of Education, and National Food and Nutrition Commission.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026