In an era where global security challenges are increasingly complex, preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats is more critical than ever. The potential misuse, mishandling, or accidental release of hazardous materials poses significant risks to public health, national security, and economic stability. As Zambia expands its industrial and scientific sectors, strengthening its resilience against CBRN risks is essential - not just for national security, but also for protecting communities, the environment, and regional stability.
Recognizing this urgency, from 3 to 6 February 2025, Lusaka hosted an ambitious effort to enhance CBRN risk mitigation. The Tabletop Exercises, Simulations, and Training (TEST) initiative, organized under the European Union (EU) CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative, brought together key Zambian institutions, international experts, and specialized agencies to refine national and regional strategies for responding to CBRN incidents. This effort, coordinated in partnership with GOPA PACE, ISEM Institute, the National Crisis Center, and the University of Lodz, reinforced Zambia’s commitment to a multi-agency response to evolving threats.
A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Strengthening CBRN Preparedness
The TEST initiative was designed to address critical aspects of CBRN risk mitigation by:
• Strengthening governance frameworks to support effective CBRN security policies.
• Enhancing national preparedness for identifying, preventing, and responding to CBRN threats.
• Promoting cross-sector collaboration and interagency coordination for more effective crisis management.
Throughout the training, participants engaged in immersive, scenario-based exercises simulating chemical, biological, and radiological incidents. These simulations provided a unique opportunity to assess both operational and strategic responses, ensuring that decision-makers and first responders could refine their crisis management capabilities under realistic conditions.
A key part of the training focused on strategic communication, led by UNICRI experts, highlighting the important role of transparent public engagement and countering misinformation during CBRN emergencies.
A Collective Commitment to Security
The event convened representatives from Zambia’s key national institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, the Ministry of Health, and the National Anti-Terrorism Centre. Additional participants included the Zambia Police, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, the Radiation Protection Authority, the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), among others. This broad participation underscored the necessity of a comprehensive whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to CBRN risk management.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Mr. Susiku Akapelwa stated: “This exercise marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen Zambia’s preparedness and response capabilities against CBRN risks. The insights gained from today’s discussions will be critical in ensuring that our national action plan is robust, practical, and aligned with international best practices.”
He further emphasized: “The Zambia National Team on CBRN is diligently working towards the development and implementation of a National Action Plan, scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2025. This plan will outline our strategic priorities, interventions, and mechanisms for mitigating CBRN threats.”
Sustaining Momentum: The Path Forward
The knowledge gained and recommendations formulated during the TEST initiative will serve as a foundation for future capacity-building efforts in Zambia and across the region. Beyond immediate preparedness, the event reinforced Zambia’s commitment to ensuring that its CBRN mitigation strategies align with international best practices, supporting long-term resilience.
Looking ahead, Zambia’s engagement with the EU CBRN CoE Initiative will continue to enhance national capabilities, ensuring the sustainable implementation of security policies and interagency cooperation. The next steps include further refining national CBRN action plans, strengthening institutional frameworks, and increasing public awareness of risk mitigation measures.
This initiative was implemented as part of Project 106 of the EU Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI) CBRN Centres of Excellence , under the TEST framework. The project aims to advance CBRN risk mitigation through targeted training, exercises, and international cooperation, ensuring that partner countries are equipped to address emerging threats.
To learn more about the EU CBRN CoE Initiative and its ongoing efforts, visit:
https://cbrn-risk-mitigation.network.europa.eu/eu-cbrn-centres-excellence_en
https://unicri.org/topics/EU/CBRN/CoE