ZRDC HOSTS NATIONAL BIOSAFETY AUTHORITY AT ICU IN LANDMARK ENGAGEMENT ON RESPONSIBLE RESEARCH
The Zambia Research and Development Center (ZRDC) on 20th May, hosted representatives from the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) at the Information and Communications University (ICU) in Lusaka, in a significant engagement aimed at deepening understanding of biosafety regulations and fostering responsible research practices across the institution.
The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks delivered by ZRDC Programs Manager, Mr. Knox Kasongo, who spoke on behalf of the Centre. Mr. Kasongo underscored the importance of research and innovation as drivers of national development, noting their role in generating solutions to real challenges in agriculture, health, the environment, and industry.
"We are grateful to the NBA for taking time to engage directly with our centre and the wider research community," Mr. Kasongo stated. He further emphasised that meaningful research must be conducted responsibly, and that compliance with biosafety regulations and best practices is central to ZRDC's operational commitment.
NBA Presents Its Mandate and Key Responsibilities
Representatives from the NBA delivered a comprehensive presentation covering the Authority's mandate and functions. Established under the Biosafety Act, the NBA is responsible for:
• Regulating the research, development, importation, exportation, transit, contained use, and release or placing on the market of any Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or products thereof in Zambia;
• Issuing permits and approvals for GMO-related research and commercial activities in compliance with national legislation;
• Setting and implementing standards for the safe, sustainable, and effective assessment of biotechnology products;
• Enforcing biosafety legislation at ports of entry through a network of trained inspectors, in partnership with the Ministry of Health;
• Promoting public awareness, education, and participation in matters related to biosafety and the responsible handling of living modified organisms;
• Supporting evidence-based policy development and capacity building within the national research community.
The presentation provided attendees with practical guidance on how biosafety requirements apply across different categories of research activities, offering clarity on regulatory pathways and compliance expectations.
A Call for Continued Collaboration
The meeting was officially closed by Ms. Memory Mwango, ZRDC Public Relations Officer, who extended gratitude to the NBA delegation for their informative and engaging presentation. Ms. Mwango expressed hope that the NBA would return for a follow-up session with a broader audience of ZRDC's researchers and innovators who were unable to attend today's meeting.
ZRDC described the session as insightful and productive, reflecting the Centre's ongoing commitment to building strong institutional relationships with regulatory bodies in support of Zambia's research ecosystem.
The engagement marks an important step in aligning ZRDC's research activities with national biosafety frameworks and signals growing momentum for responsible, evidence-based science at ICU.