Siame gives new ZEMA board a December deadline to move permits online

The new board of the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) was handed a firm deadline on Monday, as Green Economy and Environment Minister Gilbert Siame directed it to fully digitise environmental permitting and licensing by 30 December 2026. Mr Siame told the board to launch an integrated online application platform, to publish service delivery standards with clear approval timelines, and to track applications in real time so that Environmental Impact Assessment approvals are issued within the legal deadlines. He also proposed simplified procedures for minimal-risk projects, and a fast-track route for low-risk projects and for investors with strong compliance records. Beyond permitting, the minister set out a carbon agenda. The board, he said, should develop a carbon market framework, a National Carbon Registry, and guidelines for the approval, monitoring and benefit-sharing of carbon projects. Communities must benefit, he said, with benefit-sharing arrangements agreed before a project is approved. He further asked the board to ensure the agency is prepared for droughts and floods. The board's chairperson, Prof Felix Masiye, pledged efficient and accountable enforcement. The other members, as listed in ZEMA's own Facebook post, are Fred Siangulube (Ministry of Green Economy and Environment), Eng. Dalitso Mhango (Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development), Darious Shachinda (representing the Attorney General), Eng. Sharon Musonda (Engineering Institute of Zambia), Charity Kalombo (Zambia Institute of Planners), Agness Chinyama (WWF), Victor M. Siamudala (WorldFish) and Rabecca Hichilo Silolezya (Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants). The appointments follow the Government's dissolution of the previous board earlier this month, as reported by News Diggers and Zambia Monitor on 2 October. **Source:** Lusaka Times, 17:53 CAT, 19 October. [https://www.lusakatimes.com/2026/10/19/siame-sets-zemas-digitalisation-deadline/](https://www.lusakatimes.com/2