IAEA Concludes First INSServ Nuclear Security Mission in Zambia

The mission, conducted from July 14 to 23, 2025, was organized at the request of the Zambian government and hosted by the Radiation Protection Authority (RPA).

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has successfully completed its first International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ) mission to the Republic of Zambia, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its nuclear security regime, particularly in dealing with nuclear and other radioactive materials out of regulatory control (MORC).

The mission, conducted from July 14 to 23, 2025, was organized at the request of the Zambian government and hosted by the Radiation Protection Authority (RPA). It follows Zambia’s prior engagement in an International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) in 2023 and builds on previous work with the IAEA in advancing safe and secure nuclear practices.

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Purpose of the INSServ Mission

The primary goal of INSServ missions is to assist IAEA Member States in strengthening their national capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to criminal or unauthorized acts involving nuclear or radioactive materials that may be lost, stolen, smuggled, improperly stored, or mishandled.

The mission to Zambia assessed:

• Foundational elements of its nuclear security regime

• Detection systems at borders and key infrastructure

• Response frameworks to nuclear security threats

• Coordination and communication among multi-agency stakeholders

“The INSServ mission is another demonstration of Zambia’s growing commitment to strengthening its national nuclear security infrastructure,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Zambian authorities in building a robust and resilient system.”

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International Team and National Engagement

The INSServ team included five international experts from Argentina, Egypt, Jordan, Norway, and the United States, in addition to two IAEA staff members. The mission was led by Samer Quran, Director of the National Centre for Nuclear and Radiological Security in Jordan.

In Zambia, the team held high-level technical meetings with officials from multiple national entities, including:

• Radiation Protection Authority (RPA)

• Office of the President and Cabinet Office

• Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Science & Technology, and Justice

• Zambia Police Service and Immigration Department

• Zambia Revenue Authority, Zambia Airports Corporation, and Civil Aviation Authority

• National Anti-Terrorism Centre

The collaborative nature of the meetings ensured that the mission addressed cross-sectoral roles and responsibilities, a key factor in effective nuclear security governance.

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Field Visits to Key Security Infrastructure

To assess practical implementation of nuclear security measures, the INSServ team conducted field visits to several critical facilities and border points:

• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka

• Kazungula Border Post (Zambia’s strategic land border with Botswana)

• Kapiri-Mposhi Railway Station

• RPA’s Inland Office in Livingstone

• National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research

These visits provided direct insights into border detection systems, inspection protocols, and response readiness, particularly in regions with high volumes of cross-border movement.

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Findings and Recommendations

The team concluded that Zambia has made noteworthy progress in securing nuclear and radioactive materials and shows strong political and institutional will to improve further. However, it identified several priority areas for enhancement:

1. Capacity Building:

   • Develop and institutionalize comprehensive training programs and simulation exercises for frontline officers and technical personnel.

2. Multi-Agency Coordination:

   • Strengthen coordination among national authorities and stakeholders involved in nuclear security operations to ensure a unified response.

3. Insider Threat Mitigation:

   • Maintain and expand good practices in information security and implement additional safeguards against potential insider threats.

“Zambia has laid a strong foundation, but more work remains in areas such as personnel training and inter-agency collaboration,” said Samer Quran, INSServ Team Leader. “Our recommendations aim to support Zambia’s journey towards a world-class nuclear security system.”

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National Response and Future Plans

Welcoming the INSServ team’s findings, RPA Executive Director Boster D. Siwila said the mission had been both timely and impactful:

“The INSServ mission represents a pivotal step forward for Zambia’s nuclear security regime. We are committed to implementing the expert recommendations to safeguard our people, infrastructure, and environment from potential risks involving radioactive materials.”

He also noted that the RPA will work closely with other ministries and security agencies to incorporate INSServ guidance into national strategy documents and legislative frameworks.

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Next Steps and Ongoing Cooperation

The IAEA has delivered preliminary findings and recommendations to the Zambian government. A comprehensive final report is expected to be shared within three months. The report will serve as a blueprint for policy enhancements, operational upgrades, and capacity development in Zambia’s nuclear security system.

The INSServ mission is part of the IAEA’s larger commitment to assist Member States in building resilient systems against the misuse of radioactive material, especially in an era marked by increased global concern about radiological terrorism and nuclear smuggling.