Africa Fire Mission strengthens Zambia’s firefighting capacity

Zambia’s firefighting sector is quietly undergoing a transformation one driven by local commitment, international collaboration, and a shared vision for community safety.

At the center of this progress is Africa Fire Mission (AFM), a United States based non-profit organization that has been working in Zambia since 2015.

Through its volunteer-driven model, the organization has supported the growth of fire brigades, the construction of new fire stations, and stronger collaboration with local authorities to secure vital firefighting equipment and resources.

Mike Kull Africa Fire Mission Programs Director

During a national training session hosted at Eden University in Lusaka, the Mission’s Programs Director, Mike Kull, highlighted how partnerships like these are shaping the country’s firefighting future.

The training brought together firefighters from across Zambia, with sessions focused on improving operational skills, leadership, and emergency response efficiency.

AFM’s long-standing partnership with Eden University has been particularly impactful.

The institution is home to Zambia’s only Bachelor of Science in Fire Engineering and Risk Management programme, which attracts students and professional firefighters from across the country and beyond.

Mr. Kull says the collaboration provides both academic and practical experience, ensuring that graduates are equipped to manage complex fire and risk scenarios in real-world environments.

Mr. Kull emphasized that beyond skills training, community engagement remains central to the Mission’s work.

He says the organization actively promotes cooperation between residents and fire brigades to build trust, improve safety awareness, and reduce tensions during emergency responses.

Mr. Kull says following a brief pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, AFM has resumed its activities, reaffirming Zambia as one of its key focus countries in Africa.

Fire Service Association of Zambia National Trustee Boniface Mutapa

And National Trustee of the Fire Service Association of Zambia, Boniface Mutapa, echoed the call for greater recognition of firefighters’ work.

He has noted that while the public often runs from danger, firefighters run toward it a sacrifice that deserves appreciation and better support.

Mr. Mutapa has underscored persistent challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of fire hydrants, poor road access, and limited resources, all of which hamper emergency response efforts.

He has further stressed the importance of public awareness, pointing out that many citizens remain unaware of emergency contact numbers or how to assist during fire incidents.

Drawing lessons from international partners, Mr. Mutapa has urged Zambia to strengthen community participation and government support for fire services to close existing gaps and build a more resilient system.

Acting Dean of the School of Natural Sciences Jules Mangozi

For Eden University, the collaboration with Africa Fire Mission is more than just a training exercise it is a strategic effort to shape the next generation of fire engineers and safety professionals.

Acting Dean of the School of Natural Sciences, Jules Mangozi, said the partnership is helping students gain hands-on exposure and connect theory with practice.

Mr. Mangozi says the training, has attracted participation from institutions including the Zambia Air Force, Lusaka City Council, and the mining sector stating that it reflects a growing national commitment to improving capacity in fire management and disaster response.

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