Lusaka, Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia
Faith, climate justice and renewable energy came together in Lusaka, Zambia, as we hosted a week-long workshop bringing together Church representatives, religious congregations, universities, civil society organisations and Laudato Si’ Animators to strengthen renewable energy advocacy and ecological action within Church structures.
From 31 August to 4 September 2026, the workshop brought together participants to explore the intersection of faith, climate justice and renewable energy. Taking place alongside the launch of the Season of Creation, under the theme “Living Water”, the gathering encouraged reflection on the climate crisis while equipping participants to turn ecological conversion into meaningful action and advance a just energy transition in Zambia.
The week began with an opening Mass and the launch of the Season of Creation, setting the spiritual foundation for the discussions that followed. During his homily, Very Rev. Fr Francis Mukosa, Secretary General of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), reflected on the significance of Living Water, highlighting clean water as essential to life, justice, development and human dignity. He officially opened the workshop and expressed his continued support for the initiative.
The mass that was held at the launch of the Season of Creation
Building on this reflection, participants explored the causes and consequences of the climate crisis through the lens of faith and the teachings of Laudato Si’. Discussions examined the impacts of fossil fuels in Zambia and across Africa, the importance of ecological conversion and the need for renewable energy solutions that respond to the realities of communities. Through the Laudato Si’ Animators Training modules and stakeholder engagements, participants strengthened their understanding of climate justice while exploring how Church institutions and civil society could work together to advance renewable energy advocacy.
The participants of the in-person workshop
Beyond learning and reflection, the workshop focused on building relationships that could sustain action beyond the gathering. Representatives from religious congregations, Church structures, universities and civil society organisations came together to discuss opportunities for collaboration, leading to the formation of a new network dedicated to promoting renewable energy and climate justice in Zambia. The week concluded with a commissioning Mass, during which participants renewed their commitment to ecological conversion and continued engagement.
The closing mass where participants renewed their commitment to ecological conversion and continued engagement.
Recognising the need for effective coordination, members of the network also selected a new Zambia Chapter leadership team, bringing together individuals with experience in Church leadership, communications, youth engagement, ecological formation and advocacy. The team is led by Rev. Fr Elicko Sikanyika Chewe, a Franciscan Conventual, as Chapter Animator, supported by Nkole Harriet Bwalya from the University of Zambia as Assistant Chapter Animator. Other members include Violet Phiri from the Media Network Action on Climate Change (MENACC) and Francis Lungu from the Earth Journalism Network, who will support communications, alongside representatives responsible for Laudato Si’ Circles, Animator formation and youth engagement. Caritas Zambia will also be represented in the Chapter’s coordination structure.
The establishment of this leadership team marked an important step towards strengthening local ownership and ensuring that the commitments made during the workshop could be translated into coordinated activities. It also created an opportunity to strengthen relationships with Church leadership. Following the workshop, representatives of Laudato Si’ Movement Africa and the Zambia Chapter met with Fr Francis Mukosa and Caritas Zambia to discuss collaboration, recognition of the Chapter within Church structures and continued support for the newly formed renewable energy network. The Chapter leadership also committed to sharing its action plan with the ZCCB to guide future engagement.
The week concluded with a media engagement at Lumen TV, a Catholic television broadcaster in Zambia, where representatives discussed the work of Laudato Si’ Movement, the importance of the Season of Creation and the need to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy. Discussions with the broadcaster also explored opportunities for future collaboration to strengthen awareness of Laudato Si’ and encourage greater participation in ecological action.
Steeven Kezamutima the Africa Senior Programs Coordinator at Lumen TV in Zambia
What began as a week of learning and reflection developed into an opportunity for movement-building, strengthening Church relationships and establishing a foundation for continued climate advocacy. Through the formation of a new network, the selection of Chapter leadership and engagement with Catholic institutions, participants took important steps towards ensuring that the conversations in Lusaka would continue beyond the workshop.
As the 2026 Season of Creation reminded us through its theme, “Living Water”, ecological conversion calls us to move beyond prayer and reflection towards meaningful action.
Photo of all the participants at the Workshop