Southern Africa Establishes Regional Buffer Zone to Protect Livelihoods from PPR Lusaka, Zambia

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Southern Africa has taken a decisive step towards safeguarding its livestock sector and rural communities by establishing a regional buffer zone against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). This landmark decision, endorsed at a high-level meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Lusaka from 25–27 August 2025, was organised by AU-IBAR , FAO, WOAH, AU-PANVAC, and other key partners.

This initiative was made possible through the financial leadership of the European Union, whose dedicated programme “EU Support to the Eradication of PPR from Africa” is enabling regional coordination, vaccination strategies, and risk mapping. Complementing this support, FAO, WOAH, and AU-PANVAC have reinforced the partnership, reflecting a strong and shared commitment to driving Africa’s journey towards a PPR-free future.

PPR is not only a veterinary disease but also a serious socio-economic threat. Speaking at the opening session, Zambia’s Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Hon. Peter Kapala, stressed:

“PPR is not just an animal health problem; it is a livelihood problem. Millions of our people, especially in rural communities, depend on small ruminants for income and protein. If this disease were to spread into Zambia, the consequences for food security and poverty reduction would be devastating.”

Likewise, Dr. Hiver Boussini, Animal Health Unit Coordinator, representing the AU-IBAR Director, underlined the collective responsibility of the region:

“This buffer zone is not just a technical measure; it is a symbol of solidarity and shared responsibility. By acting now, Southern Africa can safeguard millions of livelihoods, protect vulnerable communities, and lead the way towards a PPR-free Africa.”

At the same meeting, Mr. Bogdan Ștefănescu, Team Leader for Social Sectors and Governance at the European Union Delegation to Zambia, reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to supporting Africa in the fight against PPR. He recalled that the EU has already contributed €8 million in the first phase, which enabled the establishment of the Pan-African Secretariat for PPR, and announced plans for an additional €50 million in grants for the second phase, with a further €40 million in blended financing under consideration. Nevertheless, he emphasized that EU support alone is not sufficient, urging governments in the SADC region and beyond to:

•  Actively participate in technical meetings;

• Strengthen collaboration with Regional Economic Communities;

•  Respond promptly to data requests;

•   Submit national commitments without delay.

Indeed, Zambia alone is home to 5.5 million goats and 300,000 sheep, which form a vital part of household incomes. Thus, protecting these animals is not simply about veterinary control but also about safeguarding food security, protecting rural economies, and ensuring agricultural resilience.

With PPR continuing its southward spread from East and Central Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for reinforced regional coordination. As a result, Member States endorsed the creation of a multi-country buffer zone consisting of Angola, DRC and Tanzania .This buffer zone aims not only to halt the advance of the disease into PPR-free countries but also to stabilise high-risk border areas through:

•   Intensified vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and diagnostics;

•   veterinary systems with rapid response capacity;

•  Improved cross-border collaboration and timely information exchange.

Ultimately, the buffer zone will serve as both an epidemiological firewall and a powerful symbol of regional solidarity.

To ensure that progress is sustainable, participants adopted a series of practical recommendations:

For Member States:

•   Mobilise domestic resources by allocating national budgets to PPR eradication, in line with the Kampala Declaration;

•   Update and harmonise surveillance and contingency plans by December 2025;

•  Launch synchronised vaccination campaigns covering at least 70% of small ruminants for three consecutive years, starting January 2026;

•   Integrate women and youth in at least 70% of national programmes to ensure inclusivity and community ownership.

For AU-IBAR and Regional RECs

•   Establish Cross-Border Animal Health Working Groups in 80% of priority zones by June 2026;

•  Strengthen laboratory and diagnostic capacity, including RT-PCR testing, by 2026;

• Facilitate the creation of national funding mechanisms that combine state resources, private sector support, and donor investment;

•   Provide targeted technical and financial support to high-risk countries such as Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cape Verde.

Significantly, AU-IBAR highlighted that Africa will require €528 million over the next five years to eradicate PPR. While this is a substantial investment, the cost of inaction would be far greater, given the potential losses to food security, trade, and rural livelihoods. Therefore, sustained donor commitment and government prioritisation are indispensable.

In conclusion the Lusaka meeting marks a pivotal moment in Southern Africa’s collective response to PPR. With the leadership of the European Union and the steadfast support of FAO, WOAH, and AU-PANVAC, the region has endorsed a roadmap grounded in solidarity, inclusivity, and accountability. Through coordinated action and enduring partnerships, Southern Africa is firmly advancing toward the shared goal of a PPR-free Africa by 2030.