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

Lusaka, Zambia – Southern Africa has taken a decisive step to safeguard its livestock sector and rural communities by endorsing the creation of a regional buffer zone against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). The landmark decision was reached during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) High-Level Meeting held in Lusaka from 25–27 August 2025, bringing together AU-IBAR, FAO, WOAH, AU-PANVAC, and other key partners.

Opening the meeting, H.E. Peter Kapala, Zambia’s Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, emphasised that PPR is not just an animal health issue but a livelihood threat, with 5.5 million goats and 300,000 sheep in Zambia alone at risk. He warned that any outbreak could have devastating consequences for food security and poverty reduction.

Delegates endorsed the establishment of a multi-country buffer zone, covering Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. This initiative will act as an epidemiological firewall to halt the southward spread of PPR, while strengthening regional solidarity. The buffer zone will be supported by intensified vaccination campaigns, surveillance systems, rapid response veterinary services, and improved cross-border collaboration.

The European Union reaffirmed its financial leadership in supporting Africa’s eradication agenda. Mr. Bogdan Ștefănescu, Team Leader for Social Sectors and Governance at the EU Delegation to Zambia, highlighted that the EU has already contributed €8 million in the first phase to establish the Pan-African Secretariat for PPR. He announced a further €50 million in new grants and €40 million in blended financing under consideration for the next phase. However, he urged African governments to commit domestic resources, strengthen collaboration with regional economic communities, and ensure timely reporting to sustain progress.

In addition, Dr. Hiver Boussini, Animal Health Unit Coordinator at AU-IBAR, stressed that the buffer zone is a symbol of solidarity and a practical measure to protect millions of livelihoods. He underlined that Africa will require an estimated €528 million over the next five years to fully eradicate PPR. While this investment is substantial, the cost of inaction would be far greater in terms of food insecurity, lost trade, and rural poverty.

Participants adopted concrete recommendations, including synchronised vaccination campaigns covering at least 70% of small ruminants for three consecutive years starting in 2026, harmonised contingency planning, and the integration of women and youth in 70% of national programmes. Furthermore, AU-IBAR and RECs committed to establishing cross-border animal health working groups, scaling up laboratory diagnostic capacity (including RT-PCR), and facilitating innovative national funding mechanisms combining state, private sector, and donor support.

With PPR affecting more than 60% of small ruminants in parts of Central and East Africa, the creation of a buffer zone is a necessary shield to protect AU Member States already recognised as PPR-free by WOAH. By acting collectively, Southern Africa is contributing to the continental vision of a PPR-free Africa by 2030.

In conclusion, the Lusaka meeting marked a pivotal milestone for Africa’s fight against PPR. Through EU financial leadership and the steadfast partnership of AU-IBAR, FAO, WOAH, and AU-PANVAC, SADC countries have endorsed a roadmap grounded in solidarity, inclusivity, and accountability, advancing Africa towards the shared goal of PPR eradication.