Airtel Zambia has kicked off an ambitious nationwide tree-planting initiative to promote environmental sustainability and combat the country’s worsening climate crisis one tree at a time.

Airtel Zambia Managing Director Hussam Baday stated that the initiative aims to plant 500 trees, with company teams planting them today across schools in all nine other provinces of Zambia.

“We are bringing our shared commitment to protect our environment and secure a better future for generations to come. Today we are planting more than trees. We are planting hope. We are planting resilience, and we are planting a legacy that will outlive all of us,” Baday said during the launch of the nationwide tree-planting campaign held at Kaunda Square Secondary School in Lusaka.

He emphasized that as the world confronts climate change, Zambia is already experiencing its direct impacts including frequent droughts, erratic rainfall, extreme temperatures, and intensifying pressures on food and water security.

Baday stressed that according to research conducted by the World Health Organization shows that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress alone.

“As a country, we remain mindful of climate forecasts, pointing to the possibility of another El Nino event, an event which could contribute to drought conditions in parts of our region. The impact is felt by farmers, families, schools, industry, and the entire communities.”

Speaking when he launched the tree planting exercise on behalf of the Ministry of Green, Economy and Development Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba, Forestry Department, Director Freddie Siangulube commended Airtel Zambia as the initiatives align strongly with government vision under the Grow Zambia agenda, which seeks to drive sustainable economic growth while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

“We have prioritized environmental restoration, afforestation and reforestation, climate adaptation, and sustainable resource management. Through various programs, we are working to restore degraded landscapes, strengthening climate resilience, promoting renewable energy solutions, and encouraging environmental awareness among our citizens,” Dr. Chibamba said.

He highlighted that strong collaboration between the private sector and local communities remains essential to navigating Zambia’s climate challenges. He commended Airtel Zambia’s leadership in this area and urged continued support for such critical initiatives.

The Permanent Secretary stated that strengthening environmental resilience must remain a national priority. He noted that tree planting is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect the environment, as every tree planted helps restore fragile ecosystems.

“This is why today’s event is much more than counting the number of seedlings that we are going to plant. It is about building resilience. It is about securing our water resources. It is about protecting our environment, and it is about creating consciousness in our citizens on the importance of safeguarding our environment.”

Meanwhile, Michael Chanda, Headteacher at Kaunda Square Secondary School, expressed gratitude to Airtel Zambia for bringing the tree-planting drive to his school, describing environmental responsibility as an essential component of quality education.

Chanda underscored tree planting as an essential measure to counter global warming and reduce the impact of human activity on natural ecosystems.

“We therefore pledge to take care of these trees so that none of them withers because the green environment is both soothing and welcoming,” he said.