THE newly appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees representative for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe presented his letters of credence to Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, on Wednesday, formally marking the start of his official functions in Zambia. Zephania Mburuki Amuiri, who is based in Lusaka as head of UNHCR’s

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THE newly appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees representative for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe presented his letters of credence to Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, on Wednesday, formally marking the start of his official functions in Zambia.

Zephania Mburuki Amuiri, who is based in Lusaka as head of UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office, will lead the organization’s engagement across Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, providing strategic leadership and strengthening cooperation with the three governments on refugee protection, inclusion and durable solutions.

Amuiri’s assumption of office comes at a significant time for Zambia, which in 2026 commemorates 60 years of hosting refugees. Since 1966, Zambia has maintained a longstanding tradition of providing protection and hospitality to people fleeing conflict, persecution and other circumstances that force them to leave their countries.

In his new role, Amuiri will work closely with the governments of Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the United Nations system, development partners, civil society, the private sector and academia to advance policies and programs that strengthen refugee protection, promote socioeconomic inclusion, expand opportunities for self-reliance and pursue lasting solutions for refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless people.

The cooperation will focus on strengthening national protection systems, supporting refugee inclusion in public services and national development frameworks, mobilizing development and private sector partnerships, and creating opportunities for displaced people to contribute to the communities and economies in which they live.

In the coming weeks, Amuiri is expected to engage with government officials, members of the United Nations Country Team, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to reaffirm existing partnerships, discuss shared priorities and identify opportunities to advance the refugee and host community inclusive development agenda across the three countries.

UNHCR said it looks forward to working closely with the governments of Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe under Amuiri’s leadership to build on progress achieved over the years, strengthen regional cooperation and ensure that forcibly displaced and stateless people are protected, included and supported to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

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