The visit: The International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ) mission was conducted at the request of the Republic of Zambia. Hosted by the Radiation Protection Authority of Zambia, the mission was led by Samer Quran, director of the National Center for Nuclear and Radiological Security at the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission in Jordan.
The team was composed of five experts from Argentina, Egypt, Jordan, Norway, and the United State, as well as two IAEA staff members.
INSServ missions aim to support states in strengthening their ability to prevent, detect, and respond to criminal and intentional unauthorized acts involving nuclear or other MORC that is lost, missing, stolen, improperly disposed of, or inadequately stored or handled. The scope of the mission included the foundational elements of nuclear security systems and measures for MORC as well as detection and response systems and measures.
“Following an International Physical Protection Advisory Service in 2023, the first INSServ mission in Zambia builds on the country's ongoing efforts to improve its nuclear security regime by leveraging the available IAEA assistance mechanisms,” said Elena Buglova, director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “We are looking forward to continued cooperation with Zambia’s competent authorities for strengthening nuclear security.”
Activities: During the Zambian mission, the team conducted a series of meetings with officials from the RPA; the Office of the President; the Cabinet Office; the Ministries of Home Affairs, Defense, Technology and Science, Justice, and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; the Zambia Police Service, the National Anti-Terrorism Center; the Immigration Department, the Zambia Airports Cooperation; the Civil Aviation Authority; and the Zambia Revenue Authority.
The team also conducted site visits to the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the Kazungula (land) Border, the RPA Inland Office in Livingstone, the Kapiri-Mposhi Railway Station, and the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research.
“The country has made progress in developing and implementing nuclear security measures at its borders and within its territory. The mission confirmed Zambia’s commitment to further improvements concluding that the country should continue to build on its efforts to strengthen multiagency cooperation and coordination among national competent authorities responsible for nuclear security,” said Quran.
Actions: To further enhance Zambia’s nuclear security capabilities, the team recommended that the country develop comprehensive training programs for its personnel, including exercises. The experts identified good practices in the field of information security and in processes aimed at reducing the risk of insider threats.
“The INSServ mission marks a significant milestone in Zambia's commitment to strengthening nuclear security. The recommendations received will guide our efforts to build a robust and resilient nuclear security regime, protecting our people from the risks posed by nuclear and radioactive material outside regulatory control," said Boster D. Siwila, executive director of the RPA.
The draft findings and recommendations were presented to the Republic of Zambia, and the final report will be presented in about three months.
Background: The effort was the 89th INSServ mission conducted by the IAEA since the program began in 2006.
INSServ missions, based on the INSServ guidelines published in 2019, assist states in establishing, maintaining, and strengthening their nuclear security regime related to nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control.
