SPEED AT THE FALLS, ZAMBIA SHOWCASES TOURISM POWER TO THE WORLD
January 8-2026
MINISTER of Tourism Rodney Sikumba today welcomed American streamer and YouTuber Darren Watkins Jr., popularly known as iShowSpeed, to Livingstone, describing his visit as a powerful endorsement of Zambia’s growing global tourism appeal.
The Minister said hosting a global digital influencer of iShowSpeed’s magnitude at the majestic Victoria Falls places Zambia at the centre of worldwide attention, amplifying the country’s beauty to millions of viewers across the globe.
He emphasized that Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, remains Zambia’s crown jewel whose breathtaking scenery, adventure activities and rich heritage continue to attract visitors year-round.
In a symbolic show of confidence in Zambia’s adventure tourism, Minister Sikumba later joined iShowSpeed in a thrilling bungee jump off the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, underscoring the country’s readiness to offer world-class experiences.
The Minister noted that engaging influential global figures is a deliberate strategy to market Zambia organically, leveraging digital platforms to reach younger audiences and emerging tourism markets.
He revealed that Zambia’s tourism sector has recorded remarkable growth, with tourist arrivals increasing from about 500,000 in 2021 to approximately 3.5 million local and international visitors today.
Minister Sikumba added that tourism now contributes around 1.5 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, demonstrating its rising importance as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and community development.
He highlighted that Zambia’s diverse tourist attractions, ranging from waterfalls, wildlife and national parks to cultural heritage and adventure sports, position the country as a complete and competitive destination.
The Minister expressed confidence that iShowSpeed’s African tour, which has now added Zambia to its list, will further inspire global interest in the country and reinforce government’s commitment to using tourism as a catalyst for sustainable economic transformation.
The Falcon