Absa Bank committed to growing sports tourism

TRYNESS TEMBO Lusaka ABSA Bank Zambia Plc and its corporate partners have pumped K14 million towards the staging of this month’s Absa Marathon, with managing director Mizinga Melu reaffirming commitment to growing sports tourism and promoting social inclusion. The marathon is…

TRYNESS TEMBO

Lusaka

ABSA Bank Zambia Plc and its corporate partners have pumped K14 million towards the staging of this month’s Absa Marathon, with managing director Mizinga Melu reaffirming commitment to growing sports tourism and promoting social inclusion.

The marathon is billed for September 26 in Lusaka.

Melu said during the unveiling of the Marathon Race Pack yesterday that the event, which started in 2019 with 1,000 participants, has evolved into Zambia’s largest marathon.

She said this year’s event has attracted 11,500 registered participants, surpassing the initial projection of 10,000 runners.

“While the estimated cost per runner stands at K1,500, participant fees were capped at K650, with Absa and its corporate partners heavily subsidising the remainder as a community initiative,” Melu said.

The 2026 edition features 334 confirmed international runners from 14 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, China, Australia, Botswana, Netherlands and Uganda.
She said the winners of the 42 kilometres in the men’s and women’s categories will receive fully funded trips and accommodation to compete in international Absa-sponsored marathons across the continent.

Melu said proceeds will go towards supporting the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD).

She said the overall K40 million budget covers logistics, participant safety, race management and compliance with World Athletics label standards.

Melu said the initiative continues to position Zambia as an emerging hub for international road running.

She commended key corporate sponsors, among them Big Tree Beverages, Zambia Sugar Plc, Trade Kings (Majaman), First Quantum Minerals, Airtel Zambia and Protea Hotels, for contributing to the success of the event.

Race pack collection for registered participants is set for September 20-21 for corporate teams while for individuals it is from September 22-25 in the Lusaka Showgrounds.

And Zambia Athletics president Bernard Bwalya praised Absa Bank and Lusaka Fitness Squad for elevating the tournament and driving economic growth.

ZAPD president Frankson Musukwa thanked Absa Bank for the initiative, which will go a long way in supporting persons who are differently-abled. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home