By Moses Magadza

Windhoek, Namibia – In a groundbreaking innovation poised to transform lives, 15-year-old Mwape Chimpampa, a Grade 11 pupil from Naboye Secondary School in Kafue District in Zambia, has developed an organic sunscreen to address the dire need for sun protection among people with albinism.

Her invention, named The Organic Sunscreen, is incubated at the Zambia Research and Development Center (ZRDC), where efforts are underway to bring it to mass production.

For Chimpampa, this innovation is deeply personal. Having lost her father to skin cancer  in the year 2017, she was determined to create a solution to prevent others from facing the same fate.

“My father died of skin cancer because he did not have access to this sunscreen – it was too expensive,” she shared in a recent interview.

“I took it upon myself to change the narrative and develop this organic sunscreen so that it is accessible even for people who may not have the money to purchase expensive sunscreen,” she stated.

Responding to a critical need

Sunscreen is not locally produced in Zambia, making it inaccessible to many – especially those in rural areas where individuals with albinism are particularly vulnerable to the harsh effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Chimpampa’s sunscreen is made from locally sourced organic ingredients, making it an affordable and sustainable alternative.

With a Sun Protection Factor  (SPF) rating of 22, exceeding the recommended SPF 15 for individuals with albinism, the product provides effective protection against harmful UV rays.

The sunscreen comes in an easy-to-use spray form, suitable for a variety of skin types, ensuring broader accessibility.

Dr. Chisala Bwalya from the Zambia Research and Development Center (ZRDC) highlighted the significance of this innovation in a recent interview.

He said, “This project represents a significant step towards addressing an equitable healthcare challenge in Zambia. Sunscreen is crucial for people with albinism, but its high cost and unavailability makes it inaccessible to many.

“By developing a local, organic alternative, Mwape’s innovation has the potential to save lives, create jobs, and inspire other young innovators in the country.”

Support and incubation

Chimpamba’s project was recognised as one of the best at the 2024 National Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) Competition hosted by the National Science Centre in Lusaka.

As a result, ZRDC took it under its incubation programme, providing mentorship, technical expertise, and financial resources to refine and scale up production.

“We are committed to nurturing young talent,” Dr. Bwalya stated. “Our centre provides training in design thinking, research funding, and project incubation to ensure promising ideas like this one reach commercialisation,” he added.

Scaling up production

The development of The Organic Sunscreen has involved multiple stakeholders, including dermatologists, healthcare professionals, local farmers, and suppliers. ZRDC is working closely with investors and manufacturing partners to scale up production and ensure mass availability.

“Significant progress has been made in refining the product. Initial testing has confirmed its effectiveness, and we are now engaging dermatologists to further validate its efficacy and usability,” Dr. Bwalya explained.

Beyond product development, the initiative will focus on community engagement and awareness campaigns to educate people on the importance of sun protection. Plans are also in place to establish local production facilities to reduce reliance on costly imports.

The role Parliaments

As this innovation gains traction, Dr Bwalya has called on national parliaments to support policies that encourage the local production of essential healthcare products.

Key policy recommendations include grant funding and tax incentives to support young innovators and startups; public-private partnerships to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, and regulatory frameworks to ensure that affordable, high-quality sunscreen is accessible to all, particularly marginalised groups like people with albinism.

He also called for inclusion of sunscreen in essential healthcare provision to ensure widespread adoption and protection.

“We’re not just talking about Zambia – we’re talking about Africa and the world at large. This project has the potential to reach national and international markets, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against skin cancer and sun-related health risks,” he stressed.

Great expectations

Dr Bwalya said beyond its health benefits, The Organic Sunscreen project is expected to boost local industry, create jobs, and position Zambia as a leader in sustainable, inclusive healthcare solutions.

Chimpampa herself has big dreams. She hopes to pursue a career in biochemistry to continue developing innovative healthcare solutions for her community.

“I came up with this sunscreen to promote local production in Zambia and make sun protection more affordable,” she said. “This will reduce the risk of skin cancer for thousands of people living with albinism in our country.”

Dr Bwalya said with approximately 30,000 people living with albinism in Zambia, this innovation is more than just a product – it is a lifesaving intervention that could redefine sun protection for vulnerable populations.

Future porospects

While the project is still in its incubation phase, Dr Bwalya said the future looks promising. With continued support from policymakers, investors, and local communities, Chimpampa’s organic sunscreen could soon become a widely available, cost-effective alternative; not just in Zambia, but across Africa and beyond.

As Zambia moves toward fostering a culture of homegrown innovation, projects like this serve as a testament to the potential of young minds in solving some of the country’s most pressing challenges. The Organic Sunscreen is more than just a skincare product—it is a beacon of hope for individuals with albinism and a step toward a healthier, more inclusive future.

The Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma was a special guest at the International Multidisciplinary Conference in Lusaka, Zambia and interacted with Chimpampa and was very impressed.

“This is commendable applied research that seeks to solve practical problems by applying scientific knowledge to current and emerging issues affecting citizens,” Ms. Sekgoma said in an interview.

She said with many challenges and opportunities in various sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and energy, SADC countries must invest more in applied research and support young innovators to spur economic growth and industrial development.

“Applied research drives innovation in key sectors, making them more efficient and competitive. It helps countries shift from being raw material exporters to value-added producers, enhancing economic sustainability,” she reasoned.

-Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC PF.