By Africa.com | Created at 2025-03-27 13:43:22 | Updated at 2025-04-03 07:36:08
6 days ago
A groundbreaking collaboration connecting a proudly Zambian airline with a local, sustainable coffee brand
Proflight Zambia is taking responsible tourism to new heights with the introduction of Kasama Coffee – now available onboard select flights and soon to be rolled out to all Proflight Zambia flights This 100% Zambian-grown coffee, cultivated at Kansato Farms in Kasama, is more than just a new inflight beverage – it’s an example of how aviation can support local producers, drive economic upliftment, and offer travellers a meaningful connection to the places they visit.
A Model for Responsible Tourism in Southern Africa’s Aviation Industry
As Southern Africa’s aviation industry evolves, partnerships like this prove that airlines can do more than transport passengers – they can support local businesses, preserve cultural identity, and make travel more purposeful.
“More than ever, travellers want to know that their journey has a positive impact,” says Josias Walubita, Director of Flight Operations at Proflight Zambia.
“As Zambia’s leading airline, we are committed to uplifting local businesses and showcasing the best of Zambia to the world. Kasama Coffee isn’t just any coffee – it’s a story of sustainability, community impact and Zambian innovation. By serving it onboard, we’re connecting passengers to something truly meaningful.”
ProFlight Zambia also plays a pivotal role in promoting travel to Zambia’s Northern Province – with Kasama and the Northern Waterfall Circuit now more accessible to international travellers via Proflight’s Johannesburg and Cape Town routes, which connect through Lusaka. This partnership strengthens regional tourism connections while ensuring that economic benefits flow directly into Zambian communities.
Kasama Coffee: A Brand Built on Community & Ethical Farming
Founded in Zambia’s Northern Province, Kasama Coffee is rooted in sustainable farming and job creation.
At Kansato Farms, the founder of Kasama Coffee, Luke Powell, has chosen an approach that prioritises people over machines, ensuring that local communities directly benefit from the thriving coffee industry.
“We don’t use tractors or mechanical machinery where we can avoid it – we make jobs to put food on plates,” says Luke. “From land preparation- digging the trenches and holes for planting to slashing weeds, turning compost piles and fertilising, it’s all done by hand, creating employment for over 50 people full-time and hundreds more during harvest season.”
This focus on manual farming techniques and sustainability allows Kasama Coffee to cultivate high-quality beans while providing economic stability to families in one of Zambia’s most remote regions.
Even the coffee’s packaging is part of this community-first philosophy. Kasama Coffee’s cloth coffee bags are sewn locally by a community member who was supporting orphaned children. Today, this initiative has grown into small businesses, sustaining livelihoods for many locals in the area.
“When we started growing coffee, it wasn’t just about selling a product – it was about creating jobs, protecting the environment, and ensuring our success benefited the people around us,” explains Luke.
Kasama Coffee uses an innovative approach to sustainability, including:
- Organic, regenerative farming techniques like inoculating seeds with beneficial fungi strains found in Ethiopian highlands and using specially formulated composts that help restore soil health and greatly reduce the need for artificial fertilisers.
- Kansato Farms incorporates Dr Carey Reams RBTI Brix method to monitor and maximise tree health, thus eliminating the need for chemicals to control diseases.
- Integrating indigenous trees into the coffee fields allows birds like ground hornbills to take up residence, preserving biodiversity.
- Artisanal roasting is done locally, reducing the carbon footprint of exporting raw beans for processing elsewhere.
- Packaging is locally sourced and handmade, reducing plastic and supporting community employment.
The Role of Airlines in Driving Responsible Tourism
This collaboration between Proflight Zambia and Kasama Coffee is more than just an inflight service enhancement – it’s a blueprint for how aviation can unlock lasting benefits for local economies. In an era when sustainability and authentic local experiences shape traveller choices, Proflight Zambia is leading the way in demonstrating how airlines can align with homegrown businesses to create economic opportunities while reducing reliance on imported goods.
“This is the future of aviation and tourism,” says Josias. “It’s important that local products are given the chance to thrive. Having a truly Zambian coffee on a truly Zambian airline is a big step in that direction.”
The success of this initiative serves as a model for other airlines in Southern Africa looking to integrate local, sustainable products into their supply chains. By investing in regional businesses, airlines can reduce their carbon footprints and ensure economic benefits remain within their countries.
A Taste of Zambia in the Skies
For travellers onboard Proflight Zambia, Kasama Coffee represents more than just a hot cup of filter coffee – it’s a connection to Zambia’s land, people, and culture.
“When people drink our coffee on board, I want them to feel connected to Zambia – to know that their purchase supports farmers, workers, and communities in one of the most remote parts of Africa,” says Luke.
With this initiative, Proflight Zambia is proving that aviation can be a force for positive change – connecting travellers to destinations and the communities and industries that define them.
Josias adds: “Kasama Coffee is just the beginning of how we plan to continue integrating locally made products into our inflight experience. We’re proud to lead the way in responsible tourism and sustainable aviation.”
