UK hands over Peace Support Operations Doctrine to Zambian Defence Force as UK and Zambia mark 25 years of defence partnership

By Derrick Sinjela

British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon handed over the new Peace Support Operations (PSO) Doctrine to the Zambian Defence Force (ZDF), marking a major milestone in the longstanding defence partnership between Zambia and the United Kingdom.

The doctrine was developed collaboratively over the last year by the UK’s British Peace Support Team (Africa) (BPSTA) and the ZDF Doctrine Team and has been fully endorsed by ZDF senior leadership, read a Thursday 19th February 2026 Press Release circulated by the British High Commission (BHC).

The UK has funded the printing of 1,000 doctrine brochures, formally presented to the ZDF at the event today.

BPST(A), a specialised civil military team based in Nairobi, has spent 25 years strengthening African peacekeeping capacity. Today’s handover tells the story of that success.

The High Commissioner noted that the doctrine reflects how UK support has bolstered Zambia’s leadership in regional peace support, from tactical pre deployment training for ZAMBAT troops in 2015 to the development of a Zambian led doctrine in 2026.

A LEGACY OF IMPACT
Over its 25 years, BPST (A) has supported African partners in areas including peacekeeping training, mine action, gender based violence response, mental health, maritime security, and environmental crime.

The High Commissioner stressed that its legacy lies in strengthened national and regional capability.
Today, the UK High Commissioner confirmed that while BPST(A) will close on 31 March 2026,

following shifts in UK global defence priorities, the UK remains committed to its security partnership with Zambia and the region, with future cooperation continuing through new mechanisms aligned with the UK’s updated Approach to Africa.

Commissioner Terzeon paid tribute to the British and African personnel who have served with BPST (A) and expressed gratitude to African partners and international colleagues for their trust and collaboration.

“BPST (A)’s chapter may be concluding, but the United Kingdom will continue to stand with Zambia, with a focus on genuine partnership, mutual respect, and long term mutual benefit,” Commissioner Terzeon said.