A groundbreaking collaboration that proudly connects Zambian airlines with local sustainable coffee brands
Proflight Zambia is taking responsible tourism to new heights with the introduction of Kasama Coffee. It is currently mounted on all Zambian flights of this 100% Zambian grown coffee grown at Kasama's Kansat Farm, and will soon be deployed on Zambian flights. visit.
A model of responsible tourism in the South African aviation industry
As South Africa's aviation industry evolves, such partnerships prove that airlines can do more than transport passengers. They can support local businesses, maintain their cultural identity and make travel more purposeful.
“More than ever, travelers want to know that their journey will have a positive impact,” says Josias Walubita, director of flight operations at Proflight Zambia.
“As a leading Zambian airline, we are committed to uplifting our local businesses and introducing the world to Zambia's best Zambia. Kasama Coffee is more than just coffee. It's a story of sustainability, community impact and Zambian innovation.
Zambia also plays a pivotal role in promoting travel to Zambia's northern provinces. The Casama and Northern Waterfall Circuit are now more accessible to international travelers via the Johannesburg and Cape Town routes that connect via Lusaka. The partnership strengthens regional tourism ties while ensuring that economic benefits flow directly into Zambian communities.
Kasama Coffee: A brand based on community and ethical agriculture
Founded in the northern province of Zambia, Kasama Coffee is rooted in sustainable agriculture and job creation.
At Kansato Farms, Kasama Coffee founder Luke Powell chooses an approach that prioritizes people over machines, ensuring that the community benefits directly from the thriving coffee industry.
“We don't use tractors or mechanical machines where we can avoid that. We do our job to put food on the plate,” says Luke. “From the preparation of the land, digging trenches and holes for planting, cutting weeds, turning compost piles and fertilizing fertilizer, it's all done by hand, creating jobs full-time and hundreds of people during the harvest season.”
With a focus on manual agriculture technology and sustainability, Kasama Coffee can grow high-quality beans while providing economic stability to families in one of Zambia's most remote areas.
Even the coffee package is part of this community's first philosophy. Kasama Coffee cloth coffee bags are sewn locally by community members who supported orphan children. Today, the initiative has grown into small businesses and maintains the lives of many locals in the region.
“When we started growing coffee, it wasn't just about selling products. It benefited those around us by creating jobs, protecting the environment and ensuring our success,” explains Luke.
Kasama Coffee uses an innovative approach to sustainability, including:
It uses organic regenerative farming techniques, such as inoculating seeds inoculated with beneficial fungal strains found in Ethiopian highlands, as well as specially formulated compost that helps restore soil health and significantly reduce the need for artificial fertilizers. Kansato Farms has Dr. Carey Reads RBTI Brix method to monitor and maximize tree health, eliminating the need for chemicals to control disease. Integrating indigenous trees into coffee fields allows ground hornbill-like birds to take settlements and preserve biodiversity. Artisan roasting is done locally and reduces carbon footprint by exporting raw beans for processing elsewhere. The packaging is locally sourced and handmade to reduce plastic and support community employment.
The role of airlines in driving responsible tourism
This collaboration between Proflight Zambia and Kasama Coffee is more than just an in-flight enhancement. This is a blueprint for how aviation unlocks the lasting profits of the local economy. In an age where sustainability and authentic local experience shape traveller choices, Zambia is leading the way in which airlines show how to align with homemade businesses and create economic opportunities, while reducing their dependence on imports.
“This is the future of aviation and tourism,” says Josias. “It's important that local products have the opportunity to flourish. To truly drink Zambian airlines with true Zambian coffee is a big step in that direction.”
The success of this initiative will serve as a model for other South African airlines seeking to integrate local sustainable products into their supply chains. By investing in local businesses, airlines can reduce their carbon footprint and ensure that economic benefits remain in the country.
The taste of Zambia in the sky
For Zambian-equipped travelers, Kasama Coffee is a connection to Zambian lands, peoples and cultures.
“When people drink coffee on board, I want them to feel connected to Zambia. I know their purchases support farmers, workers and communities in one of the farthest parts of Africa,” Luke says.
With this initiative, Proflight Zambia has proven that aviation can be a force for positive change. It is to connect travelers to destinations and the communities and industries that define them.
Josias adds: “Kasama Coffee is just the beginning of a plan to continue to integrate locally-made products into the on-board experience. We are proud to be leading the path of responsible tourism and sustainable aviation.”
