Zambia has one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world, and its people face continual food insecurity. Over the past year, Hamilton Locke has partnered with The Hunger Project Australia to support an ambitious building project in Zambia that is supporting the community to create their own long-lasting and sustainable path out of hunger and poverty.
Hamilton Locke has a longstanding relationship with The Hunger Project Australia – a non-profit organisation that’s part of a global movement with a mission to create a world without hunger. Since 2023, the Hamilton Locke Construction and Infrastructure team has worked closely with The Hunger Project Australia to provide pro bono legal support for the construction of a new community centre known as Mlawe Epicentre.
Based in Zambia’s Vubwi District, Mlawe Epicentre is a collection of architecturally-designed buildings that provide local community with agricultural, health and educational programs – all designed and led by local community leaders.
Hamilton Locke lawyers provided legal advice during the construction of Mlawe Epicentre, including drafting and negotiating amendments to construction contracts; assisting with contractor management; advising on proactive dispute avoidance strategies; and advising on securing the procurement of on-site renewable energy generation infrastructure.
Partner Veno Panicker and consultant Gareth Howard led the legal team’s involvement, and said the project was a “fantastic opportunity to assist The Hunger Project Australia in the delivery of the Mlawe Epicentre Project, working closely with CEO Philippe Magid and his team.”
The construction of Mlawe Epicentre was a collaborative effort between The Hunger Project Australia and Zambian-based construction enterprises, with an emphasis on sustainable development and including local materials in all aspects of the build.
Now complete, Mlawe Epicentre (funded by the Patter Foundation) is already changing lives in the local community, providing climate resilient agricultural training, health, nutrition and educational programs for many people in the area.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Veno, Gareth and the wider Hamilton Locke team for their invaluable guidance and advice. It was a complex project, involving a range of stakeholders and time zones!” said Philippe.
“Our community partners in Zambia are already achieving great things, with more than 2,000 people accessing healthcare services and 1,000 mothers accessing antenatal care at the Epicentre health clinic.”
Hamilton Locke’s pro bono program provides legal advice to a range of community partners, providing access to justice and a voice to those in need. Our commitment is to make an impact in the community that is positive, sustainable and meaningful.
Learn more about our pro bono work and discover other stories of community impact.
You can also visit The Hunger Project to learn more or support the cause.
