A teenager from Zambia took it upon herself to invent an affordable and sustainable organic sunscreen, thereby providing sun protection for people with albinism and addressing an inequitable healthcare challenge in the country.
“I came up with this sunscreen to promote local production in Zambia and make sun protection more affordable,” explains 15-year-old Mwape Chimpampa, the inventor of The Organic Sunscreen. “This will reduce the risk of skin cancer for thousands of people living with albinism in our country.”
Chimpampa’s invention offers a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of 22, exceeding the recommended SPF of 15 for individuals with albinism, who are particularly vulnerable to the harsh effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Offered in an easy-to-use spray form and suitable for a variety of skin types, this sunscreen will help around 30,000 Zambian albinos benefit from adequate protection against harmful UV rays. The Organic Sunscreen has been recognised as one of the best projects at the 2024 National Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists competition hosted by the National Science Centre in Lusaka. Thrilled about Chimpampa’s project, the Zambia Research and Development Centre is providing mentorship, technical expertise, and financial resources to refine and scale up production. Beyond its health benefits, the novel sunscreen could boost local industry, create jobs, and position Zambia as a leader in sustainable and inclusive healthcare solutions. Chimpampa’s sunscreen, made from locally grown and organic ingredients, could soon be a widely available and cost-effective alternative not only in Zambia but across Africa and beyond.
