A local teen, Mwape Chimpampa, had developed an organic sunscreen in response to the absence of appropriate sun protection products for people living with albinism in Zambia.
Prompted by the lack of locally produced sunscreen, Chimpampa, a Grade 10 pupil at Kafue’s Naboye Secondary School, has developed her own organic sunscreen, which she showcased at the national JETS Fair last week.
Mwape, who has albinism, uses a combination of vegetables, fruits, and spices in her sun protection lotion.
Sunscreen is an indispensable skincare product for people with albinism as their condition leaves them very prone to sun damage, which is a major cause of skin cancer.
Mwape’s sunscreen was among the 15 inventions the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) selected for patenting. PACRA also awarded K2,000 to each of the innovators.
PACRA Deputy Registrar for Intellectual Property Chewe Chilufya urged Mwape to keep her ingredients as a trade secret and register the trademark when commercializing her innovation.
The JETS Fair was held in Lusaka from August 12 to 16.
