When global organisations hold high-stakes meetings in Zambia, the ability to communicate clearly across languages is not a nice-to-have — it is the meeting itself. A diplomat who cannot follow the proceedings in their language, or a delegate who misses a critical technical point, can derail hours of careful preparation in seconds.
That is why institutions like the African Union, COMESA, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the World Bank have trusted one company to handle their language and interpretation needs in Zambia: Posh Media.
Founded in Lusaka in 2013 and headquartered at 6676 Chiwalamabwe Road, Olympia, Posh Media has built a reputation as the country’s leading provider of simultaneous interpretation systems, ISO-approved soundproof booths, and professional onsite interpreters. This article explains exactly what goes into a world-class interpretation setup — and why getting it right matters so much.
What Is Simultaneous Interpretation, and Why Does It Matter?
Simultaneous interpretation is the real-time conversion of spoken language from one tongue to another, delivered through headsets to delegates as the speaker talks. Unlike consecutive interpretation — where the speaker pauses and the interpreter translates — simultaneous interpretation allows conferences to run at full speed, without constant interruptions.
For international events, this is the gold standard. When the COMESA Member States Technical Meeting was held in Livingstone, Zambia, delegates arrived speaking both English and French. Posh Media’s simultaneous interpretation systems ensured that every participant — regardless of their primary language — could follow every word of the proceedings in real time, without the meeting losing its momentum.
Without a properly equipped interpretation setup, the same conference would have taken twice as long, with far greater risk of mistranslation on critical policy matters.
The Posh Media Interpretation System: What You Get
ISO-Approved Soundproof Booths
The interpreter’s booth is the foundation of any professional setup. Posh Media provides ISO-approved soundproof booths that meet international standards for acoustic isolation. This matters for two reasons.
First, interpreters need to hear the speaker with absolute clarity, free from ambient noise in the conference hall. Second, the sound of the interpreter speaking must not bleed into the room and create a distracting echo for delegates seated nearby.
Posh Media’s booths are built to these exacting standards — the same specifications used at the United Nations, the African Union, and other major multilateral institutions.
Professional Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment
Beyond the booth, Posh Media supplies the full technology stack required for smooth interpretation delivery:
- Interpreter consoles with channel selection, microphone control, and relay functionality
- Wireless receiver headsets for delegates, allowing them to select their preferred language channel
- Transmitter units and infrared or FM distribution systems to carry audio seamlessly throughout large halls
- Technician support throughout the event to monitor signal quality and resolve any technical issues in real time
Every piece of equipment Posh Media uses is brand new and sourced from leading international suppliers — a deliberate policy that eliminates the risk of equipment failure during high-profile events.
Onsite Professional Interpreters
Technology alone does not make an interpretation service. The human element is equally critical. Posh Media provides highly skilled onsite interpreters who are native speakers of the target language and specialists in the subject matter of your conference — whether that is finance, law, diplomacy, agriculture, or public health.
At the UNODC Conference in Zambia, where the Director of Public Prosecution, Lillian Shawa Siyuni, was the guest of honour, Posh Media managed both the interpretation equipment and the provision of professional interpreters. The result was a seamless, prestigious event that left a strong impression on every attendee.
Languages Covered
Posh Media provides interpretation and document translation services across the following languages:
- English
- French
- Arabic
- Portuguese
- Spanish
- Chinese (Mandarin — provided for the 2018 World Export Development Forum)
This multilingual capability makes Posh Media the natural partner for pan-African and international gatherings, where delegations routinely arrive from dozens of countries speaking different official languages.
A Proven Track Record with the World’s Leading Institutions
One of the strongest signals of a reliable interpretation partner is their client list. Posh Media has delivered interpretation services for some of the most demanding events ever held on Zambian soil:
COMESA Member States Technical Meeting, Livingstone
Full simultaneous interpretation in English and French for a high-level regional policy meeting.
UNODC Conference, Zambia
Complete AV, stage management, lighting, and interpretation services for a UN-level gathering attended by senior government officials.
2018 World Export Development Forum (WEDF), Mulungushi International Conference Centre
As the Professional Conference Organiser (PCO), Posh Media serviced 1,400 delegates from 90 countries, providing interpretation in English, French, and Chinese, along with the full equipment and interpreter roster.
10th Annual ICT4D Conference, MICC
850 delegates from 70 countries. 11 breakaway rooms. Complete event management, including interpretation.
African Union General Meeting, Lusaka
Interpretation and document translation services for the AU Commission, now an ongoing contract.
Document Translation: The Other Half of the Language Equation
Great simultaneous interpretation during an event is only part of the picture. Before and after a conference, organisations frequently need key documents — agenda papers, policy briefs, resolutions, reports — translated accurately between languages.
Posh Media’s document translation service employs native-speaking translators with specialist knowledge across fields including international law, finance, public health, and development. All translation work is handled under strict confidentiality, backed by non-disclosure agreements issued before any work begins.
Current document translation clients include the African Union Commission (on standing contract), COMESA, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), PATH, and the United Nations.
Why Posh Media and Not Someone Else?
There are several translation and interpretation providers operating in the region. Here is what sets Posh Media apart:
Brand-new, ISO-standard equipment. Many providers in the market work with ageing or entry-level interpretation systems. Posh Media’s equipment is sourced new and maintained to international standards — the same grade used at AU and UN meetings.
End-to-end event management. Interpretation does not exist in isolation. A conference also needs stage and lighting, PA systems, projectors, LCD screens, DigiMics, video conferencing, and professional AV technicians. Posh Media provides all of it from a single point of contact, eliminating the coordination risk that comes with using multiple vendors.
Experience with the highest-level events. Posh Media has hosted presidents, directors-general, UN officials, and government ministers. The team knows the protocols, the pressure, and what it takes to execute without error in front of a dignitaries’ panel.
Multilingual coverage for Southern Africa and beyond. With English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Chinese capability, Posh Media is equipped to serve virtually any international gathering hosted in Zambia or the wider Southern African region.
Planning a Conference in Zambia? Here Is What to Do Next
Whether you are planning a government summit, an NGO regional meeting, an international trade forum, or a multilateral policy conference, Posh Media has the equipment, the interpreters, and the experience to make it a success.
Get in touch with the Posh Media team to discuss your event requirements:
- Phone: +260 211 296 142 | +260 979 657 547
- Email: sales@poshzambia.com
- Website: www.poshzambia.com
- Address: 6676 Chiwalamabwe Road, Olympia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/poshzambia
Posh Media Ltd — Fresh Eyes. Fresh Ideas. Fresh Results.
Posh Media is a registered member of the Event Professionals Association of Zambia (EPAZ), a United Nations registered supplier (Member No. 399536), and is listed on the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) e-Tendering Platform.
