Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, says he will on November 25, 2025 sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italian Ambassador to Zambia, Enrico De Agostini, aimed at boosting Zambian-Italian culinary collaboration.
The Minister disclosed this in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the 10th Edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World held in Lusaka.
Mr Sikumba said the MoU is expected to attract more Italian tourists to Zambia and Inspire reciprocal travel, as well as cementing the friendship between the two nations.
“We have a pivot to learn what the Italians are doing and how they are pushing tourism. I strongly believe we have a lot to learn from our colleagues from Italy and create more fusion, but more so on the bilateral side, because what creates a bond between two countries is purely the fusion of two cultures, thereby, creating the bond of friendship,” he explained.
He further stated that the Italian Ambassador has invited 10 students from Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS) to train with a renowned Italian Chef currently in the country.
The Minister indicated that the exposure will give students hands-on experience in Italian food production.
And speaking at the same event, the Italian Ambassador to Zambia, Enrico De Agostini, highlighted the diplomatic value of the Italian Week.
He stressed that the Italian week and cuisine is a basis of diplomacy creating good relations between the two countries.
Mr Agostini stated that hosting the Italian cuisine also showcases the Italian culture to Zambian audiences and provides a platform to identify Zambian talent in the arts industry, forging an unbreakable bond with Zambia.
