International engagements increase invest potential for Zambia

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe says the country’s recent international engagements in Belgium, Sweden, Equatorial Guinea and Japan have strengthened the country’s global standing and opened up new opportunities for investment and economic cooperation.

In a Ministerial Statement delivered in Parliament today, Mr Haimbe said the engagements were aimed at advancing government’s economic diplomacy agenda through strengthened international partnerships, trade promotion and investment attraction.

The Minister said Zambia participated in the Africa Political Outlook Summit in Brussels, Belgium, where the country highlighted its commitment to value addition of critical minerals, renewable energy expansion and regional industrialisation through initiatives such as the Zambia-DRC battery value chain project.

ZANIS reports that Mr Haimbe noted that Zambia also showcased strategic infrastructure projects, including the Lobito Corridor, positioning the country as a regional logistics and trade hub.

He disclosed that bilateral engagements with senior European Union officials resulted in strengthened cooperation under the EU Global Gateway Strategy and increased prospects for investment in energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals.

“Zambia’s working visit to Stockholm, Sweden, marked a milestone in bilateral relations following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on political consultations between the two countries,” the Minister added.

Mr Haimbe went on to explain that Zambia and Sweden also held inaugural political consultations focusing on enhanced cooperation in energy, transport and agriculture.

He added that Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and supported reforms aimed at enhancing the organisation’s effectiveness and global influence.

Mr Haimbe further informed Parliament that Zambia recently hosted the Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister during a high-level official visit aimed at deepening cooperation in mining, agriculture, infrastructure development and investment.

He said Japan reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging Japanese companies to invest in Zambia, particularly in the critical minerals sector, while supporting the government’s industrialisation agenda.

Mr Haimbe told Parliament that the engagements have enhanced Zambia’s international visibility, strengthened bilateral and multilateral partnerships and increased investor confidence in the country’s economy.