LUSAKA, ZAMBIA 11TH MAY, 2025…The European Union has committed over €500 million euros in grants to Zambia to support its strategic development targets.
The European Union is securing sustainable investment in, energy, infrastructure, education, and health through the global gateway strategy to boost inclusive growth.
On May 9, 2025, the European Union and Zambia commemorated the 50th anniversary of EU-Zambia partnership to reinforce developmental collaboration and partnership dialogue.
In her remarks, EU ambassador to Zambia, Karolina Stasiak said to narrow the investment gap in Zambia, EU will boost the country’s sustainable energy future through the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam with the recent investment being in the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector, which will enhance regional power trade.
Her Excellency Stasiak said the EU is also devoted to support the buildup of the Lobito corridor, which will unlock Zambians potential as a land-linked country and stimulate economic growth on the Copperbelt and North-western provinces by increasing demand in Zambian goods.
She pronounced that the EU is building deliberate partnership to promote sustainable and responsible mining and value addition for job creation to the benefit of the community.
Other finances will be allocated to the green transition through the EU-Zambia Forest partnership, which aims to eradicate deforestation, promote sustainable forest management and develop economic activity around forests.
Her excellency Stasiak reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to invest in political dialogue and mutually beneficial relations.
“We commend Zambia’s principled stance for peace in Ukraine as a clear example of its commitment to international law, sovereignty, and dialogue in resolving this and other conflicts,” she said.
“We need to strengthen our efforts to reinforce democracy and forces with countries like Zambia to show case a powerful, positive example of regional engagement towards peace and stability and a track record of peaceful, free, and fair elections. We stand ready to support Zambia as it continues its democratic journey towards the 2026 general elections.”
Officiating at the event Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba (MP) commended the European Union for its continued support as the country strive to achieve its developmental priorities under the Eighth National Development Plan which encompasses economic transformation and job creation, human and social development including environmental sustainability and good governance.
She said the strong economic relationship between created between Zambia and the European Union creates contingency for trade expansion, industrial growth, and job creation.
Ms. Tambatamba mentioned that Zambia is building resilience in the wake of climate change, which threatens the environment and economic gains.
“We are grateful to the EU for choosing Zambia as a key partner in piloting the green nexus program, which is a model for green growth that brings together communities, the Government, the private sector and international cooperating partners,” she said.
“We commend the EU for its continued support through the Global Gateway strategy, under which over €600 million in grants has been committed to Zambia for the period 2021-2027. The investments are already transforming our energy systems, critical infrastructure, education sector and access to justice.”
Ms. Tambatamba restated Government’s commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the European Union which have contributed to Zambia’s development agenda.
The event concluded with the Minister proposing a toast to continued warm relations between Zambia and the European Union.
Issued By:
(Original Copy Signed)
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
