President Hakainde Hichilema has appreciated the working bilateral relations with the diplomatic corps that have continually supported reforms in the country’s economic agenda, particularly in 2025. Speaking during the annual greeting of the diplomatic corps in Lusaka today, President Hichilema said Zambia values dialogue, partnership and cooperation with foreign envoys that strengthen relations with different states and envoys. The President said Zambia has continued to advance with positive reforms in areas such as the rule of law, procurement, utilisation of public resources, regulations, laws and policies which are central for improving the operating environment for the economic reconstruction programme.
The Head of State explained that economic reconstruction remains the government’s priority, indicating that Zambia is looking to over 6.0 percent gross domestic product growth in 2026. “It is the economic diplomacy reforms around increased trade and investment that will lead to benefiting the ordinary people of Zambia,” President Hichilema stated. And the President noted that strong reforms in mining have led to the country’s economic growth.
President Hichilema said the mining industry has also recorded the largest investment while correcting the fallacy that mining companies are not paying tax. “This has supported the social sector like health, social cash transfer, education and the welfare of the elderly, youths, children and women’s welfare,” he added. The President further said agriculture also contributed significantly to economic growth, with a record breaking production of over 3.7 million tonnes of grain maize in the last season.
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Meanwhile, President Hichilema said there is need to accelerate the interconnector projects with Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique to help advance in the provision of electricity for Zambians. And speaking on behalf of the foreign envoys accredited to Zambia, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Hawa Hassan Mohammad, assured continued support to Zambia’s development agenda. Ambassador Mohammad stated that the diplomatic corps will continue to engage with the government in areas of shared interest.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps also congratulated Zambia for being appointed as the current Vice Chair and in-coming Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Ambassador Mohammad further acknowledged Zambia’s progress in food security, which she said supports livelihoods and economic stability.Meanwhile, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rodney Sikumba, indicated that such engagements continue to strengthen understanding, foster cooperation, as well as advance the collective aspirations for peace, stability and sustainable development.Mr Sikumba said Zambia has placed strong emphasis on re-engagement with the international community, with a desire to build trust, attract investment, expand trade, and create opportunities to improve livelihoods, while contributing positively to regional and global development.He expressed gratitude to the Diplomatic Corps for the partnerships, the technical and financial cooperation extended to Zambia, as well as the constructive engagement that has characterised the relations.
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