Zambia and Netherlands Strengthen Economic Ties at Trade and Investment Forum
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, M.P., has called for enhanced economic cooperation between Zambia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands to foster mutual benefits.
Speaking virtually at the Zambia/Netherlands Trade and Investment Forum, held in The Hague, Mr. Mulenga emphasized Zambia’s readiness for business through partnerships, joint ventures, and direct investments, while promising an enabling environment for private sector growth.
Addressing over 50 Dutch investors from sectors including agriculture, energy, finance, transport and logistics, and waste management, Mr. Mulenga highlighted Zambia’s proactive measures to counter drought effects, as declared a National Disaster by President Hakainde Hichilema.
These measures include investments in alternative renewable energy sources and climate-resilient agricultural practices and technology.
The Business Forum was organized by the Netherlands Africa Business Council (NABC) in collaboration with the Zambian Embassy in Belgium and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA).
In his opening remarks, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, His Excellency Mr. Sylvester Mundanda, praised the longstanding and cordial bilateral relations between Zambia and the Netherlands, which have persisted for nearly 60 years.
He also underscored Zambia’s sustained peace, macroeconomic stability, and policies promoting economic growth through private sector participation.
A significant milestone at the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ZDA and NABC to bolster cooperation and investment promotion.
The MoU was signed by Mr. Chimuka Nketani, Director of Investment at ZDA, and Ms. Rosmarijn Fens, Managing Director of NABC.
Mr. Jelte van Wieren, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing the Dutch government, reiterated the strong bilateral relations, noting that over 30 Dutch companies currently operate in Zambia.
In his presentation, Mr. Nketani showcased Zambia’s investment opportunities in priority sectors and highlighted the country’s ranking as the third most attractive investment destination in Africa.
He detailed the government’s recent policy reforms aimed at enhancing private sector participation as the primary driver of economic growth.
Dutch investors expressed keen interest in partnering with Zambian businesses on water harvesting projects, renewable energy, and waste management initiatives.
This is contained a statement issued by Hambaya Munang’andu, First Secretary Press, Brussels, Belgium.
