France Praises Zambia’s Economic Reforms at IMF-WBG Annual Meetings
France has expressed strong support for Zambia’s ongoing economic reforms, emphasizing the positive momentum in the country’s policy direction.
The commendation came from IMF Executive Director for France, Arnaud Buisse, during a bilateral meeting with Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, on the sidelines of the 2024 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG).
“There is goodwill for Zambia’s policy reforms,” Buisse remarked, underscoring France’s backing for Zambia’s economic trajectory. He further highlighted the recent approval of the World Bank’s Country Partnership Strategy for Zambia, which reaffirms the global financier’s commitment to assisting Zambia in addressing key challenges, including energy supply and climate resilience.
Dr. Musokotwane, MP, expressed Zambia’s gratitude for France’s pivotal role in the country’s debt restructuring process, which has created space for essential economic reforms and an enhanced environment for business and investment, particularly in green energy, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
“The debt restructuring process has created room for economic reforms and for an enabling environment for business and investments in green and renewable energy, mining, large-scale agriculture, and infrastructure development through Public-Private Sector initiatives,” said Dr. Musokotwane.
During the meeting, Dr. Musokotwane also updated Mr. Buisse on the progress of the Lobito Corridor Railway Project and invited French investors to explore Zambia’s vast opportunities in large-scale agriculture and ene
