Zambia and Finland Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha has expressed gratitude for the long-standing cooperation between Zambia and Finland, highlighting their continued support across key sectors like health, education, environmental protection, and forestry.
During a reception marking Finland’s National Day, Hon. Mposha emphasized the importance of this partnership in advancing Zambia’s development goals.
The Minister highlighted the recent shift in Zambia-Finland bilateral relations, with a growing focus on commercial collaboration to support Zambia’s Private-Sector-Led Development Agenda. This transition aims to foster economic growth, trade, and investment, aligning with Zambia’s priorities for economic diversification.
Hon. Mposha praised the November visit of Mr. Ilkka Iorttikivi, Deputy Mayor of Tampere, and a Finnish business delegation. The discussions centered on innovative waste recycling and bioenergy technologies that could enhance Zambia’s renewable energy initiatives and waste management systems.
He also acknowledged Finland’s support in the feasibility study for optimizing Zambia’s Diaspora Web Portal.
Acknowledging the vital role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia’s economy, Hon. Mposha expressed appreciation for Finland’s ongoing collaboration, including initiatives like Slush, aimed at boosting the SME sector, which comprises 97% of businesses in Zambia.
In her remarks, Finland’s Ambassador to Zambia, Her Excellency Ms. Saana Halinen, commended Zambia’s strong international stance, particularly its support for Ukraine.
She emphasized Finland’s continued support through initiatives like gender equality exhibitions, high-level political consultations, and Finnish business delegations in Zambia.
Ambassador Halinen also outlined Finland’s contribution to Zambia’s development, including quality assurance for the Aerial Minerals Mapping project and collaboration on Zambia’s Artificial Intelligence strategy.
She reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, despite operating without a specific bilateral budget for Zambia.
Both officials reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the Zambia-Finland partnership, exploring new avenues for mutual cooperation.
