Zambia and EU Reinforce 50-Year Partnership with Sustainable Development Focus
Zambia and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic partnership with a renewed focus on sustainable development at the 2025 Zambia–EU Partnership Dialogue held at Ciela Resort in Chongwe.
The dialogue marked a major milestone in the 50-year relationship between Zambia and the EU, bringing together top government officials and European diplomats for high-level discussions.
Led by Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Zambia’s delegation included several key ministers from Justice, Finance, Home Affairs, Transport, and Technology.
The EU delegation was led by Her Excellency Ms. Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the European External Action Service, and included ambassadors from 12 EU Member States.
Minister Haimbe praised the EU for its continued support, emphasizing the significance of the Dialogue as a platform for strengthening shared values such as democracy, human rights, and inclusive growth.
He noted that the renewed partnership, now guided by the Samoa Agreement, comes at a critical time as traditional development aid declines.
“Today’s engagement is a testament to our joint ambition for deeper cooperation that delivers tangible outcomes in areas that matter most—energy, climate resilience, governance, and human development,” said Haimbe.
The Dialogue highlighted collaborative initiatives including the Zambia–Tanzania–Kenya Power Interconnector, the ZEEST Programme, rural electrification, and the Green Nexus Programme. These efforts aim to boost Zambia’s transition to renewable energy and strengthen climate resilience.
Permanent Secretary for International Relations, Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, reiterated the Dialogue’s importance in maintaining momentum from previous discussions and navigating today’s complex global challenges through cooperative action.
Ms. Laranjinha echoed these sentiments, applauding Zambia’s leadership in multilateral diplomacy and welcoming its commitment to the UN Charter. She emphasized that the EU’s partnership approach is shifting from aid to investment-driven development, with projects like the Lobito Corridor and EU-Zambia Forest Partnership promoting inclusive green growth and job creation.
Both parties concluded the Dialogue with a joint commitment to building a resilient, equitable, and forward-looking partnership anchored in mutual values and sustainable development.
