Zambia Signs Key Infrastructure Agreements at Rome Summit
Zambia has secured major infrastructure agreements following its participation in a high-level summit in Rome focused on deepening cooperation between Africa and Europe.
The event, themed “The Mattei Plan and the EU Global Gateway: A Common Effort with the African Continent,” was co-chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Speaking at the summit, Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships anchored in trust, action, and mutual benefit.
He described the engagement as a reflection of a shared vision for sustainable development across the African continent and commended Italy, the EU, and development partners for supporting long-term, transformative collaboration with Africa.
Dr. Musokotwane reaffirmed Zambia’s shift from raw material exports to value-added production and industrialization. He highlighted the Lobito Corridor as a flagship project that aligns with this agenda, noting its potential to create jobs, unlock regional trade, and drive inclusive economic growth.
The Minister signed two significant Letters of Intent on Zambia’s behalf. The first, with the African Development Bank, supports the construction of a 550-kilometre railway from Chingola to the Angola border and a 260-kilometre main road from Chisese to Mwinilunga and Jimbe.
The second, signed with the European Union, reaffirms the shared commitment to the broader Lobito Corridor infrastructure development connecting Zambia and Angola.
Dr. Musokotwane also held bilateral talks with major development finance leaders, including World Bank President Ajay Banga, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and Africa Finance Corporation President Samaila Zubairu. These meetings focused on strengthening partnerships and mobilizing resources for Zambia’s infrastructure and investment priorities.
The Mattei Plan, introduced by the Italian Government, aims to transform Africa-Europe relations by moving from charity-based engagement to equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. It complements the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to mobilize up to €150 billion in investments across Africa by 2027.
Dr. Musokotwane was accompanied by Zambia’s Ambassador to Italy, Her Excellency Mrs. Patricia Chisanga Kondolo, and Mr. Jito Kayumba, Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investments.
