Zambia, Egypt deepen cooperation on environmental protection and sustainable development
Zambia and Egypt have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development following a high-level meeting in Lusaka.
The meeting brought together Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Elton Mposha, and Egypt’s Ambassador to Zambia, Myada Essam, where discussions centred on water resource management, environmental protection, and sustainable petroleum development.
Speaking during the engagement, Mposha welcomed increased interest from Egyptian institutions in supporting African countries to strengthen environmental safeguards, particularly in petroleum-related activities.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that energy development does not compromise natural resources, especially water bodies.
The Minister noted that Zambia is endowed with abundant freshwater resources, including rivers, lakes and wetlands, which play a critical role in agriculture, energy production, biodiversity and livelihoods. He emphasised that protecting these ecosystems remains a national priority.
He also highlighted the environmental risks associated with petroleum operations, including oil spills and industrial pollution, warning that these could have long-term impacts on water quality, ecosystems and public health if not properly managed.
Mposha reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks, as well as monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
The Minister further welcomed collaboration with Egyptian institutions through the exchange of technical expertise, best practices and innovative technologies aimed at improving environmental management and water protection.
He highlighted the need for robust emergency response systems to effectively address incidents such as oil spills, noting that such systems require coordination, skilled personnel and adequate equipment.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Essam reaffirmed the strong and historic relations between Zambia and Egypt, stating that both countries are committed to translating cooperation into tangible outcomes through practical projects.
She disclosed that Egypt is keen to expedite the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on environmental protection, which is currently under review and expected to enhance technical cooperation and joint initiatives between the two nations.
The Ambassador also announced a planned visit by a delegation from Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, comprising companies specialising in environmental safety. The visit is expected to take place between June and July 2026.
Both parties expressed optimism that ongoing engagements will strengthen bilateral relations and deliver mutual benefits, while also serving as a model for regional collaboration in addressing environmental challenges linked to the petroleum sector.
