EU Commits Over €500 Million for Zambia’s Energy, Infrastructure, and Green Transition Development
The European Union (EU) has pledged over €500 million in grants to Zambia, aimed at advancing the country’s energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development goals. This commitment is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, designed to boost inclusive growth through strategic investments in energy, education, health, and infrastructure.
The announcement was made during a commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of EU-Zambia diplomatic relations on May 9, 2025. EU Ambassador to Zambia, Karolina Stasiak, highlighted the importance of sustainable energy investments, particularly the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector project, which will strengthen regional power trade.
Ambassador Stasiak further emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s infrastructure development, including the Lobito corridor, which is expected to stimulate economic growth in the Copperbelt and North-Western Provinces by increasing demand for Zambian goods. The EU’s investment also aims to promote sustainable mining practices and job creation in local communities.
In line with Zambia’s environmental priorities, the EU will allocate funds to the Green Transition through the EU-Zambia Forest partnership, aiming to combat deforestation, promote sustainable forest management, and support green economic activities.
The EU also expressed its appreciation for Zambia’s commitment to international peace, particularly its stance on the Ukraine conflict, and reaffirmed its support for Zambia’s democratic journey ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Ambassador Stasiak stated, “We stand ready to support Zambia as it continues its democratic journey towards peaceful and fair elections.”
Zambia’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, praised the EU for its continued support, stressing that the EU’s investment aligns with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan, which focuses on economic transformation, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
She expressed gratitude for the EU’s investment in Zambia’s green transition, highlighting the Green Nexus program as a model for collaborative growth between communities, government, and the private sector.
Minister Tambatamba also noted the €600 million in grants committed to Zambia for the period 2021-2027 under the Global Gateway strategy, underscoring its role in transforming Zambia’s energy systems, infrastructure, and education sector.
The event concluded with a toast to continued collaboration between Zambia and the European Union, reinforcing the longstanding and fruitful relationship between the two parties.
