Zambia Urges Global Action to Transform Landlocked Nations into Economic Hubs
Zambia has urged the international community to support Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in overcoming structural barriers and transforming into regional economic hubs.
Speaking at the 24th Annual Ministerial Meeting of LLDCs, held on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hon. Mulambo Haimbe said being landlocked should not equate to being marginalised. He echoed President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision that “landlocked must not mean land-isolated.”
Hon. Haimbe proposed a five-point action plan to address LLDC challenges, calling for enhanced financing through debt relief, increased investment in transport and energy corridors, technology transfer and digital inclusion, streamlined trade facilitation, and prioritised climate finance to address environmental vulnerabilities.
The Minister highlighted Zambia’s national strategy to position itself as a trade and investment hub for Southern and Central Africa, stressing that LLDCs could become “connected, competitive, and resilient contributors to global prosperity” with the right partnerships.
The ministerial meeting also reviewed progress on the 2024–2034 Awaza Programme of Action, which sets the roadmap for addressing LLDC development challenges. In their declaration, the 32 member states reaffirmed their commitment to overcoming geographic isolation through strong partnerships with transit countries and development partners.
The session underscored the need for innovation, infrastructure development, and regional integration to unlock LLDC potential, with Zambia positioning itself as a leading voice in reshaping the narrative from landlocked to land-linked.
