UK’s £2.5 Billion Green Compact Fuels Zambia’s Economic Recovery
Zambia’s current administration has steered the country from a challenging debt position to a positive economic outlook underpinned by strong fundamentals, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, MP, has assured the United Kingdom.
Speaking during a meeting with the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Commonwealth, Hon. Chris Elmore, MP, at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Friday, Hon. Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to democracy, human rights, and good governance, emphasising that the government would continue “taking bold steps” and “walking the talk” on democratic principles.
Hon. Haimbe is in London to attend the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting, in which Zambia currently serves as Vice-Chair, and the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting (CFAMM).
He will also participate in this year’s Commonwealth Day activities on Monday. CMAG is the Commonwealth’s mechanism mandated to uphold the organisation’s fundamental political values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
During the meeting, the Ministers discussed issues of mutual interest, including multilateral cooperation, peace and security, Commonwealth reforms, democracy, and investment. Mr. Elmore acknowledged President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to free and fair elections, highlighting the importance of democratic governance in Zambia.
He also expressed the UK’s willingness to continue collaborating on transparency, human rights, and multilateralism, noting Zambia had received “incredibly positive” feedback in these areas.
Hon. Haimbe described the feedback as encouraging and reiterated Zambia’s openness to peer review at the highest levels. He said the government was moving away from a “business-as-usual” approach and prioritising practical, outcome-based partnerships.
Highlighting Zambia’s renewed investment drive, Hon. Haimbe said the focus is on expanding private sector participation in key sectors such as mining, energy, and tourism.
He noted that Zambia has transitioned from being heavily debt-ridden to achieving a positive economic trajectory with strong fundamentals.
The Minister also acknowledged global challenges, including the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region, which could lead to rising costs of petroleum and consumables.
He reiterated Zambia’s commitment to attracting investment and technical support across various sectors and reaffirmed the government’s anti-corruption efforts as central to its governance agenda.
Hon. Haimbe expressed gratitude for the UK Government’s £2.5 billion Green Compact support to Zambia and for ongoing partnerships across multiple sectors of mutual interest.
