By Monica Kayombo/ Lusaka,
GERMANY has committed about EUR80.5 million to Zambia for 2026/27, with the support expected to strengthen the country’s health system, improve nutrition and boost preparedness for future health emergencies.
The commitment comprises EUR34 million in financial cooperation and EUR46.5 million in technical cooperation, Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi said.
Prof. Chilengi, who was Guest of Honour at a reception to commemorate Germany’s National Day on Wednesday in Lusaka, said the support was particularly important as Zambia works to build a more resilient health system capable of responding to emergencies while maintaining essential services.
He said the cooperation would focus on four key health areas: food and nutrition, health-system resilience, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and health emergency preparedness and response.
“Building a resilient health system is therefore not only a national priority; it is also an important element of our international partnerships,” Prof. Chilengi said.
Through the FANSER+ Project, implemented by GIZ, Germany is supporting the National Food and Nutrition Commission to strengthen implementation of the First 1,000 Most Critical Days Programme.
The programme promotes community-based nutrition counselling, dietary diversification and nutrition-sensitive agriculture, with the broader objective of reducing malnutrition and stunting.
Germany has also provided substantial support to Zambia’s preparedness and response to health emergencies.
Prof. Chilengi said Germany, through KfW and in collaboration with international partners, provided EUR20 million towards Zambia’s COVID-19 response.
The funding supported hospitals and isolation centres, improved water supply in health facilities, provided essential protective equipment and supplied 260 oxygen concentrators to 1,400 health centres.
Germany also contributed EUR10 million to the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund through the World Bank, supporting Zambia through cross-border disease surveillance and coordination.
Prof. Chilengi said the experience demonstrated the importance of investing in health systems before emergencies occur, rather than relying solely on interventions once crises emerge.
He said Zambia now wanted to take the cooperation further, particularly in primary healthcare, health workforce development, digital health and innovation, health infrastructure, climate-resilient health systems, research, technology and sustainable health financing.
The Minister said Zambia’s National Health Compact 2026–2030 provides a framework for accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage while placing the needs of citizens at the centre of health-system strengthening.
He said the Government would work with Germany and other development partners to translate the ambitions of the Compact into practical investments and measurable health outcomes.
Meanwhile, German Ambassador to Zambia Sönke Siemon highlighted the recent acquisition of advanced medical equipment from German company Siemens for the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, describing it as an example of the potential for German expertise and investment to contribute to Zambia’s health sector.
Ambassador Siemon said the radiotherapy technology acquired for the hospital was the most modern of its kind on the African continent.
He recalled President Hakainde Hichilema describing the technology during its commissioning as “Champions League”.
“German business is ready for this competition and, referring to the health sector by coincidence, I just want to mention Zambia’s recent acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment for the Cancer Diseases Hospital here in Lusaka from Siemens, in fact the most modern radiotherapy technology on the African continent,” Ambassador Siemon said.
“Permanent Secretary, let us continue to play together in the Champions League,” he said.
Ambassador Siemon said Zambia’s improving business environment could attract increased interest from German investors, while stressing the importance of fair competition and a level playing field among investors.
Prof. Chilengi also called for greater emphasis on knowledge transfer, skills development, investment and private-sector participation in the next phase of Zambia-Germany cooperation.
He said Germany’s expertise in science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and innovation could help Zambia strengthen its human capital and advance its economic transformation agenda.
Germany has supported Zambia’s development programmes since 1965, with cumulative development assistance exceeding EUR900 million.
The cooperation is implemented mainly through GIZ and KfW Development Bank, which provide technical assistance and financial cooperation respectively.
Prof. Chilengi said the value of the relationship should ultimately be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens.
He cited a health worker gaining new skills, communities accessing better health services, young people acquiring new opportunities and institutions becoming stronger as tangible examples of what international cooperation should deliver.
The Minister made the remarks at a reception attended by Ambassador Siemon, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of German institutions, development partners, private-sector representatives and the media.
Ambassador, wife and honourable Iris Kaingu
