By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe has called for a strengthened and more advanced partnership between Zambia and the European Union (EU), as the country prepares for the 2026 General Elections and navigates shifting global financing dynamics.
Speaking during the Zambia–EU Partnership Dialogue held in Lusaka on Wednesday, Mr Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to democratic governance, economic reform and sustainable development.
“Today’s dialogue is not merely a procedural engagement. It is a reaffirmation of our shared values including democracy, human rights, good governance, and inclusive development, and our joint resolve to deepen and expand the ties that bind us as partners in progress,” Mr. Haimbe stated.
He expressed gratitude to the EU and its Member States for continued support, particularly during periods of economic difficulty and global uncertainty.
“Zambia greatly values the EU’s role in supporting macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability efforts, and economic recovery. Such support has been instrumental as Zambia works to restore fiscal discipline, promote transparency, and create an enabling environment for sustainable and inclusive growth,” he said.
Mr. Haimbe noted that Zambia hopes the dialogue will yield tangible outcomes, especially at a time when some traditional cooperating partners are scaling down financial assistance.
“With the ongoing changes in the geopolitical landscape that has led to some of our traditional partners scaling down their financial assistance to Zambia, it is our ardent hope that this dialogue will bring out real tangible outcomes that would redefine our longstanding partnerships to an advanced level for our mutual benefit,” Mr. Haimbe stressed.
On governance, the Minister reiterated Zambia’s commitment to holding credible elections in 2026 and welcomed the EU’s intention to deploy an Election Observation Mission.
“As we prepare for the 2026 General Elections, the Government of the Republic of Zambia values continued engagement with international partners,” the Minister remarked.
“We welcome the European Union’s readiness to deploy an Election Observation Mission, consistent with past practice, as part of our shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and credible democratic processes.”
He also highlighted Zambia’s participation in the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which is mobilizing investment in renewable energy, infrastructure connectivity, digital transformation and human capital development.
Mr Haimbe cited the Lobito Corridor Business Forum held in November 2025 as evidence of growing public–private sector collaboration to unlock investment and create opportunities for communities along the corridor.
Beyond development assistance, he described the EU as a key trade and investment partner, noting that under the Everything But Arms initiative, Zambian exports such as honey, horticultural products, cotton and coffee enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to European markets.
At the same event, EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA, Karolina Stasiak pledge the European Union’s continued commitment to accompanying Zambia’s transition towards a more diversified, resilient and greener economy.
Stasiak said through the Global Gateway 360 approach, the European and the Member States are working together as Team Europe to mobilize investment for sustainable growth in Zambia.
She noted that the EU’s approach is integrated and long-term — combining evidence-based policy making, support to good governance and enabling regulatory frameworks, with increasing investment in infrastructure, skills development, support to sustainable local value chains and private sector development.
Stasiakso also stressed that as Zambia advances into its electoral year, the European Union is elated to have received the invitation to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission, as part of its long-standing engagement in support of good governance and democracy.
“The observation mission’s purpose is to accompany Zambia through this important moment, offering an independent and professional assessment.”
“Through its recommendations, it contributes to institutional strengthening in the long term, in support of peaceful, free and fair elections,” Stasiask said.
