EU commits over €500 million to Zambia as partnership hits 50 years mark

The European Union (EU) has committed more than €500 million in grants to Zambia to support the country’s strategic development priorities under its Global Gateway strategy, a statement has claimed.

The funding is designed to boost investments in sustainable energy, infrastructure, education, health, and green growth to accelerate inclusive economic development.

According to the statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday by Ministry of Labour and Social Services Principal Public Relations Officer, Mwaka Ndawa, the announcement coincided with the 50th anniversary of EU-Zambia partnership, celebrated on May 9, 2025.

Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Zambia Karolina Stasiak said the EU aims to help narrow Zambia’s investment gap through initiatives such as the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam and recent investment in the Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector to enhance regional power trade.

She said the EU was also backing development of the Lobito Corridor to unlock Zambia’s potential as a land-linked country, with the goal of stimulating economic growth in the Copperbelt and North-Western Provinces and boosting demand for Zambian goods.

Ambassador Stasiak emphasized EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable and responsible mining, value addition, and job creation that benefits local communities.

Additional support will go to Zambia’s green transition through the EU-Zambia Forest Partnership, which aims to combat deforestation, promote sustainable forest management, and develop forest-based economic activities.

“We commend Zambia’s principled stance for peace in Ukraine as a clear example of its commitment to international law, sovereignty, and dialogue in resolving global conflicts,” she said.

“We need to reinforce democracy by partnering with countries like Zambia to showcase strong regional engagement and a track record of peaceful, free, and fair elections. We stand ready to support Zambia on its democratic journey ahead of the 2026 general elections,” she added.

Labour and Social Security Minister Brenda Tambatamba, who officiated at the event, commended the EU for its continued support toward Zambia’s developmental goals under the Eighth National Development Plan.

She said the strong EU-Zambia relationship had created opportunities for trade expansion, industrial growth, and job creation.

“Zambia is building resilience in the wake of climate change, which poses a serious threat to both our environment and economic gains,” she said, adding, “We are grateful to the EU for selecting Zambia to pilot the Green Nexus programme—an inclusive model for green growth that brings together communities, the Government, private sector, and development partners.”

Tambatamba added that over €600 million in EU grants had been committed to Zambia under the Global Gateway strategy between 2021 and 2027, already transforming key sectors including energy, infrastructure, education, and access to justice.

She reaffirmed government’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with the EU, which she said continues to contribute significantly to Zambia’s development agenda.

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