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UK Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair Long, is visiting Zambia for talks with government, businesses and investors aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries, the British High Commission has said.
The visit will focus on mining, energy and the finance and expertise needed to support Zambia’s economic ambitions, the High Commission said in a statement issued in Lusaka by Taonga Kaonga.
Long will meet representatives from the mining, energy, financial and professional services sectors to discuss how UK-Zambia partnerships can support the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda by unlocking investment, strengthening productive sectors and supporting sustainable economic growth.
“In a keynote speech, Long will outline steps the UK government is taking to strengthen the trade and investment partnership between the UK and Zambia,” the statement said.
The visit comes a week after the launch of British International Investment’s new five-year strategy in Lusaka, under which the development finance institution plans to invest in a greater number of Zambian companies.
Long’s programme will include engagements with the British Chamber of Commerce Zambia, a visit to an Africa GreenCo solar energy site and a visit to First Quantum Minerals’ Trident copper and nickel mine in Kalumbila.
“These engagements will offer a closer look at how businesses, investors and development partners are responding to demand for energy and minerals,” the High Commission said.
The engagements will also explore ways for Britain and Zambia to increase trade and create conditions for long-term economic growth, it added.
“I am delighted to be visiting Zambia at a time of growing opportunity for trade and investment,” Long said.
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He said Britain and Zambia shared a strong economic relationship and that his visit was an opportunity to listen, learn and identify areas where businesses from both countries could work together to unlock growth.
“From mining and energy to finance and infrastructure, I look forward to meeting partners across Zambia and exploring how we can deepen our commercial ties for the benefit of both countries,” Long said.
British High Commissioner to Zambia Rebecca Terzeon said the visit demonstrated Britain’s commitment to strengthening the UK-Zambia trade and investment partnership and supporting the Grow Zambia Agenda.
She said the visit would help unlock potential in mining, energy and financial services while bringing together decision-makers, investors and businesses to exchange ideas and build new connections.
“The United Kingdom and Zambia share a long-standing economic partnership built on trade, investment and shared prosperity, with the visit reflecting a shared interest in supporting Zambia’s growth ambitions,” Terzeon said.
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