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The Zambian government has called for greater collaboration between foreign investors and local authorities through the establishment of joint venture projects across all 116 local authorities, as part of efforts to drive socio-economic development, particularly in rural areas.
Dr. Gabriel Pollen, Permanent Secretary for Administration at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, made the appeal at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou City, China, during the closing ceremony of a 10-day training programme organized by the Chinese government through the Global Development Promotion Center Network.
Pollen urged investors to expand their footprint into Zambia’s rural communities, where vast untapped opportunities exist in sectors such as solar energy, agriculture, street lighting, and solid waste management.
“All Local Authorities stand ready to partner with businesses interested in these sectors. I, therefore, call for more diversified collaboration by partnering with our 116 local authorities to help accelerate socio-economic development in our rural communities,” he said.
Pollen noted that solid waste management in municipalities holds particular potential for power generation and represents a key area for foreign investment.
“Zambia is ripe for investment due to its favorable climate, attractive incentives, ease of doing business, and a stable political environment that the country has enjoyed since independence,” he added.
Pollen was among government officials from various countries attending the training, which focused on China’s poverty reduction strategies, the use of artificial intelligence, and comprehensive rural revitalization approaches in underdeveloped regions.
He also commended China’s concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and said Zambia was ready to strengthen cooperation in facing global challenges such as climate change, in order to promote sustainable economic prosperity.
Meanwhile, Zhejiang University Vice President, Professor Zhou Jianghong, reaffirmed China’s commitment to providing bilateral platforms with other countries to advance rural development strategies in less developed areas.
Last year, President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese President Xi Jinping elevated Zambia-China relations to a comprehensive and strategic partnership.
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