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Zambia has opened up export markets for its agricultural produce and continues to seek international partnerships for expertise, particularly in agricultural extension services and development of farming blocks, authorities have said.
Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mtolo, also underscored the significance of the Lobito Corridor to regional agricultural transformation and has reiterated Zambia’s unwavering commitment to its success.
Phiri was speaking during a bilateral meeting with the Irish delegation led by Brendan Gleeson, Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the UN Food Systems Summit +4.
“I wish to state that the Zambian government is committed to strengthening food systems and outlined policies that support agricultural investment and productivity,” he said.
Phiri commended Ireland for its long-standing support in sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.
In response, Gleeson praised Zambia’s enabling policy framework aligned with Ireland’s development approach and encouraged deeper collaboration, particularly through the Zambia-Ireland Sustainable Food Systems Strengthening Programme.
“This initiative, which works in partnership with Zambia’s Office of the Vice President and the National Food and Nutrition Commission, facilitates research, technological support, and expert services across food systems,” he said.
David Butler, Head of the Zambia-Ireland programme, added that the initiative supports animal health through the Ministry of Livestock, strengthens food processing, provides extension services, and collaborates with the Centre for Disease Control to enhance public health and nutrition.
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The UN Food Systems Summit +4 was officially opened by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, who emphasized the urgency of improved financing for food production, citing Ethiopia’s investment in clustered farming that empowers smallholder farmers with start-up resources.
He stressed that food systems were not only about agriculture but central to shaping our health, environment, and future.
“Food systems are under immense pressure due to climate shocks, inflation, global inequalities, and strained multilateralism, calling for coordinated global action,” Ahmed noted.
Co-hosting the Summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored that global food security was a human right, warning that lack of access to nutrition renders communities vulnerable.
She called on all stakeholders to support resilient and inclusive food systems to address global hunger and insecurity.
Zambia’s participation at UNFSS+4 is said to affirm its commitment to building sustainable food systems that support national development, regional trade, and global cooperation.
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