EU announces €5.1 million emergency support for drought-hit Zambia, highlights strong partnership

The European Union (EU) has announced that it is finalising the mobilisation of €5.1 million emergency support to address the impact of the drought in Zambia.

EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA, Karolina Stasiak, said in addition, member states were responding with bilateral actions to support Zambia in this difficult situation.

Stasiak made the announcement on Thursday evening during the Europe Day Reception for this year at her residence in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area.

“Zambia remains a priority partner for the EU and the partnership was based on common values, mutual respect, trust and a shared dedication to make progress together,” she added.

Stasiak also commended the government for achieving important milestones in the negotiation on the debt restructuring.

She highlighted that in Zambia, Team Europe, the EU and Member States, provide on average 200 million euros per year in grants.

“For the period 2021–2027, the European Union alone will have dedicated approximately €500 million in grants to Zambia,” Stasiak revealed.

She said the EU supports Zambia in the energy, agriculture, environment and forestry sectors, to provide jobs and boost food production.

Stasiak stated that this was being done while conserving Zambian natural resources, biodiversity and a new Green Growth Strategy which had just been initiated with EU support.

“Zambia has been a prime example of stability in Africa and the European Union commend the role that Zambia has played as the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security, in particular in promoting regional peace and security,” she said.

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