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Zambia and the United Kingdom have signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), reaffirming the UK’s commitment to its partnership with Zambia.
The MoUs cover the Green Growth Compact, energy, climate finance, support for the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to enhance domestic revenue collection and combat illicit financial flows, and poverty reduction initiatives.
President Hakainde Hichilema and acting British High Commissioner to Zambia, Sam Waldock, witnessed the signing ceremony at State House on Thursday.
UK Minister for Development and Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds, signed on behalf of the UK, while Zambia’s representatives included acting Foreign Affairs Minister Ambrose Lufuma, Community Development Minister Doreen Mwamba, and ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda.
The Green Growth Compact, initially signed in 2021 and updated with more ambitious targets in 2023, was among the agreements renewed.
According to Waldock, the updated Compact demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to advancing energy and climate finance collaboration with Zambia.
The energy MoU focuses on strengthening Zambia’s energy infrastructure and advancing its transition to sustainable, climate-resilient energy solutions.
This included collaboration with Zesco Limited and the World Bank, with the UK committing £15 million to the Zambia-Tanzania interconnector project, facilitating power trade with the East African Power Pool.
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The poverty reduction MoU outlines a framework for cooperation in fighting hunger and poverty under the Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger initiative.
During her visit to Chongwe District, Dodds highlighted UK efforts to provide relief food to communities affected by Zambia’s worst drought in recent memory.
“Mr. President, your efforts to stay the course on progressive economic reforms are commendable. Today, we have discussed how the UK and Zambia can continue advancing our shared priorities,” she said.
President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the UK’s support in addressing Zambia’s energy and food insecurity challenges caused by the 2023-2024 drought, as well as its role in facilitating the country’s debt restructuring process.
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