By 
The Zambian government has urged the World Bank to scale up its support in energy and agriculture, particularly to diversify the country’s energy mix and boost food production.
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, stated Zambia’s ambition to increase cereal production to 10 million tonnes annually while addressing the impact of climate change on energy security.
He made the remarks during a courtesy call on Dr. Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, the World Bank Executive Director for Africa Group I, on the sidelines of the Transforming Transport Conference in Washington, D.C.
“There is a need for sustained World Bank support in climate adaptation projects, particularly in infrastructure rehabilitation, energy diversification, and sustainable agriculture,” Milupi said in a statement released in Lusaka on Friday.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s economic diversification strategy, highlighting tourism development in the Northern Circuit, Western Circuit, and the source of the Zambezi River as areas with significant potential for investment.
Milupi also thanked the World Bank for its continued support, emphasizing its role in advancing Zambia’s development agenda through key investments in education, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“My government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, is committed to leveraging Zambia’s land-linked advantage by investing in regional trade corridors to boost economic growth and integration,” he said.
He cited the Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP) and the Transport Corridors for Economic Resilience (TRACER) Project as critical to job creation, enhanced agricultural production, and stronger trade routes.
In response, Dr. Kibwe commended Zambia’s commitment to its development agenda and expressed confidence in its ability to implement and strengthen key projects.
“The Bank remains fully supportive of Zambia’s vision for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction while also prioritizing energy security and climate resilience as key areas of collaboration,” she assured.
Kibwe further encouraged Zambia to accelerate the implementation of World Bank-funded projects, noting that stronger execution would position the country for additional financial and technical support in the future.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments