Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Her Excellency Mrs. Rose Sakala, has highlighted the government’s commitment to policy reforms that prioritize private sector-driven development. This approach aims to tackle challenges related to the high cost of doing business within the country.
During her presentation of Credentials to the Acting Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), H.E Dr. Antonio Pedro, Ambassador Sakala emphasized the government’s focus on economic transformation through enhanced trade and investment. The goal is to create job opportunities, especially for the youth.
As Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, Amb. Sakala revealed that the country’s transformation strategy will concentrate on sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. Key interventions are planned in vital areas including energy, water, transport, and technology.
She expressed gratitude for UNECA’s support in the development of a joint Agro-Industrial Park between Zambia and Zimbabwe, underscoring its significance in uplifting living standards.
Ambassador Sakala also shared Zambia’s efforts to bolster energy generation capacity and its search for partners like ECA to attract investment in critical domains such as education, health, and energy.
The Ambassador called for enhanced cooperation between Zambia and UNECA in various initiatives, including the implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area, reliable statistics production, and modernizing civil registration.
Dr. Antonio Pedro, while receiving her Credentials, commended Zambia’s commitment to regional economic integration, citing the successful hosting of the COMESA Summit in Lusaka.
He applauded Zambia’s emphasis on value addition, underscoring the potential for African nations to benefit from their rich natural resources by enhancing product value. Dr. Pedro highlighted projects like the joint effort by Zambia and Congo DRC in producing car batteries, emphasizing Africa’s capacity for impactful innovation.
