EDINBURGH – Scottish Minister for International Development, Ms. Kaukab Stewart, has assured Zambia of Scotland’s unwavering support and commitment to the strong partnership between the two nations. This assurance came during a meeting held on Thursday at the Minister’s Parliamentary Office in Edinburgh, Scotland, where Ms. Stewart met with Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ms. Macenje Mazoka.
Ms. Stewart pledged to maintain the collaborative approach in advancing the international partnership between Scotland and Zambia, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing shared challenges.
During the meeting, High Commissioner Mazoka provided an update on Zambia’s ongoing challenges, including the recent cholera outbreak and the devastating drought disaster. She noted that Scotland had been among the first responders, providing immediate relief with a contribution of half a million pounds towards addressing the cholera crisis.
Regarding the drought disaster, Mazoka highlighted its severe impact on Zambia’s food security, particularly due to the significant loss of maize crops, the nation’s staple food source. President Hakainde Hichilema has been actively engaging with global media to raise awareness about Zambia’s situation and to appeal for international support.
Mazoka stressed the urgent need for technical assistance in agriculture and farming to ensure sustainability and resilience in the face of such disasters. She emphasized the importance of investing in low-cost, portable irrigation systems to mitigate risks and reduce dependence on rainfall for crop irrigation.
Additionally, Mazoka provided updates on Zambia’s recent debt restructuring efforts, stressing the need for advocacy and support from global partners to expedite the process and accelerate economic development plans.
She noted a significant interest in investing in Zambia, citing the nation’s history of stability, peace, and security, coupled with positive policy changes under the New Dawn Administration. However, she highlighted that the conclusion of debt agreements was crucial to unlocking investment opportunities and urged other parties to expedite the process.
In response, Ms. Stewart expressed Scotland’s commitment to advocating support and exploring options to assist Zambia in overcoming its challenges. She outlined Scotland’s new approach to international development, which prioritizes a feminist agenda focused on health, education, equality, and global solidarity.
Stewart emphasized the importance of equality in the partnership between Scotland and Zambia and encouraged open communication to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship.
Accompanied by Counsellor Economic Mr. Kasalika Mulenga, High Commissioner Mazoka also held briefing meetings with Scottish Government-funded organizations operating in Zambia, including Kids Operating Room, British Red Cross, SCIAF, Scotland Police, and officials from Heriot-Watt University.