Brussels, Belgium – May 29, 2024 – Zambia and the Netherlands are looking to strengthen their economic relationship for mutual benefit, according to Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga.
Speaking virtually at the Zambia/Netherlands Trade and Investment Forum held in the Hague, Netherlands, Mulenga emphasized Zambia’s openness to business ventures. He highlighted opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures, and direct investments, assuring a supportive environment for private sector growth.
The Minister also addressed the ongoing drought, declared a national disaster by President Hakainde Hichilema. He explained government efforts to mitigate its effects through investments in alternative renewable energy, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and technology.
The Business Forum, attracting over 50 Dutch investors from sectors like agriculture, energy, finance, transport & logistics, and waste management, was organized by the Netherlands Africa Business Council (NABC) in collaboration with the Zambian Embassy in Belgium and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA).
In his opening remarks, Zambian Ambassador to Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg (BENELUX), His Excellency Mr. Sylvester Mundanda, emphasized Zambia’s continued peace, macroeconomic stability, and policies promoting economic growth. He pointed to President Hichilema’s focus on private sector participation as a key driver.
The longstanding relationship between Zambia and the Netherlands, established nearly 60 years ago, was also highlighted by Ambassador Mundanda.
Further strengthening this partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the event. The MoU, between ZDA and NABC, aims to foster collaboration and investment promotion between the two nations. Mr. Chimuka Nketani, Director of Investment at ZDA, and Ms. Rosmarijn Fens, Managing Director of NABC, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.
The Netherlands’ continued positive relations with Zambia were reaffirmed by Mr. Jelte van Wieren, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He pointed to the presence of over 30 Dutch companies already operating in Zambia.
During his presentation, Mr. Nketani showcased investment opportunities in Zambia’s priority sectors. He highlighted the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination, citing its recent ranking as the third most attractive in Africa. Additionally, he emphasized recent government policy reforms that position the private sector as a leading force in the economy.
The forum saw Dutch investors express interest in partnering with Zambian businesses on projects like water harvesting through dam construction for irrigation and livestock, renewable energy, and waste management.
