- The three programmes focus on improving Zambia’s education and health systems, increasing green energy and enhancing food security.
- It will help Zambia address barriers to public health and boost the pharmaceutical sector’s development.
Yesterday in Lusaka, Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen announced the resumption of budget support for Zambia and launched three programmes worth €110 million under Global Gateway. The announcement was made alongside President Hakainde Hichilema and Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane. The three programmes focus on improving Zambia’s education and health systems, increasing green energy and enhancing food security.
Commissioner Urpilainen and Minister Musokotwane also announced the intention of the EU and Zambia to launch negotiations for a Memorandum of Understanding on a strategic partnership on sustainable critical raw materials value chains. The three EU programmes worth €110 million focus on the following:
The EU’s new €60 million budget support allocation to Zambia comes on top of the initial €299 million cooperation budget in Multiannual Indicative Programming (2021-2024). The new grant marks the resumption of budget support for Zambia, and it will be used to improve education and health sectors in particular. It will enhance access to inclusive and quality education at primary and secondary levels. It will help Zambia address barriers to public health and boost the pharmaceutical sector’s development.
The EU will invest €30 million in a critical infrastructure providing clean energy to Zambia and Zimbabwe. It represents one-third of Zambia’s and half of Zimbabwe’s power generation capacity. Previously, the EU has made a €83.5 million financial commitment to the Kariba Dam rehabilitation project. Today’s new allocation will help finance the cost of additional works identified during the project’s first phase. The project is expected to conclude next year.
The Global Gateway stands for sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet. It helps to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change to improving health systems and boosting the competitiveness and security of global supply chains. Supported by €150 billion in EU investment between 2021-2027, Global Gateway EU-Africa Investment Package aims to support Africhelp strong, inclusive, green and digital recovery and transformation. Together, the EU will support our partner countries to achieve this by:
- Accelerating the green transition
- Accelerating the digital transition
- Accelerating sustainable growth and decent job creation
- Strengthening health systems
- Improving education and training
The package will be delivered through Team Europe initiatives, bringing together the EU, its Member States and European financial institutions to support transformational projects jointly identified in priority areas