The European Union (EU) and Zambia are celebrating 50 years of partnership, a relationship that has continued to create opportunities in trade, value addition, job creation and economic development for the Zambian people.
Speaking in an interview with Kuchalo, EU Ambassador to Zambia, Carolina Stasiak said the EU remains committed to supporting various sectors of Zambia’s economy as the country works towards strengthening its economic potential despite being landlocked.
Ms Stasiak noted that the EU and its member states collectively provide about 140 million Euros annually to Zambia in support of development programmes and economic growth.
“We are a good partner to Zambia. Together with our member states, we provide 140 million Euros every year to support different sectors in the country,” she said.
She added that the EU has also become an important partner in promoting democracy in Zambia, particularly through election observation missions. Ms Stasiak explained that the Zambian government has once again invited the EU to observe the electoral process, with confirmation from Brussels still pending.
The ambassador further stressed the importance of engaging young people, noting that nearly two-thirds of Zambia’s population is under the age of 25.
“Zambia is a young nation and we want to reflect this in our policies. That is why we value engagements such as the EU-Zambia Sounding Board, which gives young people an opportunity to participate and share ideas,” she said.
Meanwhile, a beneficiary of the EU Scholarship Programme, Ruth Nawaki praised the EU for giving her a life-changing opportunity through education.
Ms Nawaki said the scholarship not only helped advance her studies but also exposed her to different cultures and experiences.
She encouraged other young Zambians to take advantage of opportunities provided through European Union initiatives, saying they have the potential to transform lives and broaden perspectives.
Picture: EU and Zambian delegates