The Rwandan government has donated 1,000 metric tons of relief maize to Zambia in response to the country’s emergency food aid appeal.
Rwanda is the latest bilateral donor to respond to Zambia’s international appeal for aid made in February after a severe drought devastated crops, threatening nearly 10 million people with hunger.
Speaking as Guest of Honour during the commemoration of Rwanda’s 30th Kwibohora (Liberation) and its 62nd Independence Day in Lusaka, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Elias Mubanga, said the gesture signifies the strong ties of cooperation between Zambia and Rwanda.
Mubanga said, “This act of generosity is a testament to the spirit of African unity and solidarity.”
He said the partnership between Zambia and Rwanda has opened up doors for citizens to learn from each other, to innovate, and to grow.
“We have seen the fruits of our commitment and cooperation in various fields, including in the area of trade, education and healthcare. By working together, we are building a foundation for a prosperous future.”
Rwanda’s First High Commissioner to Zambia, Emmanuel Bugingo said his country has made significant progress in rebuilding its infrastructure and economy. “Rwanda’s economy has grown at an average annual GDP growth rate of 7.8% in the last two decades,” he said.
In February, President Hakainde Hichilema declared a national disaster requiring emergency assistance towards food and imports following widespread acute drought in 84 of the country’s 116 districts.
The El Nino weather conditions experienced during the last farming season, saw huge areas across the country experience uncharacteristic sweltering temperatures, and reduced rainfall, leaving swathes of ruined crops in the aftermath.
The drought, said to be the worst in over 60 years, has cast a shadow on Zambia’s plans to become a regional food basket as the country grapples with exacerbating food shortages and a crippling electricity crisis.
Zambia has since started to receive various forms of drought support from multilateral financing institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the European Union. The United Nations and its partners have similarly launched a US$228 million appeal to assist 4.6 million Zambians between May and December 2024.
The government is implementing interventions to cushion the impact of the drought, which include delivering food relief to affected populations through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.
The government has also commenced direct emergency sales of the staple food to vulnerable communities in drought affected areas through the Food Reserve Agency, which is responsible for administering national strategic food stocks.
Last month, the Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane presented a K41.9 billion supplementary budget to provide lifesaving and early recovery assistance to millions of Zambians severely affected by the drought.
