Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, visited the Zambia High Commission in Accra, Ghana, yesterday where he praised the staff for their tireless efforts in maintaining strong bilateral relations with Ghana. He emphasized the importance of Zambian missions abroad adhering to the country’s foreign policy, which is focused on economic diplomacy.
Mr Mweetwa highlighted that the economic diplomacy initiated by President Hakainde Hichilema is making a significant impact, helping to set the nation on a path of economic recovery. He reiterated the President’s insistence that Zambian diplomats actively promote the country’s investment opportunities and natural resources to enhance the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
The Minister noted that efforts to attract investments across various sectors, including mining and manufacturing, are yielding results. He pointed to the revival of Shaft 28 in Luanshya, which is being prepared for operation by a Chinese firm after being closed for over two decades. Additionally, Mopani and KCM, previously on the brink of closure, are now operational, with significant investments ensuring timely payments to suppliers and contractors.
Mr Mweetwa mentioned that local councils in the Copperbelt have also benefited, managing to pay retirees who had long awaited their funds. Other notable developments include the reopening of Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe and the establishment of a lithium battery manufacturing plant in Chibombo. These achievements are attributed to President Hichilema’s engagements abroad.
Despite inheriting substantial debt and facing challenges such as
drought, the minister reaffirmed the President’s commitment to guiding the country toward stability and economic recovery. He emphasized that the government is implementing various measures to alleviate hardship, ensuring that no citizen suffers from starvation. Initiatives such as increased social cash transfers and food assistance programs are part of this effort.
Looking ahead, the government encourages farmers to prepare their fields for the upcoming 2024/2025 farming season, with anticipated good rains promising a return to food surplus status. Inputs for farmers, particularly those benefiting from the Fertiliser Input Support Programme (FISP), are already being distributed across the country.
In terms of anti-corruption efforts, Mr Mweetwa reported substantial progress, asserting that the government remains committed to ensuring public resources benefit the majority of Zambians. He noted the recovery of millions of kwacha and properties linked to crime, countering criticism that the President’s anti-corruption campaign is ineffective.
The is currently in Accra to attend the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2024 Global Conference, which opens tomorrow. Zambia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Daniel Mahongo, reiterated the warm relations between the two countries, noting increased investor interest in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing since President Hichilema’s last visit. He urged concerned ministries to expedite the implementation of several Memoranda of Understanding signed during that visit to strengthen trade and business ties.
