Zambia Embassy Brussels

01/06/2026

Zambia Celebrates Unity through Culture, Heritage, and Cuisine

On May 25th, Zambia proudly joined the continent to commemorate Africa Day 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. Organized by the African Union (AU) at the Tangala Hotel, it was a magnificent display of African unity, diplomacy, and community.

One of the absolute highlights? The incredible exchange of traditional cuisine! Every nation brought its finest flavors to the table, and Zambia did its part brilliantly, sharing our rich culinary heritage with guests from all over the world.

Watch the video below for a taste of the celebrations, the community, and the flavors that brought us all together!

26/05/2026

ZAMBIA SHOWCASES CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AT AFRICA DAY 2026 IN BRUSSELS

BRUSSELS – 26 May 2027. The Embassy of the Republic of Zambia to the BENELUX countries and the Permanent Mission to the European Union successfully participated in the 2026 Africa Day celebrations, organized by the African Union (AU) on 25th May 2026 at the Tangala Hotel in Brussels.

The Zambian delegation was led by the Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Charles Maboshe, accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Joyce Maboshe, alongside diplomatic staff and members of the Zambian diaspora.

This year’s celebrations were held under the continental theme focusing on "Ensuring sustainable availability of water and safe sanitation system to achieve the goals of agenda 2063." Activities commenced with a high-level morning seminar dedicated to addressing Africa's water infrastructure, resource management, and sanitation challenges. The seminar concluded with a collective call for African nations and international partners to strengthen cooperation, unity, and sustainable development strategies for the benefit of the continent's population.

Following the diplomatic seminar, the cultural exhibition provided a platform to promote Zambia’s rich heritage and culinary tourism. The Zambian pavilion featured a traditional Amatebeto feast, meticulously prepared by the culinary committee of diplomatic spouses and staff. The exhibition showcased authentic Zambian foods, including busala (edible wild root), kapenta, ifishimu (caterpillars), village chicken, oxtail, ifimbombo (cattle-trotters) and local organic vegetables such as ubondwe, r**e, and okra, drawing significant interest from the international community and diplomatic corps.

Speaking after the event, Mr. Maboshe expressed profound gratitude to the diplomatic staff, and the Zambian diaspora in Belgium and the wider BENELUX region for their dedication and patriotism. He noted that their collective commitment and mobilization ensured that Zambia’s participation was a resounding success, effectively enhancing the nation's cultural and bilateral visibility in the capital of Europe.

Issued by the Embassy the Republic of Zambia BENELUX Countries.

16/05/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA WELCOMES IMF MISSION FINDINGS AS ZAMBIA’S RECOVERY IS CONFIRMED

LUSAKA ZAMBIA - 15 May 2026. President Hakainde Hichilema has welcomed the statement issued yesterday by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the conclusion of its mission to Zambia. He described the findings as independent confirmation of the disciplined economic stewardship his administration has pursued since taking office.

The IMF mission, led by Mr. Edward Gemayel, concluded a two-week visit to Lusaka on 13 May 2026 and confirmed that Zambia has made substantial progress in restoring macroeconomic stability:

1. Inflation has returned to the Bank of Zambia’s 6–8 percent target band, falling to 6.8 percent in April 2026.

2. Gross international reserves have been rebuilt to USD 6.4 billion—equivalent to 4.4 months of import cover, the strongest position in a generation.

3. The primary fiscal balance recorded a surplus of 3.1 percent of GDP in 2025.

4. Debt restructuring agreements now cover approximately 94 percent of the restructuring perimeter, closing a chapter that held the country back for years.

These are not abstract numbers. They are the foundations on which Zambian families can plan, traders can price, and farmers can invest.

The President also noted the Fund’s observations on the challenges ahead, including pressures from the conflict in the Middle East and the cost of cushioning Zambians against rising global fuel prices.

The Government has been transparent about these pressures from the outset and welcomes the Fund’s continued engagement as discussions on a successor programme advance. And we have put measures to ease the impact of fuel prices on our people.

Those discussions, the IMF confirmed, are already well underway and will resume with the next Government following the August elections—a clear signal of international confidence in Zambia’s direction of travel.

President Hichilema thanked Mr. Gemayel and his team for their constructive engagement. He also paid tribute to the Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane; Bank of Zambia Governor, Dr. Denny Kalyalya; and senior officials across Government whose work made these results possible.

The President is under no illusion that the job is finished. Much more work remains to build the Zambia we all want. He urged Zambians to continue working on the path of prosperity amidst challenges of the past.

Together, let’s deliver Zambia’s harvest.

Clayson Hamasaka
Chief Communications Specialist
State House

[Pictures of President Hakainde HICHILEMA during the last Cabinet meeting at the State House]

15/05/2026

"I am very happy to have served (as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) these two years," say Mulambo Haimbe SC.

15/05/2026

12/05/2026

BIG DIPLOMATIC STEP FOR ZAMBIA IN BRUSSELS

Zambia has secured full accreditation to EU institutions after Ambassador Chirwa presented Letters of Credence to European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 6 May 2026. This rare dual accreditation reflects Zambia’s whole-of-government approach and strengthens ties with the EU — our third-largest trading partner. As Ambassador Chirwa noted, the focus is clear: “We are advancing President Hichilema’s vision of a Zambia that prioritizes trade over aid,” boosting access for Zambian copper, critical minerals, and agriculture to the EU’s 450 million-strong market while driving local jobs and green growth under the Global Gateway. 🇿🇲🇪🇺

12/05/2026

ZAMBIA SECURES FULL ACCREDITATION TO EU INSTITUTIONS

As Zambia’s Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to both European Council and European Commission.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – 11 May 2026 – Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the European Union and BENELUX countries, officially presented her Letters of Credence to H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

The ceremony, which included thirteen other newly accredited Ambassadors, marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s diplomatic engagement with the European Union (EU). During the presentation, the Ambassador conveyed warm greetings and goodwill from His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, to the EU leadership. Zambia becomes one of the few countries accredited to both European Counci and European Commission.

In an interview on Friday, 8 May 2026, Ambassador Chirwa stated that her accreditation aligns with the core pillars of Zambia’s foreign policy: chief among them economic diplomacy, non-alignment, and the promotion of peace and sustainable development.

"The EU is Zambia’s third-largest trading partner and a vital source of investment, technology, and development cooperation. My mandate is to strengthen the bridge for Zambian copper, critical raw minerals, and agricultural products to access the EU single market of over 450 million customers. We are advancing President Hichilema’s vision of a Zambia that prioritizes trade over aid or handouts," said Ambassador Chirwa.

The Ambassador’s dual accreditation signals a "whole-of-government" approach to the EU. This will facilitate high-level political dialogue on debt sustainability and global security, while driving technical cooperation under the EU Global Gateway. This initiative ensures Zambia’s critical minerals, such as copper and cobalt, drive the global green transition while fostering local industrialization and job creation.

Following the formal ceremony, the Ambassador engaged in networking sessions with international peers at a diplomatic cocktail reception. She noted a high level of respect for Zambia’s leadership and its current economic recovery path. Some diplomats remarked on the rapid progress made since the 2021 elections, noting that as Zambia heads toward the August 2026 polls, the impact of the New Dawn Government’s policies remains a global point of interest.

"It was enlightening to hear fellow African diplomats acknowledge Zambia’s peaceful standing and steady economic recovery. There is global recognition of the policies that have saved the country from economic collapse and set us on an admirable trajectory of growth. This reinforces our resolve that Zambia is on the right track with the right leadership," Ambassador Chirwa remarked.

The Ambassador pledged to work tirelessly to elevate Zambia-EU relations to new heights for the benefit of both regions. Furthermore, the Ambassador highlighted “people-to-people” programs, including Erasmus+ and the integration of Zambian SMEs into European supply chains.

Issued by the Embassy of Zambia, BENELUX

06/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1L5HVEYCXV/

Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon Mulambo Haimbe SC., MP on BBC

02/05/2026

AFRICA POLITICAL OUTLOOK

Opening Keynote address by Mr. Mulambo Haimbe SC., MP Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

26th March 2026, at the African Museum - Brussels, Belgium

Verbatim - Thank you very much. Am I audible? Thank you, thank you very much. It's a great honor to be here this afternoon to deliver a few remarks in the presence of His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera, the former president of the Republic of Malawi, a country which happens to be our neighbour to the East.

We were one country at some point (Rhodesia and Nyasaland) in the past, before we gained independence in 1965. It’s a real honour.

Let me also recognize the Chairman and the Board of the Africa Political Outlook (APO). Allow me to recognize the distinguished commissioners, honorable ministers, heads of delegations, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I also want to thank, very quickly; the panelists for the session that just ended for their very insightful submissions and, of course, for the conversation that we have had. I would ask of you to please give them another round of applause.

Africa enters this moment not as a continent waiting to be invited into global transformation, but as a core architect of the world's economic and governance future. Under the banner, “Forces of the Future,” we gathered to convert momentum into measurable action, anchored in Africa's demographic dynamism, expanding regional markets, and rising geopolitical importance in the global energy transition.

Excellencies, Africa holds 30% of the world’s critical minerals, including cobalt, copper, manganese, rare-earth, and platinum group metals; resources essential to clean energy technologies and the digital economy.

The African Union (AU) views these materials as catalysts for industrialization, economic sovereignty, and leadership in the global energy transition, guided by the African Green Mineral Strategy, which aims to coordinate mineral-producing countries, promote beneficiation, and shift Africa from exporting raw materials to adding value domestically.

This vision underpins the AU's plans to establish a coalition of African critical mineral producers to strengthen cooperation in production, refining, and monetization, while enhancing climate-resilient development and continental bargaining power.

The AU’s message is clear: Africa's mineral wealth must no longer leave the continent unprocessed. Zambia has aligned fully with this vision. We have introduced regulatory reforms, revived large-scale mining assets, modernized our mineral governance systems, and invested significantly in geological mapping.

The Zambia-DRC Value Chain MoU stands as a concrete milestone, advancing joint beneficiation, regional value addition, and Africa owned path to green industrialization. The global green transition simply cannot succeed without Africa! we contribute the least to climate change yet we bear the harshest consequences. Our nationally determined contributions commit us to emissions reduction and climate resilience, but these commitments require technology transfer, predictable climate finance, and equitable participation in carbon markets.

Zambia is expanding its renewable energy, opening access to Electricity markets and digitalizing our grid. What we ask is straightforward but urgent! On our climate finance commitments, scale investments in green energy corridors and support Africa's right to industrialize sustainably.

Excellencies, we are witnessing a convergence of irreversible forces reshaping governance, economics, and diplomacy across Africa. Demographic dynamism and rapid urbanization, combined with a median age of 19 and half years, make Africa the only major region whose working-age population will still be expanding in 2040.

At the same time, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) unites 55 countries into the world's largest free trade area, encompassing 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of US$ 3.4 trillion.

Infrastructure remains the bloodstream of Africa's economic emergence. The AU’s Agenda 2016 and Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) highlight the centrality of regional connectivity.

Zambia is advancing this vision through the Lobito Corridor, the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA); the modernization of the North-South Corridor, and the upgraded One-Stop border post at Kazungula, Chirundu, Nakonde- Tunduma with a view to advancing into non-stop border posts.

These are not aspirations; they are functioning arteries, enabling intra-Africa trade and linking our continent to global markets. Africa calls on global partners to prioritize co-investment in transboundary infrastructure rather than fragmented projects that perpetuate dependency.

Excellencies, reforming the global financial architecture is no longer a moral plea; it is an economic necessity. Africa cannot finance its transformation under systems that penalize developing economies with high borrowing fees and limited access to long-term capital.

The AU common position calls for fairer multilateral lending rules, the re-channeling of special drawing rights and governance reforms at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Zambia’s successful Debt Restructure; savings US$ 7.6 billion by 2026, has enabled us to present the 2026 national budget with a fiscal deficit target of just 2.1% of GDP the lowest since 2011; alongside projected real GDP growth of 6.4%. This shows what is possible when global systems work; but it also expresses how slow and unequal current processes remain.

Excellencies, the choice before us is no longer between assistance versus investment. It is an extractive partnership versus co-owned ecosystems. Europe’s Global Gateway, the Africa-EU joint Vision for 2030, multilateral institutions, and private capital can become big, historic partners. But only if they decisively shift from assistance to co-investment.

This co-investment must be Africa-led; projects that uphold sovereignty and deliver shared prosperity.

To African governments, the post-aid era demands stronger domestic governance. We must deliver security, democratic legitimacy, and inclusive prosperity.

To multilateral institutions, upcoming quarter reviews must reflect today’s realities. Africa must be treated as an equal shareholder in institutions that govern the global future.

Zambia is already translating commitments into institutions. In May, Lusaka will host the Right.Con 2026 the world’s premier summit on digital rights and governance, affirming our leadership in digital sovereignty and inviting global partners to co-create enduring solutions. We stand ready to welcome institutional investors and European partners to engage directly with bankable sovereign projects that generate shared returns.

Excellencies, as I draw to a conclusion of my remarks. I'd like to say that as Africa enters a post-debt era, our partnerships must evolve. They must evolve from assistance to investment rooted in sovereignty, shared prosperity, and mutual respect, as I've already alluded to.

Zambia’s foreign policy, anchored on peace, security, stability, and economic diplomacy, embodies this paradigm. We champion peaceful resolution of conflicts in the Great Lakes region and around the globe, uphold democracy, and continue creating an environment conducive to responsible investment and strong value chains.

To Africa our call is clear. We must strengthen governance, deepen and promote regional integration, safeguard peace and constitutional order, and harness our demographic and mineral advantages with unity and purpose.

To the world, our message is equally clear. Align with Africa's transformation; invest in Africa-led value chains, support fair global financial reforms, honour climate commitments, and engage Africa as an equal partner, not a beneficiary.

Let this gathering be remembered not as another forum of declarations but as a turning point, where Africa and his partners moved from ambition to implementation, from potential to power, from rhetoric to results. Zambia stands ready. Africa stands ready. The future is not approaching; the future is here, and it is African.

Merci beaucoup
Asante sana
Dzikomo kwambiri
Thank you very much.

Issues by the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, BENELUX Countries - 2 May 2026

Opening Keynote - Hon. Mulambo H. Haimbe (Grand Dialogue: co-building the Great Realignment)

29/04/2026

KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS RECEIVES LETTERS OF CREDENCE FROM ZAMBIAN AMBASSADOR

His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands received the Letters of Credence from H.E. Mary Chirwa, Zambia's Ambassador to the BENELUX Countries, the European Union, and International Organisations, in a formal ceremony held at the Royal Palace in The Hague on 8th April 2026.

Ambassador Chirwa described the occasion as "a great honour and privilege," expressing gratitude to His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema for the trust and opportunity to serve the people and the Republic of Zambia in this capacity.

The ceremony was marked by full diplomatic honours, including the playing of the Zambian national anthem upon the arrival of the Ambassador and her delegation at the royal court. This was a powerful symbol of Zambia's sovereignty and the esteem in which bilateral relations between the two nations are held.

During her audience with His Majesty King Williem-Alexamder, Ambassador Chirwa underscored smart agriculture and water resource management as sectors central to Zambia's development priorities and ongoing economic recovery. These are areas in which the Netherlands holds recognised global expertise and where meaningful cooperation is anticipated.

The formal presentation of credentials opens a new chapter in Zambia-Netherlands relations, with strategic opportunities identified in trade, investment, and public-private partnerships for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia to the BENELUX Countries.