FOREIGN Affairs and Internal Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe has announced that President Hakainde Hichilema’s diplomatic visit to Egypt was a resounding success, resulting in private investment pledges totaling nearly USD$500 million.
Haimbe explained that these funds were to be utilised for a number of important energy projects, including the construction of 200 megawatts solar plants in Kafue and Mongu.
Haimbe revealed that the 200 megawatts of solar energy will be generated through new plants to be established in Kafue and Mongu, anticipating that these facilities will be operational by 2026 and will contribute significantly to Zambia’s energy needs and its transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Haimbe disclosed this when he delivered a ministerial statement in parliament yesterday, on the State visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt undertaken by the President from February 23- 25, 2025.
He highlighted two key areas of collaboration between Zambia and Egypt namely, the expansion of local production of electrical equipment and the development of vital infrastructure in Zambia.
According to Haimbe, the existing partnership between Zesco and Elsewedy Electric would be broadened to involve the local manufacturing of electrical equipment such as transformers and prepaid meters, giving priority to local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as subcontractors, thus promoting the growth and empowerment of Zambian businesses.
Besides the two major collaborations, several other significant agreements were reached, one of which involves the provision of affordable pharmaceutical drugs by the Egyptian government to Zambia.
Haimbe also revealed that there were plans to produce vaccines for diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Anthrax among others.
“This initiative is set to commence with joint research programmes in early 2026, providing a significant boost to the local veterinary sector while also improving the overall health and productivity of Zambia’s livestock,” he said.
He disclosed that the Zambian agricultural sector is set to receive several forms of support from the Egyptian government, such as training in biotechnology, irrigation technologies, and climate-resilient practices to enhance productivity.
The Egyptian International Centre for Agriculture will also provide capacity building arrangements and scholarships to 50 Zambian professionals in the sector over the next three years.
Haimbe further elaborated on the agreements reached between the two countries, disclosing that President Hichilema and President El-Sisi had witnessed the signing of over five Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).
“These MoUs cover a range of areas, with a particular focus on bolstering political cooperation, food security, and agriculture. Through these agreements, the two nations hope to strengthen bilateral ties while enhancing mutual economic development.”
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba July 30, 2025
