MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo says Vice President of the United States of America Ms Kamala Harris is today expected to embark on her official visit to Zambia from today to 1st April 2023, accompanied by the Second Gentleman, Mr Douglas Emhoff.

Mr Kakubo said Vice President Harris will hold a bilateral meeting with President Hichilema, which will focus on important matters of mutual interest at bilateral, regional, and global levels, including democracy, food security, and sustainable economic growth.

He said the Vice President’s visit will serve to advance US efforts to expand assistance to Zambia in accessing the digital economy, supporting climate change adaptation and resilience, and strengthening business ties and investment, including through innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment of women.

“President Hichilema has been driving the country’s bold and ambitious economic development agenda, and this visit will solidify Zambia’s partnership with the United States, while exploring new areas of cooperation in identified sectors that will accrue tangible benefits to the people of Zambia,” he said.

Mr Kakubo said the increased high-level visits by foreign leaders and dignitaries to Zambia serve as a testament to the renewed confidence the international community has in the country’s current leadership.

“These visits are crucial and demonstrate Zambia’s standing as a preferred investment destination. The country is open to collaborative partnerships, and the international community has shown willingness to work with the government in various areas such as health, education, agriculture, mining, water and sanitation, energy, and tourism,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Friday, 31st March, 2023)

MOVEMENT for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) president Nevers Mumba says the discussion and debate on democracy is long overdue and has since commended the co-hosting of the summit in Zambia.

He has however advised the western world not to use democracy as a pipeline to impose certain values against the country’s norms.
Dr Mumba has since challenged the western world to respect the county’s cultural, religious, christian and social values.
The politician, who is also a former vice president, said during the sidelines of the summit, there is a lot of business with the western world to help propel development and that is why the business should not be hindered by other agendas.

“We think the discussion and debate on democracy is long overdue. Africa is ready to take on this debate. What we are against is interference from the western world or anywhere. We do not want democracy to be used as a pipeline to impose certain values. If this continues, there will be a huge divorce from the pipeline,” he said.

Dr Mumba said a strong partnership with the western world will continue but that they should respect the country’s cultural values.

“We have a lot of business of Democracy and we remain committed, but we do not want anything to come in between that,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th March, 2023)

VICE President Mutale Nalumango says if the voice of democracy is to succeed, collaboration and networking should continue beyond the summit.

Ms Nalumango has since implored participants of the Summit for Democracy that if the mantle of Democracy is to be flown high, the promises made at the Second Summit for Democracy should be delivered.

Speaking during the closing of the second Summit for Democracy today, the Vice  President said progress should be shown on what has been agreed at the Summit.

“The summit has resulted in concrete commitments for Democracy. Let us endeavour for democratic governance. As Africa countries, we have made commitment for democracy. We have a collective responsibility to deliver. Let us continue networking, collaborating and deliver on the promises from the summit,” she said.

And USAID Assistant Administration for Africa Monde Muyangwa said  if Democracy is to succeed, there must be collective efforts from all stakeholders.

“Democracy is not easy, but we have no shied away. The discussions have been inspiring. I leave here inspired by strong and unwaivering beliefs for democracy. I am inspired by the willingness to deepen democracy,” she said.

She further added by encouraging African leaders that the path to democracy is not always easy and that is why they should be encouraged by such summits whose aim is to push forward democracy.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th March, 2023)