President Hakainde Hichilema has called for a comprehensive economic partnership between Zambia and Switzerland aimed at accelerating economic growth through increased investment, trade, technology transfer and value addition.
Speaking when a Swiss economic mission led by State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Artieda paid a courtesy call at State House, President Hichilema says Zambia is keen to deepen its longstanding bilateral relations with Switzerland and create a more favourable environment for investors from both countries.
President Hichilema noted that Zambia has made progress in stabilising its economy following the challenges it faced in 2021 and is now shifting its focus towards accelerated economic growth through investment and trade.
He urged Swiss businesses to explore opportunities beyond copper and cobalt mining, highlighting Zambia’s potential in other minerals, including manganese, nickel, lithium and rare earth elements, as well as agriculture and commodity production.
The President further emphasised the need for local processing and value addition, stating that Zambia could leverage Switzerland’s technological expertise, capital and international trading networks to increase production, create employment and expand access to international markets.
He haw also called for a partnership model in which Zambian and Swiss businesses invest together, saying joint investments would strengthen mutual interests and provide greater confidence for investors.
Meanwhile, Ms Artieda reaffirmed Switzerland’s interest in strengthening economic cooperation with Zambia, describing the two countries as potential partners in investment, technology and the transition to a climate-friendly economy.
She says Swiss companies could contribute through innovation, technical expertise and investment that creates jobs for local communities, adding that Switzerland was keen to explore opportunities in Zambia’s mineral sector and other areas of mutual interest.
The proposed partnership is expected to provide a framework for deeper economic cooperation, strengthen trade relations and support Zambia’s ambition to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
