Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Ministry of Finance has expressed its deepest sorrow on the passing of Dr. Freddie Kwesiga, who was the African Development Bank’s Resident Representative to Zambia, who died after short illness in Nairobi where he had travelled for medical treatment.
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda says during the six years of service in Zambia, Dr. Kwesiga has been instrumental in leading the Bank’s contribution to supporting the Government’s development agenda which extensively covered support to agriculture, infrastructure, energy and other poverty reducing initiatives.
Mr Chikwanda says Dr. Kwesiga made it his personal ambition to contribute to the transformation of lives, especially for the poor and marginalized, through the African Development Bank by supporting and facilitating processes that empower them with resources, knowledge, skills, voice and confidence.
He adds that Dr Kwesiga has also been instrumental in mitigating the negative effects of poverty, food and fuel insecurity caused by environmental degradation through projects such as the climate resilience project in the river basins of Western Province and in Itezhi-Tezhi in Central Province.
Mr Chikwanda says it is during Dr. Kwesiga’s tour of duty that Zambia was reclassified as a blend country being able to borrow both African Development Fund concessional and non-concessional resources.
He says the Zambian government will miss his services and commitment to the African Development Bank and through the Bank, his contributions to the welfare of the People of Zambia.
Mr Chikwanda has on behalf of the people and Government of Zambia, extended heartfelt condolences to his wife, and the President and staff of the African Development Bank on the loss Dr Kwesiga, describing him as a rare breed.