Zambia’s relationship with EU in 2016 described as fruitful

EU describes its relation with Zambia in 2016 as fruitful

The European Union (EU) has described its 2016 development relations with Zambia as very fruitful.

EU Ambassador to Zambia Alessandro Mariani says this is demonstrated by the financial support his union has been able to render to Zambia.

Mr. Mariani notes that by the end of 2016, for example, the EU will have up to 105 million Euros of new programs in energy in the Country.

He says out of this 40 million Euros was signed in November for renewable energies and that 65 million Euros was also approved for the Lusaka Transmission and Distribution.

Mr. Mariani says this is besides the 5.6 million Euros for the second phase of the Civil Aviation Development Programme and 10 million Euros support to the Ministry of Finance.

He states that the EU therefore thinks that the year 2017 will be a promising year as it begins to support through grants four new projects whose preparation has already reached an advanced stage.

Mr. Mariani says the total value of the grant for the four projects is 167 million Euros and that the projects are in ElectriFi, Public Finance Management, GBV and Agriculture program.