Zambia appeals to Britain for Zimbabwe sanctions’ ease

Zambia has appealed to Britain to relax economic sanctions against neighbouring Zimbabwe, saying the sanctions were also negatively affecting Zambia’s growth ambitions.


Finance Minister, Alexander Chikwanda said this in Lusaka when he met United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening for bilateral discussions focused on expanding existing relations between Zambia and Britain.

“We are appealing to Britain to help some of our neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, our economies in this region are inter-linked, when there is a problem there, it spills over to us,” Chikwanda stated.
The minister also commended Britain for its continued support to Zambia, said the African country needed to be self-reliant and could not continue depending on aid.

“We need to grow our economy and reduce donor dependence. Your visiting shows the cordiality of relations between Britain and Zambia,” the minister said.

Greening disclosed that several investment windows would open to woo increased investment from the United Kingdom.

She said two trade delegations would soon visit Zambia to look at investment opportunities while an international investment meeting was scheduled for London to help drive Britain investment to Zambia.

NAN