–Zambia and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their over 50-year partnership, pledging to deepen cooperation based on mutual respect, democracy and shared development aspirations. This came to light during the Extraordinary EU-Zambia Partnership Dialogue held at the…

–Zambia and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their over 50-year partnership, pledging to deepen cooperation based on mutual respect, democracy and shared development aspirations.

This came to light during the Extraordinary EU-Zambia Partnership Dialogue held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

The Dialogue was convened at the request of the Zambian Government to address issues arising from the August 2026 General Elections, the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) Final Report, and future cooperation under the Grow Zambia Agenda.

The Zambian delegation was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, while the EU delegation was led by Director for Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Francesca Di Mauro, and Head of the EU Delegation to Zambia and COMESA, Ms Karolina Stasiak.

In his remarks at the event, Mr Haimbe noted that Zambia places great value on its partnership with the EU and remains committed to ensuring that the relationship continues to deliver tangible benefits for both sides.

 Mr Haimbe called on the EU to remain a strategic partner in supporting investment, market access, skills transfer, technology, as well as enhanced private sector participation.

He acknowledged the value of the EOM findings but stressed that the Government should be accorded an opportunity to formally consider and provide its observations on the Final Report prior to its public release.

“Engagement on the matter should be guided by mutual respect, transparency and Zambia’s national legal framework and Constitution”, said Mr Haimbe.

Meanwhile, Ms Di Mauro congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election for a second term and welcomed the appointment of the new Cabinet.

Ms Di Mauro said the EU-Zambia partnership must remain grounded in shared values of democracy, transparency, rule of law and human rights, noting that democracy globally is being tested and cannot be taken for granted.

She explained that the EU deployed the EOM at Zambia’s invitation and that the Chief Observer was in Zambia last week to present the Final Report to the Government and stakeholders.

Ms Di Mauro said the EU stands ready to support the implementation of recommendations from the EU and other observer missions, and raised concerns shared by international and domestic stakeholders regarding the electoral process, civic space, and political environment, access to justice, transparency and fundamental freedoms.

“Electoral grievances should be addressed with transparency through a fair and impartial judicial process, in full respect of constitutional rights,” Ms Di Mauro said.

Ms Di Mauro commended the Grow Zambia Agenda, saying the EU is already supporting it through the Global Gateway Strategy, with Team Europe providing over €200 million per year to Zambia.

On multilateral cooperation, both sides agreed that there can be no development without peace and stability, with Ms Di Mauro reaffirming that the EU will remain a reliable and long-term partner to Zambia.

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