LUSAKA, Aug 3 — Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye attended the 96th Lusaka Agricultural and Commercial Show, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing agriculture and trade between their nations.
The leaders toured the exhibition grounds, which featured displays of agricultural products, innovations, and services. During the opening ceremony, Ndayishimiye expressed gratitude to Hichilema for the invitation and lauded the show as a vital platform for promoting agriculture and trade. He underscored the need for sustainable use of Africa’s natural resources and called for new strategies to tackle climate change and improve food security.
Ndayishimiye highlighted Burundi’s focus on agriculture, including a national fertilizer subsidy program that has increased production. He also expressed optimism that the event would strengthen cooperation between Zambia and Burundi, fostering beneficial partnerships.
Hichilema praised Ndayishimiye for his efforts to maintain peace and stability in Burundi, noting its importance for regional development. He addressed Zambia’s ongoing drought issues, detailing measures such as resource realignment, climate-smart agriculture, and improved irrigation techniques to counteract its effects.
The visit included bilateral talks at State House on August 1, resulting in six Memoranda of Understanding covering commerce, trade, and agriculture. On August 2, Ndayishimiye spoke to the Zambian National Assembly and toured SeedCo, a Pan-African seed company based in Lusaka. The visit concluded on August 3.
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