Lusaka, August 2, 2024 — Zambia and Burundi have signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in commerce, trade, and agriculture. The signing ceremony followed bilateral talks between Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye at State House in Lusaka on August 1.
President Hichilema expressed gratitude for President Ndayishimiye’s visit and acknowledged the significant progress Burundi has made under his leadership, highlighting its economic growth, peace, and stability. The two nations aim to utilize the shared waters of Lake Tanganyika to connect Burundi to the Lobito and Nacala Corridors, boosting trade within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
To strengthen diplomatic relations, Zambia and Burundi agreed to expedite the opening of embassies in each other’s countries. This initiative is expected to facilitate economic trade and investment, enhancing bilateral ties.
President Hichilema also thanked President Ndayishimiye and the Burundian government for their generous donation of 5,000 metric tonnes of relief food to Zambia in response to a recent drought disaster.
The MoUs were signed by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Internal Security, and Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock.
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