Haimbe Tells UN: Zambia Is at Peace, Open for Partnership and Ready to Grow

Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Mulambo Haimbe has delivered Zambia's National Statement to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. He presented the country as a stable, peaceful partner for investment and called for a fairer global system for developing nations.

Speaking on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema, Hon. Haimbe addressed the recent general elections directly. "Our democratic process should never be mistaken for conflict or instability," he said. He described Zambia as a peaceful, stable and sovereign nation, and thanked citizens and international observers for their part in the election.

He invited investors to look to Zambia, pointing to opportunities in mining, critical minerals, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, tourism and digital services. The aim, he said, is to move beyond exporting raw materials towards value addition, industrialisation and job creation. "Come to Zambia. Invest with us. Produce with us. Trade with us. Grow with us," he told the Assembly.

The Minister also called for affordable development and climate finance. He argued that countries which have contributed least to climate change should not bear its greatest costs, and that high borrowing costs and debt continue to hold developing countries back.

He highlighted progress at home, including the Free Education Act, higher health spending, and a fall in child marriage from 29% to 23.9% in four years.

He closed with a clear message for the world: "Zambia is at peace, Zambia is open for partnership, and Zambia is ready to grow."