He writes below….
We held separate bilateral meetings with the World Bank President, Mr Ajay Banga, and later the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The talks centred around the need for the swift and comprehensive closure of the remaining aspects of the debt restructuring programme for Zambia.
We expressed gratitude to both institutions for the work done so far in the debt restructuring process and the continued assistance towards Zambia’s budget
We also emphasized the need for prompt resolution of the remaining aspects of the debt restructuring to prevent economic uncertainties as Zambia has so far done its part.
We stressed that delays in Zambia’s case could impact other nations interested in adopting the same framework.
We are grateful to both institutions for appreciating the need to expedite the process so that the country can move into full implementation of real projects in energy, infrastructure, mining, and agriculture.
We are particularly eager to quickly boost agricultural production through mechanisation and irrigation for year-round crop cultivation as a priority for quick wins in rebuilding the economy.
Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia 