Italy to help Zambia respond to climate change challenges
By Masauso Mkwayaya
Italy has engaged Zambia over climate-related projects, to be funded from the over 4-billion Euros Italian National Climate Fund.
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Development Cooperation Director General, STEFANO GATTI says the Climate Fund is the largest national fund in the world.
Speaking during a courtesy call on President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA at State House in Lusaka today, Mr GATTI said Zambia has been identified as a new priority development partner.
Mr GATTI said Italy is ready to fund climate projects in Zambia once the two countries agree on the activities that need financing.
At the same meeting, President HICHILEMA thanked Italy for the longstanding cooperation with Zambia dating back to the independence era.
President HICHILEMA acknowledged that climate change has become a threat for many countries, adding that Zambia is already grappling with its effects, particularly drought, which has threatened food and energy security.
He also appreciated Italy’s pledge to invest 300 million Euros in the development of the Lobito Corridor, highlighting its significance in creating connectivity from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean.
