Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, has arrived in Rome, Italy, where he is representing President Hakainde Hichilema at the High-Level Meeting on the Mattei Plan and the EU Global Gateway: A Common Effort with the African Continent, scheduled for June 20, 2025.
The meeting is the culmination of a ministerial-level technical session held in Rome on March 27, 2025, during which Zambia was represented by Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali.
Upon arrival, Dr. Musokotwane and his delegation were received by Zambia’s Ambassador to Italy, Her Excellency Patricia Chisanga Kondolo, who commended the government’s commitment to international cooperation and strategic partnerships.
According to a statement issued by the Zambian Embassy in Rome, the Zambian delegation is expected to hold discussions with the Prime Minister of Italy, Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, and the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on the advancement of the Lobito Corridor Project.
The high-level meeting has drawn participation from several African nations, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania, key stakeholders in the Lobito Corridor, as well as major institutions such as the African Union Commission, the World Bank, and the Africa Finance Corporation.
By Christabel Kamunu
