Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, and his counterpart Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri, are currently in Brazil to engage with the Brazilian government on technical collaboration and support for crafting an agricultural development master plan linked to the Lobito Railway Development Corridor
Dr. Musokotwane says the visit aims to facilitate information sharing on boosting economic productivity through agriculture and to attract Brazilian investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, and other sectors.
He says these efforts are part of Zambia’s broader strategy to develop the Lobito Corridor into an investment-friendly economic zone.
“The President guided before departure to elevate economic cooperation between the two countries as he anticipates a friendly eco-system along the corridor that is viable enough top attract investment from anywhere in the world,” said Dr. Musokotwane in a statement issued to RCV News by the Office of the Secretary to the Treasury in Lusaka today.
Meanwhile, Mr. Phiri noted that agriculture is a critical pillar of Zambia’s economy, generating foreign exchange, employment, and income, emphasizing the sector’s ripple effect on manufacturing and value-added industries, citing findings reviewed by the delegation ahead of the visit.
The ministerial duo which was received in Brazil last night by Zambia’s ambassador to Brazil, Glyn Michelo, is accompanied by a multi-skilled team comprising Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, Kasobile Kamwambi, and Permanent Secretary Economic Management and Finance Mulele Mulele among others.
By Margaret Mwanza
