Government says this year alone, Zambia has registered commitment of investment exceeding US$3 billion, the highest ever recorded in a single year.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati disclosed this when he graced the official opening of the 22nd AETAT Congress held in Livingstone under the theme “Diversity and Conversation of African Plants Challenges and Opportunities.”
Mr Mutati said this investment commitment goes to show that Zambia is back in business, with President Hakainde Hichilema leading the march towards elevating investor confidence both locally and overseas.
“We have been told that Zambia is back in business. This year alone, we have commitments of investment exceeding $3 billion that has been registered. Never before has the country registered this in a single year” Mr Mutati said.
The minister said Zambians have a government which they can trust as it is a government for the people, by the people and with the people.
And Mr Mutati said his ministry is aligning itself to the African Union 2063 agenda which seeks not to compromise the needs of future generations by current deeds.
Mr Mutati said this is part of response to President Hichilema’s marching orders at the time of establishing the ministry that science, technology and research must be used to drive sustainable human development.
He also reiterated that the ministry is determined to launch a Zambian owned satellite whose purpose among others will be to map the density and diversity of African plants and support critical research required for the same.
He said already, there is a project with Kalumbila Mine on biodiversity restoration of indigenous forest systems that will enable sustainable prestine forests as biodiversity remains key to the development agenda.
Speaking at the same event, University of Zambia Vice Chancellor Prof. Annie Sikwibele said the university is well positioned to support the attainment of government’s goals inline with the national science and technology agenda.
