First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Honourable Malungo Chisangano, MP, has said Finland remains a key partner in Zambia’s trade and development agenda.
She said this when the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development of Finland, Mr. Ville Tavio, paid a courtesy call on her on Monday, 31st March, 2025 at Parliament Buildings.
Hon. Chisangano stated that Zambia values Finland’s longstanding cooperation, particularly in environmental protection, social security development, economic growth and investment. She noted that Finland has supported various sectors, including private sector development and job creation for young people.
The First Deputy Speaker further said that Finland, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMMED), has funded and implemented the Accelerated Growth for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (AGS) Programme aimed at enhancing the growth and competitiveness of MSMEs and start-ups in Zambia.
Hon. Chisangano also noted that the cordial relations that exist at the national level have extended to strong Parliamentary ties. She cited the Zambia-Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group’s engagement with the Ambassador of Finland to Zambia, Her Excellency Ms. Saana Halinen and Finland’s Deputy Mayor of Tampere, Mr. Ilkka Portikivi in November, 2024 as an example of efforts to strengthen collaboration.
She said fostering Parliamentary ties between Zambia and Finland would provide a platform for legislators from both countries to exchange experiences and best practices, enhancing their ability to serve their constituencies effectively.
Meanwhile, Minister Tavio said Finland is committed to deepening its trade and development relations with Zambia. He stated that Finland is eager to explore new investment opportunities and support initiatives that drive economic growth particularly technology, renewable energy and water management.
The Minister noted that Finland’s expertise in environmental action, technology and renewable energy aligns well with Zambia’s development priorities. He also mentioned that his delegation is ready to support efforts to clean the polluted Kafue River and promote environmental conservation, benefiting communities at both national and constituency levels.
And Senanga Member of Parliament and member of the Zambia-Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Walusa Mulaliki, expressed appreciation for Finland’s technological advancements, particularly in manufacturing. He noted that Finland’s Sisu trucks, once widely used by local authorities in Zambia due to their durability, were no longer available and suggested their return to the Zambian market.
Hon. Mulaliki also said the Friendship Group could help facilitate the acquisition of dragger trucks to assist in addressing flooding challenges in various constituencies. Additionally, he commended the Minister and his delegation for their willingness to support efforts to clean the polluted Kafue River and promote environmental conservation in Zambia.
The Finnish Minister is in Zambia for the third Least Developed Country (LDC) Future Forum, taking place in Lusaka from 1st to 3rd April 2025. The Forum, organized by Finland, Zambia and the United Nations, aims to explore innovative solutions to enhance resilience in LDCs by focusing on climate-smart agriculture, water management, renewable energy, circular economy and sustainable industrial processes.
