Verde reports

ZAMBIA, EGYPT STRENGTHEN TIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

LUSAKA, APRIL 8, 2026

Zambia and Egypt have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development following a high-level meeting between Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Elton Mposha, and Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Her Excellency Ms. Myada Essam.

The courtesy call, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lusaka, focused on enhancing collaboration in water resource management, environmental protection, and the responsible development of the petroleum sector.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Mposha welcomed growing interest from Egyptian institutions in supporting African countries to strengthen environmental safeguards in petroleum-related activities. He emphasized the need to ensure that energy development protects natural resources, particularly water bodies.

The Minister noted that Zambia is richly endowed with freshwater resources, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands, which are vital for agriculture, energy production, biodiversity, and livelihoods. He stressed that safeguarding these ecosystems remains a national priority.

He also highlighted risks associated with petroleum operations, such as oil spills and industrial pollution, which can have long-term effects on water quality, ecosystems, and public health if not properly managed. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks and enhancing monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

Hon. Mposha welcomed collaboration with Egyptian institutions through the sharing of technical expertise, best practices, and innovative technologies to improve environmental management and water protection.

He further underscored the importance of strong emergency response systems to address incidents such as oil spills, noting that effective systems require coordination, skilled personnel, and appropriate equipment.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Essam emphasized the strong and historic relations between Zambia and Egypt, noting both countries’ commitment to turning cooperation into tangible partnerships through concrete projects.

She revealed that Egypt is keen to expedite the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on environmental protection, currently under review, which is expected to strengthen technical cooperation and joint initiatives.

The Ambassador also announced a planned visit by a delegation from Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, comprising companies specializing in environmental safety, expected between June and July 2026.

Both parties expressed optimism that the ongoing engagements will lead to stronger cooperation, benefiting both countries and serving as a model for regional collaboration in addressing environmental challenges in the petroleum sector.

Credit: MGEE