Presidents Hichilema And Macron Hold Debt Resolution Talks

Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema and France President Emmanuel Macron will meet today to discuss debt resolution, trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.

As a member of the Paris Club of Creditors and the G20 intergovernmental forum, France could play a central role in reaching a framework to resolve Zambia’s debt. Both organisations have held discussions about Zambia’s debt, and President Hichilema has repeatedly stressed that he will find a solution to the debt crisis.

Joining Mr. Hichilema for this crucial meeting are the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo, and of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane.

It has been a busy two days for Mr. Hichilema. The President yesterday met with the Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, in Scotland, where a confidential meeting aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties was held. All that is known as of now is that First Minister Yousaf committed £1 million from Scotland’s international development fund to a research facility that will be built in Zambia. Immediately afterwards, Mr. Hichilema joined a series of roundtable meetings focusing on Zambia’s education and energy sectors, before flying to Paris. The President will be back in the United Kingdom later today, for more discussions with senior figures.

While in Scotland, President Hichilema met with economists and other UK representatives at Panmure House, once the home of the ‘father of economics’ Adam Smith and now a research centre for Heriot-Watt University, specialising in socio-economic research to aid positive change and networks for the future. The University Chancellor, Sir Geoff Palmer, praised Mr. Hichilema’s “leadership and clear sense of purpose in driving Zambia forward”.