"Africa is the Continent of the Future" - Italian President

Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who is currently visiting the country, has highlighted the positive work which is being carried out in Zambia as well as the importance of investing in African countries.

President Mattarella noted the steps taken by the Zambian government to offer free education for all. Speaking during his keynote address to the National Assembly of Zambia on Thursday, President Mattarella said that “We must work to remove all social, economic and cultural obstacles that don’t allow young people, especially girls, to complete their education.”

The Italian President subsequently stressed the importance of investing in the education sector across Africa in order to better the chances of youth across the continent.

“Africa is the continent of the future, the time for Africa is now, Africa is the present. Presently, we must invest in Africa for a better future,” he said.

In the same address, the Italian President praised Zambia for being a model democracy in the region. He added that he hopes to build partnerships with countries like Zambia that uphold democratic tenets.

“In intensifying relations with the African continent, Italy and the European Union know they can count on countries like Zambia who have gone through an important path towards the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law.” he said