WHY PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’S TRIP TO CHINA WAS WORTH IT

By Scoop Reporter  

WHILE regional and international fora were used as a money spinner for those who wielded power not long ago where we saw a bloated delegation of individuals who had no role to play during these gatherings, we have now seen a complete departure from what used to be a norm where we now have a lean delegation to such events as a cost-saving measure.

While such events previously provided a luxurious opportunity for party-after-party and heralded the ubomba mwibala mantra, Zambia now has a President capable of engaging in sane bilateral discussions aimed at developing the country.

This is the same attitude and seriousness with which we, as a country, attached to engage our creditors, leading to the restructuring of our debt, a feat those that plunged us into this economic malaise thought could not be achieved, thanks to one Hakainde Hichilema who has made it clear from the onset that the era of work, work, and work had dawned.

So why is the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) significant to a country like Zambia? To the uninitiated, FOCAC provides African countries with access to Chinese investment, which can help finance infrastructure projects, agriculture, and industrial development. This is crucial for economic growth and development in many African nations.

Therefore, President Hichilema’s visit to China is significant for several reasons, reflecting both bilateral relations and broader regional and global dynamics.

President Hichilema’s visit is an effort to strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties between Zambia and China. China has been a major partner for Zambia, particularly in infrastructure development and investment. Zambia’s economy has faced challenges, including debt and the need for economic diversification. Engaging with China could open up new avenues for investment, trade, and economic cooperation, which are crucial for Zambia’s economic recovery and growth.

Zambia has been grappling with significant debt issues, and discussions with Chinese officials have led to debt restructuring and through continued dialogue, the country may just hit a jackpot of a debt relief. Given that China is a major creditor to Zambia, this visit could be pivotal in negotiating terms that could alleviate some of the financial burdens.

China has been involved in numerous infrastructure projects in Zambia, including roads, bridges, and energy projects. President Hichilema’s visit could facilitate discussions on ongoing and future projects, ensuring that Zambia continues to benefit from Chinese investments.

Further, as China continues to expand its influence in Africa, President Hichilema’s engagement with Chinese leaders underscores Zambia’s role in the region. Strengthening relations with China could enhance Zambia’s standing within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and beyond.

The visit has led to discussions on enhancing trade relations, addressing trade imbalances, and exploring new markets for Zambian products in China. This is particularly important for sectors like agriculture and mining and beyond economic ties, President Hichilema’s visit may also promote cultural and educational exchanges, fostering people-to-people connections that can enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.

The visit occurs within a broader context of global competition, particularly between China and Western nations. Zambia’s relationship with China may reflect its strategic interests in navigating this geopolitical landscape. President Hichilema’s Government has expressed a commitment to sustainable development. Collaborating with China on green technologies and sustainable practices could be a focus of discussions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

As countries recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic partnerships are crucial. President Hichilema’s visit could focus on collaborative efforts to rebuild economies and address public health challenges.