President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed concern that the drought being experienced in the country is likely to affect the country’s economic recovery agenda as it is likely to affect key sectors of the economy.

President Hichilema, who described the drought as the worst that the country has faced so far, says the dry spell poses a threat to food security in the country.

He adds that the drought will greatly affect the water and energy sectors including other sectors that heavily depend on water and energy such as mining. 

The President, who was speaking at State House this afternoon when a team of visiting Executive Directors from the African Development Bank (AfDB) paid a courtesy call on him, feared that some parts of the country may not harvest any crop from last year’s farming season as a result of the drought.

He has, however, assured that government is already looking into ways in which the effects can be reduced and called on the AfDB to support the government in this regard. 

The President has further assured that despite the drought, the government stands resolute to continue on the economic recovery agenda.

And leader of the delegation of the AfDB Executive Directors, Edmond Dejon Wega, explained that the team is in the country to appreciate the works that the bank is doing in Zambia and the challenges being faced.

Mr Wega disclosed that the delegation is scheduled to meet with Zambian cabinet ministers and other senior government officials in an effort to identify opportunities for collaboration and to deepen the already existing relationship with Zambia.

He has commended President Hichilema and his government for the achievements made in the efforts to recover the economy of the country and affirmed the bank’s continued support to the country. 

The delegation is expected to be in the country for about 8 days before proceeding to Botswana on a similar mission.