• The UK stands ready to support in these vital endeavors.
• UK’s Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford’ visit will also include the launch of British Investment International in Zambia.
• She will also visit projects which support Zambia’s efforts to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.

United Kingdom (UK) Minister for Africa says rebuilding the economy and providing education and opportunities for all, will require time and patience, promising that the UK stands ready to support in these vital endeavors.

Speaking ahead of her first visit to Zambia, Vicky Ford noted she was delighted to be coming to Zambia to see how the United Kingdom is working with President Hichilema’s government to support its development and economic objectives, and to foster cooperation between the two countries on international issues where principles and values have been shared.

Ms. Ford further noted millions of Zambians resolutely defended their right to determine their own future in last year’s election at a time when fundamental human rights and freedoms across the globe are under a more severe threat an example that gives strength that democracy will prevail.

She stated that her visit to Zambia builds on the visits by her predecessor as Minister for Africa, and the successful meetings she had with President Hichilema and Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kakubo in London last year.

“This is my first visit to Zambia, but it builds on the visits to Zambia by my predecessor as Minister for Africa, and the successful meetings I had with President Hichilema and Foreign Minister Kakubo in London last year. I’m looking forward to meeting them again and to continue building on the strong bonds between our countries,” said Vicky Ford.

According to British High Commission Press and Public Affairs section in a statement issued to Money FM News, UK’s Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford’s visit will also include the launch of British Investment International in Zambia, the new British development finance institution that will invest billions in infrastructure and technology in low and middle income countries across Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

She will also visit projects which support Zambia’s efforts to tackle the illegal wildlife trade, remove the barriers preventing access to education for girls, and improve access to nutrition and health support in rural areas.

Vicky Ford was appointed Minister for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in September 2021 and became the Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean in December 2021.

Previously she was the Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Children and Families at the Department for Education from February 2020 to September 2021. Vicky Ford was first elected as the Conservative MP for Chelmsford in 2017.