Zambian Ambassador shares insights on economic diplomacy, regional cooperation and sustainable national development at ZID Special Public Lecture.
The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy (ZID) hosted His Excellency Brigadier General Wilson C. Tembo (Rtd), Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Zimbabwe, for a special virtual public lecture on 27 October 2026, under the theme “Multilateralism and National Development: A Case Study of Zambia’s Development Experience.”
Chaired by Ambassador Vova Chikanda, Chairperson of ZID, the lecture attracted 31 participants, including students, faculty members and distinguished guests. Among them were Brigadier General Milton Njolomba (Rtd) and Amos Zimba, former colleagues of Ambassador Tembo at the Zambia Defence Services Command and Staff College. Alaina Suliwa served as Director of Ceremonies.
Ambassador Tembo emphasised the importance of multilateralism in promoting economic cooperation, addressing shared challenges and advancing sustainable development. He highlighted the role of international institutions, development financing and regional trade agreements, stressing that successful partnerships require effective negotiation, strong institutions and alignment with national priorities.
Reflecting on Zambia’s development journey since independence in 1964, he examined the country’s experiences with economic reforms, structural adjustment, debt relief, infrastructure development and debt restructuring. He highlighted the risks of dependence on copper exports and underscored the importance of economic diversification, prudent borrowing and sustainable investment.
The Ambassador also discussed the role of SADC, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in strengthening regional integration. He highlighted the strategic importance of Zambia–Zimbabwe transport corridors and the Chirundu One Stop Border Post in facilitating regional trade.
On sustainable development, he emphasised industrialisation, agricultural development, value addition, climate resilience and energy security. He further underscored the growing importance of economic diplomacy in attracting investment, expanding exports and promoting technology partnerships.
An interactive question-and-answer session explored international development assistance, national policy ownership and the importance of safeguarding national interests through strategic negotiations.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mazvita Chimbetete expressed appreciation to Ambassador Tembo for his insightful presentation. Ambassador Tembo reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Zambia and Zimbabwe and welcomed future engagements. Ambassador Chikanda thanked the speaker and participants, emphasising the importance of continued diplomatic cooperation.
The lecture reaffirmed that multilateralism, supported by sound economic policies, strong institutions and strategic partnerships, remains a vital instrument for sustainable national development. It also reflected ZID’s commitment to advancing diplomatic education, regional cooperation and informed dialogue on Africa’s development challenges.
