The signing follows the Federal Council's approval of the framework agreement with Zambia in June 2023. The agreement sets out the agenda for Switzerland’s strengthened cooperation with Zambia in a wide range of areas, including employment and vocational training, agriculture and food security, health and social protection, climate change mitigation, improving good governance, civic participation and humanitarian aid.

Various cooperation measures

The agreement furthermore provides the legal framework for the implementation of various cooperation measures including but not limited to respecting democratic principles and fundamental rights, the sustainable development objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.
"I am convinced that this agreement will further strengthen our cooperation and I am confident that Switzerland can contribute to balanced economic and social development in Zambia," said Ambassador Stéphane Rey after the signing of the agreement.

A priority country

Zambia has been the beneficiary of regional programmes for many years and became a priority country in 2021 for Swiss international cooperation Today, Switzerland is the sixth largest bilateral donor in the Southern African country. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation has recently published its cooperation programme with Zambia (2023-2026) which is based on Switzerland's current International Cooperation Strategy 2021-2024 as well as aligned with the priorities of the upcoming International Cooperation Strategy 2025-2028. Over the next four years, a gradual increase in the budget from eight to ten million Swiss Francs annually is planned.

In line with the Federal Council's 2021-2024 Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy, Switzerland seeks to contribute to greater peace and prosperity in the region, through sustainable development that provides better prospects for the local population – especially young people.
The two countries enjoy longstanding relations. Switzerland recognised Zambia immediately after its independence in 1964 and established diplomatic relations with the new state two years later. A Swiss consulate was opened in Lusaka in 1969.

Switzerland signs a framework agreement on international cooperation with Zambia