PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 28. 09. 25 – Zambia has made a powerful call for increased international support and investment to overcome the challenges faced by the world’s Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).
In his intervention during the 24th Annual Ministerial Meeting of the LLDC held on the margins of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, S.C, M.P, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Zambia, underscored that while LLDCs face structural constraints like high trade costs and market access limitations, they are defined by their resilience and potential. He added that being landlocked should not mean being left behind.
The Minister encoed the vision of Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, that “Landlocked must not mean land-isolated.”
Hon Haimbe outlined a path for LLDCs to become land-linked engines of growth through innovation, infrastructure, and regional integration.
He highlighted Zambia’s own national strategy to become a trade and investment hub in Southern and Central Africa.
The Minister presented a five-point action plan to the international community, urging, enhanced financing through debt relief and concessional funds; scaled-up infrastructure investment in transport and energy corridors; technology transfer and digital inclusion to bridge the digital divide; trade facilitation to reduce border delays and inefficiencies and prioritized climate finance for LLDCs, which are highly vulnerable to environmental shocks.
Hon. Haimbe affirmed that with the right partnerships, LLDCs can transform from being landlocked to being connected, competitive, and resilient contributors to global prosperity.
In the Ministerial Declaration, the 32 members renewed global focus and commitment to addressing the specific developmental challenges of LLDCs.
The Ministers emphasised that overcoming geographic isolation requires strong partnerships and international cooperation, not just among LLDCs but also with transit countries and development partners.
The meeting focused on reviewing progress and providing strategic guidance for implementing the new 2024–2034 Awaza Programme of Action. It was an opportunity for LLDC ministers to follow up on the LLDC3 conference and plan the implementation of the new Awaza Programme.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
