Zambia's Embassy of Sweden ink agreement to support SAPII | WestMac Media

The Embassy of Sweden has signed an agreement worth SEK41,400,000.00 to support Diakonia and its implementing partners for the period 2018-2021 towards the Strengthened Accountability Program in Zambia, phase two (SAPII). 

The programme is aimed at empowering citizens in natural resource rich but poor areas to have increased access to resources through engagement with the corporate and public sectors. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Diakonia, civil society organisations, the Chavuma MP, FQM, the chamber of Mines, and the press among others. 

In his speech, Ambassador Henrik Cederin said the Embassy is pleased to support this programme which will in many ways respond to linking the local processes to developments taking place in the international arena. 

At the international level, various initiatives are being undertaken to ensure effective participation of the private sector in development. 

Sweden is keen in supporting innovative programs that have a perspective beyond aid. How can Zambia use its rich natural resources to raise local resources for rural development in a way that takes care of the environment? 

This initiative is also aligned to the SDGs; and 7th National Development Plan under the strategic area of a “Conducive Governance Environment” with a particular focus on promoting transparency and accountability. 

For Sweden, a conducive governance environment is critical for the achievement of broader development objectives!