QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN … · organisations - Muvi TV, Komboni Radio and Itezhi Tezhi Radio- by the Independent Broadcasting Authority runs counter to this.

1 The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union

Telephone: +260 (0) 211.25.55.83 Fax: +260 (0) 211.25.23.36

E-mail: [email protected]

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION ZAMBIA AND COMESA July – September 2016

EDITORIAL

BY AMBASSADOR ALESSANDRO MARIANI

On 11 August 2016, the people of Zambia participated in

large numbers in the general elections. H.E. the President

Edgar Chagwa Lungu was re-elected with 50.35% of the

votes, followed very closely by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema

who obtained 47.63% of the votes. Along the Presidential

elections, the people of Zambia also elected new Members

of Parliament, Mayors/Council Chairpersons and

Councillors. Meanwhile, the referendum on the expanded

Bill of Rights did not pass the required turnout threshold.

The European Union is looking forward to the opportunity

to work closely together with the new government for the

benefit of all the people of Zambia.

As a close and long standing partner, the European Union

looks forward to deepening its already rich and wide

partnership with the Republic of Zambia, enhancing the

opportunities for economic and equitable growth,

consolidating the role of Zambia in the African Peace and

Security Architecture, and further strengthening the

friendly relations between the European Union and

Zambia.

In the next few months we intend to further enhance our

political dialogue, to promote private sector investments

and our development relations. Important progress is

notably expected in the formulation of new development

programmes in the energy sector, agriculture, gender and

public finance management.

Thank you.

TABLE OF CONTENT

EU – ZAMBIA PARTNERSHIP:

STATEMENTS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

o JOINT CONGRATULATORY LETTER FROM

PRESIDENTS DONALD TUSK & JEAN- CLAUDE

JUNCKER TO H. E. PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA

LUNGU

o STATEMENT BY THE SPOKESPERSON ON THE

POST-ELECTION DEVELOPMENT IN ZAMBIA

o STATEMENT BY THE SPOKESPERSON ON THE

GENERAL ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUM ON THE

CONSTITUTION IN ZAMBIA

ARTICLES

o ELECTION OBSERVATION

o OP-ED ARTICLE CO-AUTHORED BY HRVP

MOGHERINI AND COMMISSIONER MIMICA:

LAUNCH OF THE EUROPEAN EXTERNAL

INVESTMENT PLAN

o EUROPEAN UNION AND ZAMBIA DISCUSS

CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION

VOICES FROM THE FIELD

o END OF PROJECT EVALUATION OF THE

“COMMUNITY EDUCATION: THE ENGINE OF

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”

o NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN

UNION AND NGOCC

o GRADUATION CEREMONY AT THE KILIMANJARO

FILM INSTITUTE

o WORKSHOP ON EU STRATEGIC

COMMUNICATION

o NEW WEBSITE ANNOUNCEMENT


Telephone: +260 (0) 211.25.55.83 Fax: +260 (0) 211.25.23.36




EU – ZAMBIA PARTNERSHIP

STATEMENTS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

JOINT CONGRATULATORY LETTER FROM PRESIDENTS DONALD

TUSK & JEAN – CLAUDE JUNCKER TO H. E. PRESIDENT EDGAR

CHAGWA LUNGU

STATEMENT BY THE SPOKESPERSON ON THE POST-ELECTION

DEVELOPMENT IN ZAMBIA - 1 SEPTEMBER, 2016

"The EU is closely following post-election developments

and notes rising tension and incidents of violence.

All stakeholders, in particular the two main political

parties, should engage in dialogue and reconciliation and

await calmly the outcome of the complaints and appeals

process.

Independent media is a key element of any democratic and

pluralistic society. The recent suspension of several media

organisations - Muvi TV, Komboni Radio and Itezhi Tezhi

Radio- by the Independent Broadcasting Authority runs

counter to this. The lifting of the suspension for Itezhi Tezhi

Radio should lead to further positive developments in this

regard.

The EU remains committed to Zambia's democratic,

economic and social development. The upcoming

recommendations of the EU Electoral Observation Mission,

which will stay in Zambia until the completion of the

electoral process, are part of this engagement."

STATEMENT BY THE SPOKESPERSON ON THE GENERAL ELECTIONS

AND REFERENDUM ON THE CONSTITUTION IN ZAMBIA – 16

AUGUST, 2016

"The European Union congratulates President-elect Edgar

Chagwa Lungu and looks forward to deepening its

partnership with the Republic of Zambia.

The people of Zambia participated in large numbers in the

general elections on 11 August 2016.

The EU Election Observation Mission’s preliminary

assessment found that voting was peaceful and generally

well administered. Yet, the EU Election Observation

Mission found the elections marred by systematic bias in

the state media and restrictions on the campaign.

The EU expects all the political parties and electoral

stakeholders to act in order to preserve peace, stability

and tolerance in the country. Existing legal channels should

be used to address possible complaints.

The EU Election Observation Mission will remain in the

country until completion of the electoral process and will

issue a final report with recommendations within two

months."

ARTICLES

ELECTION OBSERVATION

Over 100 EU observers followed the General

Elections in Zambia


Telephone: +260 (0) 211.25.55.83 Fax: +260 (0) 211.25.23.36




In response to an invitation by the Zambian authorities, the

European Union has deployed an Election Observation

Mission (EOM) to Zambia to observe the Presidential,

Parliamentary, Mayoral and Council Chairpersons, and

Local Government elections that were held on 11 August.

This was the fourth time that the European Union has been

observing elections in Zambia, which reflects the EU's long-

term commitment to supporting credible, transparent and

inclusive elections in the country.

The long-term election observation mission was present in

Zambia from 29 June, and left the country on 12

September, which allowed its members to observe both

the pre-election and post-election period, alongside with

Election Day itself. The mission was led by Chief Observer

Cécile Kyenge, an Italian member of the European

Parliament.

During its presence in Zambia, the EU EOM operated with a

Core Team of eight EU election experts, who analysed

every aspect of the electoral process, including the legal

framework and its implementation, the work of the

election administration, the role of state institutions and

civil society, as well as the conduct of the media. The

experts also looked at the campaign activities, the process

of voting, counting and tabulation, and the complaints and

appeals.

The work of the EU EOM Core Team was based on the

observations of long-term and short-term observers, who

covered all ten provinces of Zambia. 24 long-term

observers were deployed on 15 July, almost a month

before Election Day, to observe all aspects of the electoral

process countrywide, while 56 short-term observers

arrived on 5 August to reinforce the EU EOM for Election

Day observations.

At full strength, the EU EOM comprised 124 international

election observers, who were deployed from all 28 EU

member states as well as from Norway and Canada.

As part of its mandate, the mission held meetings with all

main political parties, as well as the Electoral Commission

of Zambia, the judiciary, the media, and civil society

organizations. During her visits to Zambia, Chief Observer

Cécile Kyenge met electoral stakeholders and leaders of

contending political parties.

The EU EOM presented its early findings about the

electoral process in a preliminary statement on 13 August.

The statement assessed the process until Election Day, and

can be downloaded in full length from the EU EOM’s

website at www.eueomzamba.eu.

http://www.eueomzamba.eu/


Telephone: +260 (0) 211.25.55.83 Fax: +260 (0) 211.25.23.36




A comprehensive analysis of the election process, including

the assessment of the post-election period, as well as

recommendations for future, will be offered in a final

report.

The EU EOM will present its final report at a press

conference in Lusaka approximately two months after the

end of the electoral process.

EUROPEAN EXTERNAL INVESTMENT PLAN – 14 SEPTEMBER,

2016

A new European External Investment Plan (EIP) to

encourage investment in Africa and the EU Neighbourhood

to strengthen our partnerships and contribute to achieve

the Sustainable Development Goals.

The European Commission of the European Union

announced on 14 September 2016 a new European

External Investment Plan (EIP). The instrument will allow

for the boosting of investments in Africa and EU

Neighbourhood countries, in particular to support social

and economic infrastructure and SMEs, by addressing

obstacles to private investment. With an input of EUR 3.35

billion from the EU budget and the European Development

Fund, the EIP will support innovative guarantees and

similar instruments in support of private investment,

enabling the EIP to mobilise up to EUR 44 billion of

investments. If Member States and other partners match

the EU's contribution, the total amount could reach EUR 88

billion.

By unlocking investments in partner countries, the EIP will

contribute to implementing the 2030 Agenda on

Sustainable Development Goals and the Addis Agenda on

Financing for Development. It will also provide a key

contribution to addressing the root causes of migration,

reinforcing our partnerships and looking at the long term

drivers behind the large movements of population.

High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini

The EIP consists of three complementary pillars:

Mobilising investment by combining existing

investment facilities with a new guarantee within

the new European Fund for Sustainable

Development (EFSD).The EFSD will be composed of

two regional investment platforms for Africa and

the Neighbourhood.

Stepping up technical assistance for broader policy

environment to support public authorities and

companies in partner countries. The aim is to help

them to better prepare and promote projects and

attract more investment.

Improving the general business environment by

fostering good governance, fighting corruption,


Telephone: +260 (0) 211.25.55.83 Fax: +260 (0) 211.25.23.36




removing barriers to investment and market

distortions.

In addition, the European Investment Bank (EIB)'s lending

operations form an integral part of the EIP. For this

purpose, the Commission will expand the EU budget

guarantee under the EIB External Lending Mandate by a

total of EUR 5.3 billion. In total, the EIB will thus lend up to

EUR 32.3 billion under the EU guarantee between 2014

and 2020.

Commissioner for International Cooperation &

Development Neven Mimica

The EIP offers an integrated framework enabling full

cooperation among the EU, Member States, partner

countries, international financial institutions, donors and

the private sector. It will improve the way in which scarce

public funds are used and the way public authorities and

private investors work together on investment projects.

Through the EIP the EU will take a further step to

contribute to the global architecture for development and

management of migration, the two themes that will be at

the centre of the discussion during the upcoming UN

General Assembly. Further reading

EUROPEAN UNION AND ZAMBIA DISCUSS CLIMATE CHANGE

ACTION

On September 28, the European Union and Zambia

discussed Climate Change action during a seminar. Nine

months after the historic climate deal of Paris, the

Delegation of the European Union and its Member States,

together with the Government of Zambia took stock on

progress made with signing and implementing the Paris

Agreement.

The Ambassador of the European Union, Alessandro

Mariani, congratulated H.E. the President of the Republic

of Zambia and his Government for having signed the Paris

Agreement and expressed the hope for a timely

ratification.

The Government of Zambia expressed its desire for a

timely implementation of the Nationally Determined

Contribution. Ambassador Mariani and Member States

Ambassadors collectively reaffirmed their commitment to

actively support Zambia in this endeavour. The Seminar

also emphasised the strategic role private sector plays in

contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation,

and the transition to a low-carbon economy. European and

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/european-external-investment-plan-0_en


Telephone: +260 (0) 211.25.55.83 Fax: +260 (0) 211.25.23.36




Zambian private sector companies showcased that this was

already successfully happening in the Zambia's renewable

energy sector. Further reading

VOICES FROM THE FIELD

END OF PROJECT EVALUATION OF THE “COMMUNITY

EDUCATION: THE ENGINE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”

On June 21, Fabienne Van Den Eede, Team Leader of

Governance and Social Sectors, participated to a

dissemination workshop of the end of project evaluation of

the “Community Education: The ENGINE of sustainable

development”, implemented by the organisation “Red een

Kind” in close partnership with the Reformed Open

Community School (ROCS). From time to time, it is good to

pause and reflect on the work that has been done, the

results that have been achieved, challenges encountered

and how to take good practises and lessons learned

forward.

The main objective of the ENGINE project is to contribute

to human development by improving access to quality

education and empowering communities to mobilize

additional resources. It focused its support on 30

community schools in Chama and Mafinga Districts of

Muchinga Province.

The main activities were increasing the capacities of

voluntary teachers and Parent Community School Teachers

through several trainings, discussions mentorship and

coaching. Members of the community were thought how

to better lobby for their interests and find additional

resources. Their capacities were also increased to improve

their socio-economic livelihood in a sustainable way.

The project which came to an end in June 2016 has a

number of impressive results and outcomes which we wish

to communicate and share through this newsletter.

The enrolment rates for the 30 schools have increased by

43% (of which 64% are orphans), the pass grade in grade 7

has improved from 37% to 96%. Because of the extended

efforts of all stakeholders involved the allocation of trained

government teachers to these community schools

increased from 2 to 27; 300 members of parents and

community school committees as well as 163 volunteer

teachers have been trained; and the quality of the training

delivered has improved during the lifetime of the project.

Children’s councils have been set up to give the children a

participatory voice to interact with their peers but also

with their teachers. Finally, self-help groups with

community members have been set up where discussions

have been led on how to improve their livelihoods and

lobby for additional resources. Business skills were learned

as well as ways to improve clothing and feeding practises.

In some cases loan schemes were set-up that enabled

some parents to buy the much needed school books. At

http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/zambia/10807/european-union-and-zambia-discuss-climate-change-action_en


Telephone: +260 (0) 211.25.55.83 Fax: +260 (0) 211.25.23.36




the end of the project, 27 out of the 30 schools have

managed to attract additional funding from other partners

in order to help them with the construction of classrooms,

teacher’s houses and toilets.

Last but not least, the project benefitted from the support

of the District education Board Secretaries (DEBS), good

and close cooperation with the government and local

authorities is a must for a successful and sustainable

implementation!

For more information, contact: Fabienne.VAN-DEN-

[email protected]

NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND

NGOCC

On 25 July the Delegation of the European Union to the

Republic of Zambia and COMESA signed an ambitious new

partnership with the NGO Coordinating Council (NGOCC).

The action's overall objective is to contribute to the socio-

economic empowerment of women, especially in rural

areas of Zambia, working towards gender equity and

equality. It will run for 36 months in 10 provinces of

Zambia, with a total contribution by the EU of EUR

1,000,000.

This is the first grant of its kind between the EU and a

gender empowerment organisation like the NGOCC. Their

mandate is to promote gender equality for the social,

economic and political empowerment of women. The

organisation is a focal point organization for the women's

movement in Zambia and currently has a membership of

104 NGOs and CBOs.

The implementation of the action will be through sub-

grants from NGOCC to its selected member organisations.

Member organisations will then implement projects to

achieve one of the following objectives:

1. To influence the review and implementation of legal

reforms and policies by 2019

2. To promote social and economic empowerment of rural

women and youth in project areas

3. To promote increased access to sexual reproductive

health services by women and youths in project areas by

2019

Activities will include data collection on discriminatory laws

and policies against women, and lobbying to reform or

drop such laws; developing key advocacy messaging for

the elimination of discriminatory laws and practices;

developing position papers on key issues related to the

socio economic empowerment of women; and building the

capacity of NGOCC member organisations to name a few.

The EU Delegation in Zambia is looking forward to working

together with NGOCC to empower women in Zambia, and

bring about greater gender equity and equality.

GRADUATION CEREMONY AT THE KILIMANJARO FILM INSTITUTE

On 16 September, Fabienne Van Den Eede, Team Leader of

Governance and Social Sectors at the European Union

Delegation in Zambia, participated in the graduation

ceremony of 17 students at the Kilimanjaro Film Institute in

Lusaka. Most of the students were female. The Film

Institute was created in October 2014 with European

[email protected]

[email protected]


Telephone: +260 (0) 211.25.55.83 Fax: +260 (0) 211.25.23.36




Union’s support (from the “all ACP” regional envelope). It

is an audio-visual training centre for underprivileged youth.

It provides them with relevant education, technical skills,

and employment opportunities. They are being thought

amongst others about research based journalism,

photography, film, sounds, entrepreneurship and creative

skills. They make documentaries about Zambians daily lives

which were shown during the ceremony.

20 students from vulnerable backgrounds enrolled in the

two-year study cycle and 17 of them graduated. It was an

inspiring event to be amongst these new professionals

which hopefully will be an asset for the Zambian media

sector. The European Union thanked all the staff from the

Kilimanjaro Film Institute and from the National Arts

Council of Zambia for the commitment and their

dedication they have shown for this project but also for

their efforts to give the Institution a future and to make it

sustainable.

One of the graduates explained that the journey was long

and hard – just like climbing a high mountain such as the

Kilimanjaro – but that now they were very proud of their

achievement. The European Union is trying to see with

partner countries all over the world how we can come to a

more coherent and effective engagement into the creative

sectors. Culture is not just entertainment but it is also an

instrument for growth and job creation as we witnessed

during this graduation ceremony!

For more information, contact: Fabienne.VAN-DEN-

[email protected]

WORKSHOP ON EU STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

On 22 September a workshop on EU Strategic

Communication was organised by the European Union

Delegation for the communication focal points of EU-

funded projects aimed at addressing frequently-asked-

questions.

More than 45 participants from CSOs, governmental

institutions, UN organisations, regional organisations, and

service providers, were present and intensively interacted

with the European Union Delegation's staff as well as with

some communication specialists. The objective was to

share best practices and to reinforce the information,

communication and visibility activities for all EU funded

projects and programmes in Zambia.

NEW WEBSITE ANNOUNCEMENT

We are delighted to officially announce that our new

website is live. You can now find us at

http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/zambia_en

[email protected]

[email protected]

http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/zambia_en


Telephone: +260 (0) 211.25.55.83 Fax: +260 (0) 211.25.23.36




The new website provides you, our visitors, an easier way

to access useful information about the Delegation of the

European Union to Zambia & COMESA and also the ability

to conduct user friendly searches.

We will be constantly updating our content with helpful

information, articles, speeches, reports, newsletters,

statements and beneficiary stories. We hope you find the

new website fresh and modern.

For any questions, suggestions, feedback or comments, please e-mail us: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN … · organisations - Muvi TV, Komboni Radio and Itezhi Tezhi Radio- by the Independent Broadcasting Authority runs counter to this.

Documents