Govt wants more Zambians in global positions

GOVERNMENT will increase the placement of Zambians in international organisations, Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Malanji has said.

Mr Malanji said the Government had taken particular note of past shortcomings that made it difficult for Zambians to aspire to coveted positions.

The minister was speaking when he introduced Mr Albert Muchanga as Zambia’s candidate for re-election at the African Union Commission.

He said that Government has since put in place measures to support any suitably qualified Zambian who aspires for the positions.

"All that is required is that they be an upright citizen and be qualified to compete favourably in their given area of expertise.

"This initiative has further been enshrined in the country's diaspora policy which was launched in April last year and is currently under my ministry oversight," he said.

Mr Malanji said President Edgar Lungu deemed it appropriate for Mr Muchanga to re-contest the position of African Union commissioner in charge of economic development, trade, tourism and mining for the period 2021 to 2025.

Government, he said, was very satisfied with Mr Muchanga’s record and that he has received commendations from various leaders around the continent.

He noted that among his contributions in his capacity as his efforts which together with the commission secretariat and the AU member states resulted in bringing to fruition the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Mr Malanji appealed to all AU member states to once again put their trust in Mr Muchanga as his selfless record speaks for itself.

His track records include the position of SADC deputy executive secretary.

He was also Zambia's aAmbassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the AU and also served as ambassador to Brazil.

“Here in Zambia he held various professional positions which enabled him to rise through the ranks ending up as permanent secretary at Cabinet Office,” the Minister add