Zambia’s Foreign Policy Failures Strangling the Economy, Says Emmanuel Mwamba



Patriotic Front (PF) Information and Publicity Chairman Emmanuel Mwamba has raised serious concerns about Zambia’s faltering foreign policy, which he says is tightening a stranglehold on the country’s economy. From unresolved border crises to regional trade disruptions, Mwamba has sharply criticized key government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Finance Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, and Minister of Commerce Chipoka Mulenga, for their inability to effectively address these pressing issues.

He states that Zimbabwe’s recent imposition of a $21,500 transit fee per truck has sparked outrage among regional stakeholders. ''The fee blatantly contravenes COMESA and SADC trade protocols by introducing unnecessary barriers to trade. Despite the glaring illegality of this levy, Zambian authorities have failed to take decisive action'', Mwamba says.

“This is not just a breach of trade protocols; it’s a deliberate attack on regional trade dynamics,” Mwamba stated. “Yet, our leaders have failed to address these illegal fees either diplomatically or through regional trade bodies like SADC and COMESA.”

He further states that the post-election conflict and unrest in Mozambique, has left hundreds of Zambian fuel tankers stranded in Beira and Nakala, he situation he said has further complicated Zambia’s energy security, as ZESCO’s agreement to import 300 megawatts of electricity from Mozambique Electricity (EDM) has been derailed by the instability.

“This failure to engage proactively with Mozambique’s electoral process and its fallout has not only disrupted trade routes but also compromised our energy security,” Mwamba lamented.

He says the perennial crisis at the Kasumbalesa border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to hinder trade, with over 1,500 trucks currently stranded. 

He says the compounding the issue is a $15 million advance payment Zambia received for a $50 million maize export deal that remains mired in suspicion. Allegations of murky transactions involving GMO mealie-meal imports from South Africa destined for the DRC have only deepened public mistrust.

“The mismanagement at Kasumbalesa is symptomatic of a broader governance failure,” Mwamba observed. “These transactions raise more questions than answers, further undermining public trust.”

At the Tunduma border,Mr Mwamba says fuel tankers destined for Zambia remain stranded due to growing protests. Meanwhile, Tanzania has suspended a contract to supply 650,000 tons of maize to Zambia over non-payment issues. The Tanzanian National Food Reserve Agency has cited Zambia’s failure to meet its financial obligations as the reason for the suspension.

“This suspension is a direct result of incompetence and poor planning by Zambian authorities,” Mwamba said. “The FRA’s inability to submit letters of credit or implement new payment proposals has turned a crucial trade relationship into a diplomatic nightmare.”

As a landlocked country, Zambia’s economy heavily depends on efficient trade and border management. The recent disruptions in goods and services pose a risk of sparking shortages and civil unrest. Yet, instead of addressing these pressing issues, the government has escalated mass deportations of nationals from the DRC, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

“Diplomacy is not a series of random events,” Mwamba emphasized. “From AFRICOM’s presence to sectional trade interests pursued by individuals in President Hichilema’s administration, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that Zambians need to know.”

Mwamba’s critique underscores the urgent need for Zambia to reevaluate its foreign policy approach. The ongoing failures in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, DRC, and Tanzania have exposed significant gaps in leadership that threaten the country’s economic stability.

“It’s high time the government stops treating these issues as isolated incidents,” Mwamba concluded. “We need decisive action, not just press statements, to safeguard Zambia’s economic and diplomatic interests.”

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