Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It is 752,614 km² and home to the famous Victoria Falls on the border with Zimbabwe. The total population is around 12 million, of which about one-tenth lives in the capital, Lusaka.

The economy has traditionally been based on its copper resources. However, a drop in prices and lack of investment led to the decline of the mining sector, but it has been steadily improving in recent years. Most of the population continues to live in poverty, with many still dependent on subsistence farming. The government is making efforts to diversify the economy with projects in agriculture, tourism and precious minerals.

 

Key issues in EU-Zambia relations

Under the 10^th European Development Fund, Zambia and the EU signed a new Country Strategy Paper for 2008–13 with a budget of € 489.8 M. The document lists General Budget Support, transport infrastructure and human development/health as the key areas for action.
Improving transport infrastructure across the country will help with poverty reduction and economic development. It will also lead to better connectivity between urban and rural areas. Roads will be rehabilitated and better maintained and safety standards will be enforced. For the aviation sector, support will be given to improve air safety, security and traffic management.
Better human development and health practices are key parts of supporting socio-economic development in Zambia. Improved access to healthcare is needed across the country, but especially for children, women and those living in very rural and disadvantaged areas. More trained medical professionals are needed and malnutrition, in particular, needs to be addressed.
The Joint Assistance Strategy Zambia (JASZ) was agreed and signed in May 2007. The purpose of the JASZ is to harmonise assistance provided by cooperating partners to support the implementation of Zambia's national development goals. The JASZ will follow a results-based approach and ensure mutual accountability for the government and cooperating partners.