GOVERNMENT says it will ensure that all Zambians, irrespective of where they stay, enjoy the same opportunities and access to information. Chief analyst for economic and development affairs at State House, Ngoza Munthali said this at a dialogue meeting with Zambians living in London.
Mrs Munthali said it is Government’s aim to develop a positive and progressive working relationship with all Zambians, including those in diaspora. This is according to a press statement released by press secretary at the Zambian High Commission to Britain, Rejoice Lukumba.
Mrs Munthali said Government considers Zambians in diaspora as key partners in national development. Mrs Munthali, who is diaspora liaison officer at State House, said Government will engage Zambians in diaspora through harnessing their skills and financial resources.
She challenged Zambians in diaspora to engage Government through missions abroad and the diaspora liaison office at State House. Mrs Munthali noted that there is need to sensitise people to dispel beliefs that migration has negative effects.
“As Government, we believe that there is a wealth of not just skills, but money among Zambians abroad which could be pooled together to help develop the country,” she said.
She said the diaspora liaison office has supported the inclusion of dual citizenship in the draft constitution and established a committee to look at land issues for Zambians living abroad.
Mrs Munthali said Government, through the Ministry of Lands had developed mechanisms to make it easier for the Zambians living abroad to acquire land. Earlier, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Royson Mukwena urged Zambians resident in Britain to build strong links with the diaspora office at State House.
[Daily Mail]