PRESIDENT Sata says Zambians living abroad should invest in their country to contribute to national development. The President says it is not good for Zambians in the diaspora to live a comfortable life while the majority of their relatives back home are wallowing in poverty.
Addressing Zambian families living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, recently during a dinner held at the residence of Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, President Sata said Zambians living abroad should not forget their country.
“Some of you are so detached from Zambia that even your children are failing to speak a local language. You are very comfortable here,” President Sata said.
He observed that most people in Zambia just talk about the country without suggesting what they can do for their motherland.
“If talking was an industry, Zambia would have prospered to greater heights than where it is now,” he said as the audience burst into laughter.
He gave an example of countries such as India which have moved to great heights economically because of the efforts of dedicated nationals who were investing at home.
“You must always think about your poor relatives and see what you can do to improve their welfare,” he said.
President Sata assured Zambians living abroad that the Patriotic Front administration will welcome ideas or initiatives to contribute to national development.
Over 30 families living in Addis Ababa attended the dinner. Minister of Foreign Affairs Given Lubinda, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Bob Sichinga, deputy Minister of Justice Ngosa Simbyakula and Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Francis Simenda were also present.
Others were Cabinet office permanent secretary for administration Annie Sinyangwe and Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Peter Kasanda.
President Sata arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday, accompanied by First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, to attend the African Union(AU) summit which opens tomorrow.
President Sata will also be among African heads of state attending the launch of the new AU conference centre and office complex in Addis Ababa. - Zambia News and Information Service (ZANIS).