Public-Private synergy key to Zambia’s job creation, food security and export ambitions

By Hellen Bwalya and Derrick Sinjela 

In a Sunday, 26th April, 2026 Press Statement issued from Brasília, Brazil by Embassy of the Republic of Zambia-Brasilia First Secretary-Press Lloyd Kapusa, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. Oliver Kalabo has reaffirmed an intentional leadership decision by President Hakainde Hichilema, to elevate diplomatic and economic engagement with Brazil.
Speaking during a meeting with Zambian Diplomats in Brasilia on the sidelines of a high-level Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) study tour, Dr. Kalabo noted that Brazil’s status as a global agricultural powerhouse offers a vital blueprint for Zambia’s own developmental aspirations.
“Brazil’s agriculture is highly mechanized and driven by world-class innovation. Zambia must tap into this expertise to transform our own sector. We are looking for strong economic linkages, increased business transactions, and direct investments that will ultimately create more jobs for the Zambian people especially our youths,”noted Dr. Kalabo.

Dr. Kalabo implored the Zambian Mission in Brasília to be proactive in following up on all areas of mutual interest, ensuring that the Agricultural Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2025 yields tangible benefits in agricultural research and technological transfer.
Echoing Dr. Kalabo’s sentiments, Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Public Service Management Division Ms. Lois Mulube highlighted the importance of the study tour in understanding the synergy between Brazil’s public and private sectors.
PS Mulube identified the livestock sector (specifically beef production) and large-scale crop agriculture as fundamental areas where Zambia stands to gain significant knowledge.
“This visit is crucial for understanding how Brazil has fostered an environment where the public and private sectors work in tandem to drive massive economic growth. Learning from their livestock management and agricultural prowess is key to achieving our national food security and export goals,”Ms. Mulube said.

Ms. Mulube indicated that Zambia’s participation in the visit underscores the commitment of the New Dawn Government to professionalise the public service and integrate innovative management models that facilitate private sector-led growth.
Dr. Kalabo and Permanent Secretary Mulube are part of a high-level delegation of Heads of Public Service of the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) which is currently conducting a strategic study tour in Brazil to learn and adopt global best practices in public service management.
ESAMI is owned by 10 member governments which include Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Eswatini and Zimbabwe with a focus on improving the performance and effective management of public, private, and international organizations across Africa.