LUSAKA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambia and the European Union (EU) have signed a 65-million-euro financing agreement aimed at improving electricity connectivity in the country's capital, a senior official said Friday.
The agreement, signed in Brussels, Belgium, by Zambia's Finance Minister Felix Mutati and European Commissioner for International Development Neven Mimica, was meant for the improvement of transmission, distribution and rehabilitation of a power connectivity line in Lusaka.
The funds will facilitate the connection of the city's more than 63,000 new customers to electricity, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance Head of Public Relations Chileshe Kandeta.
"This agreement will not only facilitate reduction of system losses and improved load management, but also provide the requisite energy for the private sector to up their production and service levels," the Zambian minister said after signing the agreement.
On his part, the EU envoy said it was time the world stopped looking at Africa as an aid recipient but a formidable partner in development and a platform for stronger global trade.
The EU envoy further expressed happiness over Zambia's progress in preparation and identification of the project.
