Zambian president calls for easy Africa-EU migration

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Thursday called for the easy migration of Africans into Europe.

Hichilema also asked that Africa and Europe exchange skilled labor in professional industries during his maiden address to the European Union Parliament in Brussels.

“Africa and Europe have a lot in common and our people have a lot to learn from one another. Putting in place formal agreements and easing the movement of people between our regions will also assist in reducing illegal and negative migration,” said Hichilema.

He said easing the movement of labor between Africa and Europe will contribute to peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, improve the flow of information and bring innovations.

Hichilema said there was enormous potential for increased cooperation between the two continents, hence the need for concrete steps to actualize commitments made during the Sixth African Union, EU summit that was held in Brussels in February.

“We stand ready to channel our resources and energies toward achieving the benefits that are ready to be unlocked for our people, in collaborating with you,” he added.

The president of Africa’s top second copper producer addressed the assembly at the invitation of EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and parliament’s President Roberta Metsola.

Hichilema also used the occasion to condemn the war in Ukraine and called for its immediate end owing to the negative effects felt by affected people and national economies.