EU ambassador's tenure in Zambia marked by missed opportunities
Zambia disappointed with EU ambassador's performance - AfricaBrief
Lusaka, Zambia— Some Zambian government officials are disappointed with the performance of the outgoing European Union ambassador, Jacek Jankowski, writes AfricaBrief Diplomatic Correspondent
Jankowski, who is due to leave his post in September, has been criticized by some Zambian officials for failing to deliver on promises of increased EU support.
They say he has also been too close to the country's previous government, which was led by Edgar Lungu.
Lungu was defeated in a presidential election in 2021 by Hakainde Hichilema, who has pledged to improve relations with the EU.
Hichilema's government is hoping that a new EU ambassador will be able to help Zambia access debt relief from the International Monetary Fund and other creditors.
The country is also hoping for increased foreign investment from European countries.
The EU is Zambia's largest trading partner and has provided the country with billions of dollars in aid over the years.
However, some Zambian officials are concerned that the EU will not be as supportive of the new government as it was of the previous government.
They point to the fact that the EU has recently reduced its loan financing to Zambia's agribusiness sector from 12 to 4 million Euros.
The Zambian government is hoping that a new EU ambassador will be able to help the country achieve its economic and social goals.
The new ambassador will face a number of challenges, including Zambia's debt crisis and its poor human rights record.
However, the EU has a long history of working with Zambia and is committed to helping the country improve its economic and social situation.
In addition to the concerns about the EU's support for the new government, some Zambian officials are also disappointed with Jankowski's personal behaviour.
They say that he has been more interested in pursuing his own interests than in helping Zambia.
For example, Jankowski has been criticised for using his position to demand favours and privileges from Zambian ministers.
He has also been accused of awarding European Union funds to civil society groups that were friends of his.
In addition to the concerns about Jankowski's personal behaviour, some Zambian officials have also accused him of mistreating local staff at the EU.
They say that he has created a toxic work environment where local staff are constantly being harassed and bullied.
This has led to a high turnover of staff and has made it difficult for the EU to attract and retain qualified Zambian employees.
The Zambian government is hoping that a new EU ambassador will be more focused on helping the country and less interested in pursuing his own interests.