Geo-Political Global Initiatives: The Case of the European Union (EU) Global Gateway – Challenges and Opportunities for Zambia

The European Union (EU) Global Gateway is a major global investment initiative focused on infrastructure development, digital transformation, climate and energy, transport, health, and education. As Zambia seeks to strengthen economic growth and development cooperation, the initiative presents opportunities for investment, technology transfer, trade expansion, and institutional strengthening, while also raising important concerns around debt sustainability, governance, and policy alignment.

It is against this background that the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Zambia Office in partnership with the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD), the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), and CUTS International Lusaka convened the Economic Justice Forum under the theme; “Geo-Political Global Initiatives: The Case of the European Union (EU) Global Gateway – Challenges and Opportunities for Zambia.” The forum brought together policymakers, academia, civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders to discuss how Zambia can strengthen inclusive, transparent, and people-centred partnerships that contribute to sustainable economic and social justice outcomes.