The governments of Egypt and Zambia have come together to promote agriculture cooperation. Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation El Sayed El Quseir discussed with Ambassador to Egypt Topply M Lubaya.
The two pointed out great cooperation between both countries, noting that Egypt has two farms in Zambia. Quseir said he is looking forward to more bilateral cooperation in a way that befits the level of distinguished relations between Cairo and Lusaka.
Agriculture in both countries
Quseir added that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has directed the government to support African states in all fields, especially agriculture. The meeting touched on cooperation in areas of fish farming, livestock, poultry, as well as modern irrigation systems. The two sides also discussed veterinary vaccines and relevant convoys. Meanwhile, the Zambian ambassador highlighted the importance of the meeting and the discussions it included.
Agriculture is a major component of the Egyptian economy, contributing 11.3% of the country’s gross domestic product. The agricultural sector accounts for 28% of all jobs, and over 55% of employment in Upper Egypt is agriculture-related.
In Zambia, agriculture contributes about 19% to GDP and employs three quarters of the population. Domestic production is comprised of crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, and cassava while exports are driven by sugar, soybeans, coffee, groundnuts, rice, and cotton as well as horticultural produce. Zambia covers 75 million hectares (752,000 km2), out of which 58% (42 million hectares) is classified as medium-to high-potential for agriculture production.
