President Edgar Lungu says government has set aside funds to restructure the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) as well as for supporting the sub-regional Centre’s programmes.

And President Lungu has assured the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Centre for Africa board that government will continue supporting the sub-regional centre and the drive to ensure Africa attains the SDGs.

Meanwhile the SDGs Centre for Africa board, co-chaired by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, commended President Lungu and his government for hosting the sub-regional Centre for Southern Africa.

According to a statement issued by Ministry of National Development and Planning Spokesperson Chibaula Silwamba, the SDGs Centre for Africa board held its 8th meeting on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York where President Lungu was represented by Minister Alexander Chiteme.

President Lungu said government set aside funds to restructure the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) as well as for support to the sub-regional Centre’s programmes.

“The Government of Zambia has set aside resources in our 2020 budget to support the sub-regional Centre’s programmes and activities, including the restructuring of the Development Bank of Zambia,” President Lungu said.

The ADGs Centre for Africa through its director general Dr Belay Begashaw said it was conducting an in-depth institutional assessment to understand key progress and challenges faced by DBZ.

“The Centre (SDG Sub-regional Centre for Southern Africa) has started working with Zambia on efforts to tap existing potential and transform the agriculture sector. Work has begun and will continue to during the remaining quarter of the year. In response to the collaboration agreement signed between SDGC/A and DBZ aimed at strengthening the capacity of the bank in the development, adaptation and delivery of best practice, knowledge, technology, and policies to improve attainment of SDGs in Zambia, SDGC/A has embarked on conducting an in-depth institutional assessment to understand key progress and challenges faced by DBZ and thereafter suggest recommendations for improvement,” Dr Begashaw said.

And Dr Begashaw thanked President Lungu and his government for the support that led to the launch of the Southern African Centre in Lusaka.