Zambia reopens its air borders to boost the economy

Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu has announced the reopening of the country’s air borders and airports.

He said the decision was to boost the economy of the country which has been badly hit by restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Zambia will be one of the first countries to reopen its air borders in Africa amid the covid-19 pandemic.

Zambia has registered 1,497 coronavirus cases and 18 deaths, according to President Lungu.

“We have to get back to work (…), including in the tourism sector. I am therefore announcing the immediate reopening of all international airports,” Mr Lungu said in a radio and television address.

According to President Lungu, his country has lost about 1 billion euros as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Zambia’s economy is struggling with the country having $3 billion of Eurobonds outstanding.

It also owes $2 billion to commercial banks, $2 billion to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and a further $3 billion to China.

The country is Africa’s second-largest, copper-producing nation.

Source: Zambia reopens its air borders to boost the economy (25/06/20)