Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has called on countries in the Great Lakes Region to prioritise economic growth, trade and self-reliance as a way to address conflicts affecting the area. He made the remarks on October 19, 2026, while opening the 20th Meeting of the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region in Lusaka, Zambia.
President Hichilema stressed that Great Lakes countries should rely on their own regional mechanisms and domestic capacities to tackle challenges rather than depending heavily on external intervention. He argued that stronger investment, trade and economic cooperation between member states would stimulate continental economic growth and deliver greater benefits to their citizens, describing economic cooperation as an important complementary approach to addressing regional conflicts.
The meeting brought together foreign affairs ministers from Great Lakes countries to discuss peace, security and regional cooperation, and to explore sustainable strategies for achieving lasting peace and stability. Tanzania participated through its Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Dr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who represented the country in discussions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and joint efforts to maintain peace and security. The delegation also included Tanzania's Ambassador to Zambia, Engineer Cyprian John Luhemeja, and the Head of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Ali Bujiku.
The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region operates as a regional platform dedicated to promoting peace, security, stability and development across the Great Lakes Region. The conference emphasises that cooperation among member states remains essential to addressing shared challenges, resolving conflicts and building a foundation for sustainable regional development.