History

Since its independence, Zambia has traditionally enjoyed excellent ties of friendship with Italy, which have become more intense in the last years. The Italian Embassy was one of the first Embassies which opened after the Country’s independence and an Italian Ambassador has been resident in Lusaka since May 1966.
Especially during the 70s and 80s, Italy gave a determining help in the country’s development. Many firms such as AGIP, Alitalia, Impregilo and Astaldi worked for a long time, bringing a consistent Italian community to the Country.
Today, the Italian community is limited (about 750 people), but still active in many sectors (building industry, agricultural and food industry, building materials).
Italy is the ninth contributor to the Global Fund for the Fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, confirming the humanitarian engagement which has been given to a country heavily hit by plagues of poverty and AIDS. Some NGO are also working in Zambia (see the section about “development cooperation”).