August 6, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Honourable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will visit Namibia and Zambia from August 7 to 9, 2024.

In Windhoek, Namibia, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will engage with senior government officials on shared priorities, including creating opportunities for young people, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, mining responsibly and building supply chains for critical minerals.

In Lusaka, Zambia, he will meet with senior members of the Zambian government, including Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, to discuss Canada and Zambia’s shared interest in enhancing economic cooperation and creating opportunities for future collaboration in multilateral forums.

During his visits, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will also meet with representatives of civil society organizations supporting inclusion and democracy to discuss domestic and global challenges and human rights.

Throughout his engagements, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to women, peace and security, as well as the importance of the natural resource sectors in Namibia and Zambia.

As Canada actively works on revising its approach to building stronger partnerships with African countries and institutions, this trip will serve as an important opportunity to strengthen engagement on shared priorities, including on good governance, the rule of law and human rights.