Minister Richmond to visit Southern Africa
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, today (Thursday 17 July) travels to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
In Zambia and Zimbabwe, Minister Richmond will meet with political leaders and Irish community members, and see first-hand the impact of Ireland’s international development programmes. In South Africa, Minister Richmond will participate in the Ministerial Meeting of the G20 Development Working Group. Ireland is taking part as a guest country during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
On Friday 18 July, Minister Richmond will meet with Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia, he will also visit an Irish Aid funded programme that supports girls’ education and women’s empowerment and livelihoods.
On Saturday 19 July, Minister Richmond will visit projects supported by Ireland, including Build it International, and attend a celebration of 60 years of bilateral relations between Ireland and Zambia.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Richmond said:
“Ireland is committed to building and strengthening our trade and development relations throughout Africa, and our continued commitment to development cooperation at a time of unprecedented crisis, has been warmly received.
“The work of Irish Aid and our development partners including Build it International and the Global Fund continues to deliver meaningful impact for those furthest behind. I look forward to seeing the impact of our programmes on the ground and to building on our strong relations with Zambia and Zimbabwe at political and community level.”
“The importance of reaching those furthest behind is something I strongly advocate for and intend to pursue at the G20 in South Africa.”
Minister Richmond arrives in Zimbabwe on Sunday 20 July, where he will meet with development cooperation partners, such as SERVE and the Global Fund, with a particular focus on health and education, including a visit to the HIV treatment clinic and Maternal and Neonatal ward at Chegutu District Hospital.
On Thursday 24 July, Minister Richmond will travel to South Africa to take part in the G20 Ministerial Meeting for Development Ministers. Key topics of discussion will be universal social protection and illicit financial flows.
ENDS
Press Office
17 July 2025
Notes to Editor:
- Ireland’s official development assistance in 2024 was €10.7 million in Zambia and €10.5 million in Zimbabwe.