Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, has signed a loan agreement with the government of Zambia, by which ADFD will provide AED 36.7 million to contribute in establishing 3 university colleges in the country. The agreement was signed by Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and Pamela C. Kabamba, Permanent Secretary, Budget and Economic Affairs, in the Republic of Zambia. This move is in line with ADFD's keenness to support and help developing countries face their development difficulties through the provision of financial resources needed to finance development projects that would enable the governments of these countries to uplift the living standards of their people. The loan provided by ADFD will be distributed for the purpose of establishing three colleges with three different specialisations, namely; Mathematics and Science, Technology and Applied Arts. The 3 colleges will be located in three different regions in Zambia, and will help in raising the level of education within Zambian people and make it easier for them to obtain education, thus achieving social and economic development. Mr. Al Suwaidi said, "The promotion of the educational sector through the provision of the necessary infrastructure is one of the main priorities of the development plans implemented by governments in developing countries, as educated youth are considered a solid base for sustainable development in any country. However, the lack of educational institutions and specialised education institutions deprive large segments of the population from completing their education and developing their skills to enable them to participate effectively in the development process. "This loan substantiates the strong desire of the ADFD, driven by the directives and direct follow-up of its wise leadership, to extend its commitment to help developing countries in need all over the world by contributing effectively to support the development process, and help them overcome the difficult economic conditions by improving the performance the main economic sectors in those countries, leading to advancing sustainable development and the ability of its economies to create more employment opportunities." Al Suwaidi added. Pamela C. Kabamba praised the Government of the U.A.E.'s role in solidifying mutual cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Zambia. She stated, "There is no doubt that the contribution of ADFD to finance the colleges will reflect positively on the increased opportunities for obtaining higher education in Zambia, hence well educated and highly skilled people will be available to compete globally and meet the challenges that hinder the achievement of desired economic and social development. She also added that the Government of Zambia strives to develop ambitious development plans that are intended to enable Zambia by 2030 to become a middle-income country." The Zambian Permanent Secretary also expressed her high esteem for the efficient role that the Government of Abu Dhabi and the ADFD are playing in promoting development in the country by funding such vital development projects.