As Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Harry Kalaba played a supportive diplomatic role in the government engagements that led to the signing of the contract for the construction of the new Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola.

The project was undertaken through Zambia’s cooperation with China and formed part of the nation’s drive to modernize aviation infrastructure and enhance regional trade capacity. In his portfolio, Kalaba helped facilitate bilateral consultations, contributed to shaping the cooperation framework, and ensured alignment between Zambia’s development priorities and the financing arrangements negotiated with the Chinese government.

The resulting airport development—designed to expand passenger capacity, improve cargo handling, and promote regional connectivity—became one of the country’s most significant infrastructure projects. Kalaba’s involvement contributed to securing the diplomatic support and agreements necessary to advance the project toward implementation.

This worldclass airport has made movement between Zambia and the Great Lakes Region easy while at the same time supporting the development of Zambia’s tourism sector.