LUSAKA — Sultan Al-Marshad, the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), has signed an agreement with Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane for additional $35 million financing of an 800-bed specialist hospital project.

The agreement, signed in Lusaka, will raise the funds provided by the SFD for the project to $135 million.

The King Salman Specialist Hospital in Zambia, will serve as specialised gynecology and children’s hospital.

Both Al-Marshad and Musokotwane toured the hospital project site, accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to Zambia Ali Al-Qahtani.

The hospital project is spread over an area of more than 200,000 square meters.

When completed, the hospital is expected to enhance specialised care and training for health professionals not only in Zambia but also other African countries, and reduce the number of people going abroad for treatment.

SFD has so far provided support exceeding $170 million to Zambia since 1978, which contributed immensely to the country’s development in various sectors.