Zambia and the United Arab Emirates have reinforced their strategic partnership through high-level bilateral discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation across mining, energy, agriculture, and tourism sectors.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s meeting with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Shakhbout Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, at State House in Lusaka highlighted the deepening economic relationship between the two nations.
The expanded partnership emphasizes sustainable development frameworks, particularly through human capital development programs that align with Zambia’s national vision for efficient public service delivery. The UAE’s commitment to training Zambian public sector workforce addresses longstanding bureaucratic inefficiencies that have hindered economic growth.
“Our government-to-government partnership continues to grow from strength to strength,” President Hichilema stated. “These collaborations are aimed at unlocking tangible economic benefits, creating jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, and generating business opportunities for our people.”
The UAE has emerged as one of Zambia’s fastest-growing foreign partners, with investments already flowing into renewable energy projects and agribusiness ventures. These investments support Zambia’s economic diversification efforts beyond traditional copper mining dependence.
Bilateral trade volumes have increased significantly, with UAE companies exploring opportunities in Zambia’s mining sector, particularly in copper processing and value addition. The partnership also encompasses agricultural development projects aimed at improving food security and export capacity.
Infrastructure development represents another key cooperation area, with UAE firms expressing interest in transportation, telecommunications, and energy projects that could accelerate Zambia’s economic transformation.
The human capital development component includes training programs for Zambian officials in modern public administration, project management, and economic planning. These initiatives aim to improve government efficiency and service delivery across all sectors.
Both countries are expected to formalize additional agreements in the coming months, focusing on technology transfer, infrastructure development, and expanded trade facilitation. The partnership reflects broader South-South cooperation trends that are reshaping global economic relationships.
President Hichilema emphasized that the relationship transcends traditional investment models, incorporating knowledge sharing and institutional capacity building that will benefit both nations’ long-term development objectives.
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