Zambia Expands Diplomatic Ties and Introduces Landmark Visa Waiver for 53 Countries
His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Chibamba Kanyama has strengthened Zambia’s global diplomatic footprint through courtesy calls to three embassies representing countries of extra accreditation, advancing bilateral collaborations in technology, tourism, agriculture, and ICT.
In a significant meeting with Costa Rica’s Ambassador to the US, H.E. Dr. Catalina Crespo Sancho, discussions on technology culminated in a bilateral engagement between Costa Rica’s Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications, Paula Bogantes Zamora, and Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Felix Mutati.
In a separate courtesy call to H.E. Sonia Guzmán, Dominican Republic Ambassador to the US, tourism cooperation was emphasized. Following the normalization of relations in September, plans are underway for the first-ever Zambia-Dominican Republic Cultural Festival in 2025 and the execution of MoUs on tourism and trade.
Ambassador Kanyama also engaged with H.E. Luis Fernando Suazo Barahona, Honduras’ Ambassador to the US, receiving an Agrément as Zambia’s non-resident Ambassador to Honduras. This paves the way for formal credential presentation and deeper collaboration in agriculture, tourism, and ICT.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jacob Jack Mwiimbu SC., MP., announced a historic visa waiver for nationals of 53 countries, effective January 1, 2025. This policy, under Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024, supports President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision to position Zambia as a prime destination for tourism, trade, and investment.
Countries such as Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama will directly benefit from this visa waiver, further fostering bilateral ties.
