President Hichilema Pushes for Deeper Zambia-Egypt Economic Cooperation
President Hakainde Hichilema has called for enhanced economic cooperation between Zambia and Egypt, highlighting key sectors such as water harvesting, agriculture, energy, tourism, and mining as areas ripe for joint investment and development.
Speaking at State House during a meeting with an Egyptian business delegation led by Ambassador Mayada Essam and Arab Contractors CEO Ahmed El Assar, President Hichilema emphasized the importance of translating Zambia and Egypt’s long-standing bilateral ties into tangible, people-to-people and government-to-government partnerships.
“We need to continue on the trajectory of economic development and partnerships on the backdrop of our long-standing bilateral relationship,” said President Hichilema. He particularly pointed to water harvesting as critical for ensuring food security and stimulating economic growth.
The President commended Egypt’s support in Zambia’s pharmaceutical sector and reaffirmed the need for intra-African cooperation. “Africa must do business with itself,” he said.
Infrastructure Minister Charles Milupi noted that Arab Contractors had shown strong interest in participating in Zambia’s road construction projects. Ambassador Essam added that President Hichilema’s February 2025 state visit to Egypt had elevated bilateral relations.
Arab Contractors CEO Ahmed El Assar, whose company has operated for over 70 years, expressed readiness to invest in key infrastructure and development projects across Zambia.
The meeting reinforced both nations’ shared commitment to deepening economic and development cooperation for mutual prosperity.
