Zambia Seeks Major Turkish Investment in Mining, Transport and Agriculture
Zambia and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation following a high-level engagement between the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, and the Turkish Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Huseyin Barbaros Dicle.
Ambassador Dicle paid a courtesy call on Dr Musokotwane at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning headquarters, where discussions focused on expanding sustainable investment partnerships in sectors of shared economic interest. The meeting highlighted Zambia’s strategic intention to deepen economic diplomacy and attract long-term, value-adding investments.
Dr Musokotwane warmly welcomed the Ambassador and reiterated Zambia’s strong interest in large-scale Turkish investments in mining, railways, tourism and agriculture, sectors that remain central to the country’s economic growth and diversification agenda.
He highlighted Türkiye’s strong economic performance as one of Europe’s most dynamic economies and noted the significant potential for mutually beneficial growth through targeted investments in Zambia’s productive sectors.
The Minister emphasised that increased participation by the Turkish private sector would support value addition, industrial development and job creation, contributing to shared prosperity for both nations.
He further observed that under the New Dawn Administration, priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, mining, and transport and logistics are viewed not only as economic pillars, but as key drivers of inclusive socio-economic transformation.
By scaling up investment in agro-processing, sustainable tourism infrastructure, mineral value addition and regional transport corridors, Zambia is positioning itself to unlock domestic value chains, enhance export competitiveness and fully harness the potential of its youthful workforce. Dr Musokotwane noted that this approach aligns with the country’s ambition to transition from being landlocked to land-linked, while remaining future-ready.
In response, Ambassador Dicle reaffirmed strong interest from the Turkish private sector in Zambia’s mining sector and pointed to the introduction of regular Turkish Airlines flights as a major boost to connectivity between the two countries. He said improved air links are already facilitating business engagement, investment exploration and tourism, strengthening the practical foundations of bilateral economic cooperation.
Dr Musokotwane expressed confidence that the engagement would translate into tangible investment outcomes aligned with Zambia’s long-term development objectives. He noted that the dialogue reflects Zambia’s deliberate transition into a new phase of development, characterised by continued economic reforms, safeguarded macroeconomic stability, and a renewed focus on growth, investment and job creation.
The Minister stressed that partnerships anchored in productive investment and private-sector participation are essential to sustaining economic momentum and ensuring that the benefits of stability are converted into broad-based economic opportunities for Zambians.
Dr Musokotwane was accompanied by Acting Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Mulele Mulele, and Accountant General, Ms Nsandi Manza.
The courtesy call builds on a long-standing history of high-level engagement between Zambia and Türkiye, supported by multiple cooperation agreements and sustained business interactions. To date, the two countries have signed 25 bilateral agreements aimed at promoting trade and investment.
Regular ministerial dialogues, development cooperation through institutions such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), educational exchange programmes and improved connectivity continue to highlight the multi-dimensional nature of the partnership.
While pursuing distinct development pathways, Zambia and Türkiye bring complementary strengths to their relationship. Türkiye’s diversified industrial base, strategic position bridging Europe and Asia, deep integration into global trade networks and expanding technological capacity provide a solid platform for outward investment.
Zambia, in turn, offers abundant natural resources, a strategic land-linked position in Southern Africa, an expanding infrastructure agenda, and a strong policy focus on value addition, export diversification and private-sector-led growth.
