Zambia and Australia Deepen Cooperation in Mining, Agriculture and Climate
Australia and Zambia share a growing range of common interests, including agriculture, innovation, critical minerals and climate change, said Hon. Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Australia and Member for Oxley.
Speaker Dick made the remarks while leading an Australian Parliamentary Delegation on a historic visit to the National Assembly of Zambia this morning – the first time an Australian Speaker has visited Zambia’s Parliament.
He highlighted that agriculture and food security remain critical areas for both nations, particularly as Zambia works to overcome the impacts of drought and enhance national food security. Speaker Dick noted that Australia had committed over USD 70 million to support climate change initiatives and technology development in the region.
He also emphasised Zambia’s wealth of critical minerals as a key area for collaboration amid global challenges.
“Australia greatly values its partnership with Zambia, but more work needs to be done to strengthen and enhance relations. I hope this visit will contribute to improving bilateral ties and help Australia better understand the complexities of Zambia’s political environment,” Speaker Dick said.
Rt. Honourable Nelly B. K. Mutti, SC, MP, FAPRA, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the longstanding and cordial bilateral relations between the two Commonwealth countries. She said cooperation has spanned mining, education, agriculture and governance.
Speaker Mutti noted that Australian companies, including First Quantum Minerals, have made significant investments in Zambia’s mining sector, boosting copper production and supporting the government’s target of three million tonnes by 2030. These investments, she added, have created jobs while facilitating technology transfer and expertise in mining.
She further highlighted the benefits of Australian scholarships and training programmes, which have enabled many Zambians to pursue higher education in engineering, agriculture and medicine, contributing to national development.
In agriculture, Speaker Mutti emphasised that Australia’s expertise in commercial farming, irrigation systems, and drought-resistant crops provides valuable lessons for Zambia as it works to strengthen food security and diversify its economy beyond mining.
Other topics discussed included gender parity, Zambia’s move towards solar energy, nationwide tree planting initiatives, and the adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance parliamentary work. Speaker Mutti also shared details about the Nelly Mutti Crèche and noted both Parliaments’ commitment to democracy and youth engagement through initiatives such as Zambia’s Youth Parliament and Australia’s Parliamentary Education Office.
The Australian delegation, which includes Senators Claire Chandler, Dorinda Cox, Deborah O’Niell, Tammy Tyrell, Federal MP Mary Doyle, and officials Natalie Van Dartel and Toni Matulick, also met with the Government Chief Whip and Opposition Whip to exchange best practices. The delegation will continue its engagement with parliamentary portfolio committees during their visit from 21 to 24 September 2025.
