President Hichilema Arrives in UK for Working Visit

President Hakainde Hichilema has arrived in Scotland for the start of a three-day working visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III.

The President, accompanied by First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, landed at Glasgow Airport at 13:15 local time (14:15 Zambian time) on a commercial flight. They were received by Zambia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Ms Macenje Mazoka, and staff from the Zambian mission.

The couple later proceeded to Dumfries House, where they will be accommodated for two days. They were welcomed by Dame Anne Limb, Chairperson of the Trustees of the King’s Foundation, and Mr Doldon Neil, Executive Director of the Dumfries Estates.

President Hichilema’s programme includes meetings in London with senior UK government officials to advance discussions on trade, development and partnership initiatives. These engagements are expected to feed into Zambia’s broader economic transformation agenda.

The Head of State is also scheduled to address an investment-focused forum, bringing together business leaders and policymakers to explore opportunities for deeper economic collaboration between Zambia and the United Kingdom.

Zambia and the UK share long-standing ties, stretching back to the pre-independence period, which have evolved into multifaceted cooperation across sectors. The visit is intended to reaffirm and strengthen these relations with a focus on unlocking investment flows, creating jobs and supporting sustainable growth.

State House has emphasised that promoting economic diplomacy remains a central pillar of President Hichilema’s administration, with the UK visit serving as a demonstration of Zambia’s determination to attract investment, stimulate innovation and foster prosperity.

President Hichilema is expected to return home immediately after the conclusion of his official engagements.