Zambia and UAE deepen strategic trade and investment ties
Zambia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in trade and investment following high-level bilateral talks held in Lusaka.
The meeting brought together Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, and Permanent Secretary Eng. Dr Brilliant Habeenzu, with the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the InterContinental Hotel Lusaka.
Discussions focused on expanding economic collaboration across priority sectors including trade facilitation, investment, mining, agriculture, energy, aviation, tourism, financial services and digital transformation.
Mr Mulenga reaffirmed the Zambian Government’s commitment, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, to working with like-minded global partners to accelerate economic recovery and inclusive growth.
He welcomed continued UAE engagement and highlighted its significant role in revitalising Mopani Copper Mines, which had been dormant for several years despite its vast mineral potential.
He praised the UAE-backed investment for retaining the existing workforce and creating more than 2,000 additional jobs, noting that this approach aligned with Zambia’s social and development priorities.
Mr Mulenga added that Zambia views the UAE as a strategic partner beyond mining, with strong prospects in agriculture, livestock, tourism, aviation and value-chain development.
He expressed optimism that ongoing engagements would soon translate into concrete decisions and announcements.
The Minister also underscored Zambia’s policy emphasis on joint ventures that invest, produce, process, market and sell goods for the mutual benefit of both countries.
In response, Dr Al Zeyoudi welcomed the open and transparent dialogue and said the participation of senior Zambian ministers reflected the importance attached to the partnership.
He noted the breadth of discussions, which covered aviation, financial services, mining, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, renewable energy and digitalisation, and reaffirmed the UAE’s interest in scaling up investments in Zambia while sharing best practices.
Both sides concluded the talks by reaffirming their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial projects that support sustainable development and long-term prosperity for Zambia and the UAE.
