Zambia, UK Discuss Trade, Investment and Critical Minerals Cooperation
Zambia and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following talks held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting in London.
Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, held a bilateral meeting with the British Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, during the meeting hosted at Lancaster House.
The discussions focused on deepening cooperation between Zambia and the United Kingdom, particularly in trade, investment and economic development.
Ms Cooper commended Zambia for its continued support for the United Kingdom on multilateral platforms and praised the partnership between the two countries under the UK–Zambia Green Growth Compact.
Mr Haimbe welcomed the growing partnership with the UK, describing it as an important opportunity for Zambia to develop strategic sectors of its economy, including value addition to the country’s critical minerals.
The British Foreign Secretary noted that the United Kingdom is keen to support Zambia’s ambitions in this area and emphasised the importance of financing in developing the sector.
Mr Haimbe also called for stronger collaboration in several areas, including expanding trade and investment in sectors such as energy.
He further expressed appreciation for the UK’s support in strengthening Zambia’s governance institutions and efforts to combat corruption.
Ms Cooper, in response, reiterated Britain’s willingness to explore new areas of cooperation with Zambia.
Meanwhile, speaking during the ministerial meeting, Mr Haimbe said the Commonwealth of Nations holds a natural advantage in promoting trade, good governance and respect for the rule of law among member states due to shared legal traditions, language and networks.
He noted that these shared values can help unlock value-adding industries, expand global value chains and create decent jobs, particularly for women and young people.
Mr Haimbe added that Zambia is contributing to these goals by strengthening institutions, fighting corruption and implementing reforms that support a predictable and rules-based environment for business.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s support for ongoing Commonwealth reform efforts aimed at making the organisation more effective, inclusive and responsive to modern governance and development challenges.
The minister also emphasised that Zambia remains committed to democratic governance, human rights and sustainable development, noting that a revitalised Commonwealth could play an important role in supporting the country’s economic priorities.
He further highlighted Zambia’s commitment to regional integration through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to expand trade and economic cooperation across Africa.
