Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has arrived in the United Arab Emirates for a two-day working visit to strengthen bilateral relations and attract investment in mining, energy, infrastructure, and other priority sectors under his government’s “Grow Zambia” agenda.
The visit, from September 29 to 30, follows an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Zambian Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia’s Ambassador to the UAE, and officials from both countries welcomed President Hichilema.
DEEPENING ECONOMIC TIES
The two leaders are expected to hold an official bilateral meeting that will culminate in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening cooperation between Zambia and the UAE.
Priority areas for investment and joint ventures include mining and mineral value addition, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, transport and logistics, tourism and healthcare.
President Hichilema will also participate in the Zambia-UAE Business and Investment Forum, where he will engage business leaders on investment and trade opportunities. He is also scheduled to meet with the Zambian community living in the UAE.
COPPER AT THE CENTRE
Copper is central to the economic relationship between Zambia and the UAE. Zambia was the world’s eighth-largest producer of mined copper in 2024, accounting for 3.6% of global production, with copper exports generating approximately $7.5 billion that year, roughly 66% of Zambia’s goods exports.
The UAE already buys Zambian copper, accounting for about 3% of Zambia’s copper export volume in 2024, behind Switzerland and China.
Emirati investment in Zambia’s mining sector has grown significantly. In 2024, International Resources Holding (IRH) acquired a 51% stake in Mopani Copper Mines through its subsidiary Delta Mining Limited, with ZCCM Investments Holdings retaining the remaining 49%. The transaction involved an investment of up to $1.1 billion.
IRH says it has since invested more than $1.1 billion in Mopani, including $620 million in equity and $400 million in long-term funding. The company is targeting copper production of 300,000 tons a year by 2029.
COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Zambia and the UAE are also expected to advance discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) , which is intended to facilitate trade and expand market access between the two countries.
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Zambia totaled $3.4 billion in 2025, representing growth of 64.5% on the value recorded in 2024.
Acting Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said the visit is aimed at strengthening relations between Zambia and the UAE, with a focus on investment, private sector growth, value addition, industrial development and advancing Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda.
DIPLOMATIC TIES DEEPENING
Zambia opened its Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2023, while the UAE deployed its first resident Ambassador to Zambia in September 2026.
The visit comes at a time when Zambia is seeking to project continuity, stability and economic opportunity internationally, following its August 13 general election.