Trade relations between the United Arab Emirates and Zambia are set for further expansion following high-level engagements in Lusaka aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and unlocking new investment opportunities.
During an official visit, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, met with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema to advance discussions around trade growth and strategic collaboration across key sectors.
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The visit formed part of the UAE Trade and Investment Days initiative, with Al Zeyoudi leading a delegation of senior business executives to explore expanded commercial partnerships.
The delegation engaged in separate talks with Zambian ministers responsible for energy, finance, agriculture, health, technology, and commerce.
Officials described the meetings as a coordinated effort to widen economic engagement and identify fresh avenues for cooperation.
A joint ministerial roundtable, which brought together government representatives and private sector leaders from both countries, focused on easing trade processes, reinforcing supply chains, and increasing private sector participation.
Central to the discussions was progress toward concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), seen by both sides as a pathway to broader market access and a more structured framework for investment flows.
The strengthening ties are already reflected in trade figures. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Zambia surged to $3.4 billion in 2025, representing a 64.5 percent increase from the previous year.
The sharp rise highlights growing commercial momentum between the Gulf nation and the resource-rich southern African economy.
Al Zeyoudi described Zambia as a “significant economic partner,” noting that discussions centred on raising trade volumes and aligning economic priorities to drive sustainable growth.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to long-term collaboration and to unlocking the next phase of bilateral expansion.
The visiting business delegation included firms operating in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, logistics, aviation, healthcare, digital technology, and infrastructure—signalling strong Gulf interest in Zambia’s evolving economic landscape.
Officials from both nations emphasized that sustained dialogue and deeper private sector collaboration will be crucial to maintaining the upward trajectory of trade and investment relations between the UAE and Zambia.
