Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, met with Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka to advance bilateral economic and energy cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Zambia.
The visit, conducted as part of the UAE Trade and Investment Days initiative, included a high-level business delegation and focused on expanding trade volumes, investment partnerships, and sectoral collaboration — with energy identified as a key pillar of engagement.
Energy and Infrastructure in Focus
During meetings with senior Zambian officials, including Energy Minister Hon. Makozo Chikote, discussions emphasized renewable energy development, mining-linked energy demand, infrastructure expansion, and strengthening supply-chain resilience. Renewable energy and energy infrastructure were highlighted among priority sectors for enhanced cooperation.
The UAE delegation included representatives from industries spanning renewable energy, logistics, aviation, healthcare, agriculture, mining, digital economy, and infrastructure, reflecting growing commercial interest in Zambia’s development agenda.
CEPA Discussions to Boost Market Access
Both sides also reviewed progress toward finalizing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at expanding market access for goods and services, facilitating structured investment flows, and creating a forward-looking framework for long-term economic cooperation.
A ministerial roundtable brought together UAE business leaders and senior Zambian representatives to identify new opportunities for private-sector participation, particularly in energy, infrastructure modernization, and sustainable development projects.
Trade Growth Reflects Expanding Partnership
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Zambia reached US$3.4 billion in 2025, marking a 64.5% increase compared to 2024. The growth underscores the strengthening economic ties between the two countries and signals rising investor confidence.
Al Zeyoudi stated that Zambia represents a significant economic partner for the UAE, noting that discussions centered on aligning economic priorities, expanding trade, and supporting sustainable growth through long-term collaboration.
The visit forms part of the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify global trade partnerships and deepen engagement with high-growth African markets, with energy cooperation positioned as a central driver of future bilateral growth.
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