ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema convened in Abu Dhabi on September 29 to explore ways to enhance their economic partnership. Hichilema’s visit followed the start of his second presidential term earlier this month. The leaders examined cooperation across sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. The discussions also included ongoing negotiations for a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, designed to establish a broader framework for economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Hichilema and extended his best wishes for success in his new term. The two presidents reaffirmed a bilateral relationship that they said spans over 50 years. Their dialogue focused on development initiatives, economic diversification, and opportunities for expanded cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. Particular emphasis was placed on areas involving both government and private sector engagement. Neither government provided a timeline for finalizing the CEPA, nor were specific tariff terms or detailed provisions disclosed by officials.
During Hichilema’s visit to Abu Dhabi, several new commercial agreements were announced. Zambia’s State House reported that the two nations signed memoranda of understanding valued at a combined $2.14 billion during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These agreements encompass various economic sectors, according to the Zambian government. Hichilema also reiterated Zambia’s desire to deepen trade relations with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership agreement. However, the government did not release a detailed breakdown of each project covered by the memoranda.
Negotiations for trade agreement still ongoing
Following the leaders’ meeting, the UAE-Zambia CEPA remained under negotiation. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema indicated that a finalized agreement would mark a significant milestone in their economic relationship. They also viewed it as a framework to broaden cooperation across both public and private sectors. No signing date has been announced by either government. The discussions are part of a broader economic engagement, with trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy topics featured prominently in official bilateral talks scheduled for 2026.
These sectors have also been discussed in previous meetings between Zambian and UAE officials. In March, UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan met with Hichilema in Lusaka to discuss trade, investment, mining, and renewable energy cooperation. Sheikh Shakhboot returned to Zambia in September for Hichilema’s inauguration, conveying greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These meetings followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the start of his new term, representing another round of high-level engagement before his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining sector and renewable energy play key roles in bilateral efforts
Mining continues to be a significant focus of UAE-related investment in Zambia. Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding acquired a 51% stake in Mopani Copper Mines in 2024, with Zambia’s ZCCM Investments Holdings holding the remaining 49%. In July 2025, International Resources Holding announced it had invested over $1.1 billion in Mopani since acquiring control. The company operates the Nkana and Mufulira mining complexes in Zambia’s Copperbelt, where activities include copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 meeting emphasized immediate efforts to expand economic cooperation as the CEPA negotiations continue. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also discussed infrastructure and renewable energy as part of their bilateral agenda. Zambia’s declaration of $2.14 billion in memoranda added a commercial component to the presidential visit, while the proposed trade agreement remained separate and unsigned. As of September 30, both governments described the CEPA as still under negotiation, with no official date set for its completion or signing.