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 bilateral economic cooperation. Hichilema’s visit followed the start of his second presidential term earlier this month. The leaders examined collaborations in sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Additionally, discussions covered ongoing negotiations for a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, which aims to establish a wider framework for economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Hichilema and extended best wishes for his new term. The two heads of state reaffirmed a longstanding bilateral relationship that they said has lasted over 50 years. They debated development partnerships and economic diversification, alongside opportunities for increased cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. The meeting emphasized sectors involving both government and private sector participation. Neither government disclosed a timeline for finalizing the CEPA, nor did officials reveal specific tariff terms or detailed provisions negotiated so far.
The presidential discussions coincided with the signing of new commercial agreements during Hichilema’s trip to Abu Dhabi. Zambia’s State House announced that the two nations finalized memoranda of understanding valued at a combined $2.14 billion during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These agreements spanned various economic sectors, according to the Zambian government. Hichilema also reiterated Zambia’s desire to expand trade relations with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership agreement. However, the government did not disclose a detailed breakdown of each project included in the memoranda.
Negotiations for trade agreement continue
Following the leaders’ meeting, the UAE-Zambia CEPA remained in the negotiation phase. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema stated that a finalized agreement would mark a significant milestone in their countries’ economic ties. They also highlighted its potential as a framework for broader cooperation across both public and private sectors. No official date has been announced for signing. The discussions are part of a broader economic engagement, with trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy being key topics during official bilateral talks scheduled for 2026.
These sectors have been prominent in previous meetings between Zambian and UAE officials. In March, UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan met Hichilema in Lusaka to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, mining, and renewable energy. Sheikh Shakhboot returned to Zambia in September for Hichilema’s inauguration, conveying greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These interactions followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the commencement of his new term, marking another round of high-level engagements ahead of his official working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining and renewable energy sectors play key roles in bilateral ties
Mining remains a significant area 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 that it had invested over $1.1 billion in Mopani since acquiring control. The company manages the Nkana and Mufulira mining complexes in Zambia’s Copperbelt, where operations include copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 meeting prioritized expanding economic cooperation while 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 dimension to the presidential visit, though the proposed trade agreement remains separate and unsigned. As of September 30, both governments continued to describe the CEPA as under negotiation, with no official date set for its conclusion or signing.