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 avenues for enhanced bilateral economic cooperation. Hichilema’s visit to the UAE followed the commencement of his second presidential term earlier this month. The leaders examined collaboration in sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Their discussions also encompassed ongoing negotiations for a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, designed to establish a comprehensive framework for economic partnership.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed his welcome to Hichilema and extended best wishes for his new presidential tenure. The two heads of state reaffirmed a relationship that they stated has endured for over 50 years. Topics discussed included development partnerships, economic diversification, and potential opportunities for deeper cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. Special emphasis was placed on areas involving both government and private-sector engagement. No official timeline was announced for the completion of the CEPA, and details regarding negotiated tariffs or specific provisions were not disclosed by either government.
The presidential discussions coincided with the signing of new commercial agreements during Hichilema’s visit to Abu Dhabi. According to Zambia’s State House, memoranda of understanding worth a combined $2.14 billion were finalized during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. The agreements spanned multiple economic sectors, as reported by the Zambian government. Hichilema also reiterated Zambia’s interest in broadening trade relations with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership agreement. The government did not release a detailed list of projects covered by the memoranda announced.
Negotiations on trade agreement are ongoing
Following the leaders’ meeting, the UAE-Zambia CEPA remained under active negotiation. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema noted that finalizing the agreement would be a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic ties. They also highlighted its potential to serve as a framework for expanding cooperation across both public and private sectors. Neither government has announced a specific signing date. These discussions are part of a broader economic engagement, with trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy on the agenda for official bilateral talks scheduled for 2026.
Earlier interactions between officials from Zambia and the UAE also focused on these sectors. 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, bringing greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These meetings followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the start of his new term, adding to the series of high-level contacts before his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining investments and renewable energy are key aspects of bilateral relations
Mining remains a major area of UAE-backed investment in Zambia. In 2024, Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding acquired a 51% stake in Mopani Copper Mines, with Zambia’s ZCCM Investments Holdings holding the remaining 49%. As of July 2025, International Resources Holding stated 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, engaging in copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 meeting primarily aimed to enhance economic cooperation while CEPA negotiations continue. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also discussed infrastructure projects and renewable energy initiatives within their bilateral agenda. The announcement of $2.14 billion in memoranda added a commercial dimension to the presidential visit, although the trade agreement itself remains unsigned and separate. As of September 30, both governments continued to describe the CEPA as under negotiation, with no official date set for its conclusion or signing.