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 collaboration. Hichilema’s visit followed the commencement of his second presidential term earlier this month. The leaders examined cooperation in sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Additionally, their discussions addressed ongoing negotiations concerning a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, designed to establish a broader framework for economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed his welcome to Hichilema, extending best wishes for his new presidential term. The two heads of state reaffirmed a bilateral relationship that they stated has lasted over 50 years. Their dialogue focused on development partnerships and economic diversification, as well as exploring further cooperation opportunities between the UAE and Zambia. Special emphasis was placed on areas involving both government and private-sector engagement. Neither government disclosed a timeline for finalizing the CEPA, nor revealed specific tariff terms or other detailed provisions negotiated so far.
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 valued at a combined $2.14 billion were finalized during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These agreements spanned several economic sectors, as reported by the Zambian government. Hichilema also reaffirmed Zambia’s interest in expanding trade with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership agreement. The government has not provided a detailed breakdown of each project included in the memoranda announced.
Negotiations Continue on Trade Accord
The UAE-Zambia CEPA remains under negotiation following the leaders’ meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema indicated that a finalized agreement would mark a significant step forward in their economic relations. They also described it as a framework to broaden cooperation across both public and private sectors. No official signing date has been announced by either government. The discussions are part of a broader economic engagement, with topics such as trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy featured prominently during official bilateral talks in 2026.
These sectors have also been a focus 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, carrying greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. The meetings followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and his beginning of a new term, adding yet another round of high-level exchanges prior to his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining and Renewable Energy as Key Areas of Cooperation
Mining is already a significant aspect of UAE-involved investment activities 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%. In July 2025, International Resources Holding announced it had invested over $1.1 billion in Mopani since taking control. The company manages the Nkana and Mufulira mining complexes located in Zambia’s Copperbelt, where operations include copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 meeting primarily focused on expanding economic ties while negotiations for the CEPA continue. Infrastructure and renewable energy were also discussed as part of the bilateral agenda. Zambia’s announcement of memoranda worth $2.14 billion added a commercial dimension to the presidential visit, although the proposed trade agreement remains unsigned and separate. As of September 30, both governments described the CEPA as still under negotiation, with no official date set for its completion or signing.