President Hakainde Hichilema is set to undertake a working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 29 to 30, 2026, with investment, trade and economic cooperation expected to dominate his engagements.
The visit follows an invitation from UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and comes at a time when Zambia is placing greater emphasis on economic diplomacy as part of its Grow Zambia Agenda.
Acting Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said the visit is intended to strengthen relations between Zambia and the UAE, particularly in areas such as investment, private sector development, value addition and industrialisation.
During the two-day visit, President Hichilema is expected to hold an official bilateral meeting with Sheikh Mohamed to discuss matters of mutual interest between the two countries.
The two leaders are also expected to witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding cooperation between Zambia and the UAE.
According to the Zambian Government, the discussions will cover a range of sectors with potential for investment and joint ventures, including mining and mineral value addition, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, transport and logistics, tourism and healthcare.
The focus on investment follows a series of engagements between Zambia and the UAE in 2026.
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In February, Zambian and UAE officials held high-level discussions covering mining, agriculture, energy, aviation, tourism, financial services and digital transformation. The Zambian Government also said the engagements were aimed at unlocking investment opportunities across strategic sectors of the economy.
President Hichilema’s UAE visit will also include participation in the Zambia-UAE Business and Investment Forum, where he is expected to engage UAE business leaders and promote investment opportunities in Zambia.
The forum is expected to provide an opportunity for the Zambian Government and private sector to engage potential investors on projects and opportunities in the country.
Another key area expected to feature during the visit is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Zambia and the UAE.
The two countries are expected to advance discussions on the proposed agreement, which is intended to facilitate trade and strengthen economic relations.
The UAE describes CEPAs as agreements designed to improve market access, reduce or eliminate tariffs in relevant areas, simplify customs procedures and establish clearer rules for trade and investment.
Discussions between Zambia and the UAE on a CEPA come as the Gulf country continues expanding its network of trade agreements, with negotiations involving Zambia among several African countries. In July 2026, the UAE said negotiations with Zambia had reached advanced stages.
For Zambia, an expanded trade relationship with the UAE could create opportunities for businesses seeking access to markets, investment capital and partnerships, although the eventual impact will depend on the terms agreed and how any commitments are implemented.
President Hichilema is also scheduled to meet Zambians living in the UAE during the visit.
The two countries have maintained diplomatic and economic relations for several years, with cooperation growing in areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy and tourism.
Zambia opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2023, while the UAE deployed its first resident ambassador to Zambia in September 2026, according to the statement announcing the President’s visit.
The strengthening of Zambia-UAE relations also fits into the Government’s broader emphasis on economic diplomacy.
Earlier this month, President Hichilema said Zambia’s foreign policy would be anchored on economic diplomacy as the country seeks to attract investment, expand trade and support the Grow Zambia Agenda.
The UAE has also emerged as an important partner in Zambia’s efforts to attract investment into sectors such as energy, mining, agriculture, health infrastructure and financial services. Earlier engagements between the two countries resulted in discussions around potential multi-billion-dollar investment opportunities across strategic sectors.
The upcoming visit will therefore provide another platform for the two governments and their respective business communities to discuss specific opportunities and deepen economic cooperation.
President Hichilema is expected to return to Zambia after concluding his engagements in the United Arab Emirates on September 30.
The visit comes as the Zambian Government seeks to translate its economic diplomacy efforts into increased investment, trade, industrial development and private-sector participation under the Grow Zambia Agenda.
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