ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema met in Abu Dhabi on September 29 to discuss expanding bilateral economic relations. Hichilema’s visit to the UAE followed the start of his second presidential term earlier this month. The leaders examined cooperation in sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. Additionally, their discussions 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 wished him success in his new presidential role. The two heads of state reaffirmed that their relationship spans more than 50 years. They talked about development partnerships and economic diversification, as well as potential avenues for further cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. The focus was particularly on areas involving both government and private-sector participation. Neither government provided a timeline for finalizing the CEPA, nor did officials reveal specific tariff terms or other detailed provisions under negotiation.
The diplomatic discussions coincided with the announcement of new business agreements during Hichilema’s visit to Abu Dhabi. Zambia’s State House reported that the two countries signed memoranda of understanding valued at a combined $2.14 billion during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These agreements spanned several economic sectors, according to the Zambian government. Hichilema also reiterated Zambia’s desire to expand trade with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership agreement. The government did not disclose a detailed list of projects covered by the memoranda.
Negotiations on trade agreement still ongoing
The CEPA between the UAE and Zambia remained under negotiation following the leaders’ meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema stated that a finalized agreement would mark a significant milestone in their countries’ economic relations. They also highlighted its potential to serve as a framework for increased cooperation across both sectors. No official signing date has been announced by either government. These discussions are part of broader economic engagement, with trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy on the agenda for 2026 bilateral talks.
Earlier meetings 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 trade, investment, mining, and renewable energy cooperation. Sheikh Shakhboot returned to Zambia in September for Hichilema’s inauguration and conveyed greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These meetings followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the beginning of his new term, leading to another round of high-level discussions before his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining investments and renewable energy projects are key areas of cooperation
Mining already plays a prominent role in UAE-related investments 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 taking control. The company operates the Nkana and Mufulira mining complexes in Zambia’s Copperbelt, focusing on copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 meeting emphasized expanding economic collaboration while CEPA negotiations continue. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also discussed infrastructure and renewable energy as part of their bilateral agenda. The announcement of $2.14 billion in memoranda added a commercial dimension to Hichilema’s visit, while the trade agreement itself remained separate and unsigned. As of September 30, both governments continued to describe the CEPA as under negotiation, with no official date set for its completion or signing.