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 their countries’ economic collaboration. 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 expressed his welcome to Hichilema and extended best wishes for his new presidential tenure. The two heads of state reaffirmed a bilateral relationship that they stated has lasted over 50 years. They addressed development partnerships and economic diversification, along with prospects for increased cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. Special focus was given to sectors involving both government and private-sector involvement. Neither government disclosed a timeline for finalizing the CEPA, nor did officials reveal specific tariff terms or other detailed provisions under negotiation.
The presidential discussions coincided with the signing of new commercial agreements during Hichilema’s visit to Abu Dhabi. Zambia’s State House announced that the two nations 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 deal. The government has not provided a detailed list of each project encompassed by the memoranda announced.
Negotiations on trade agreement still ongoing
The CEPA between the UAE and Zambia remains under discussion following the leaders’ meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema noted that a finalized agreement would mark a significant milestone in their economic relations and serve as a framework for boosting cooperation across both public and private sectors. No official signing date has been announced yet. The broader economic engagement between the nations includes trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy, which are expected to feature prominently in official bilateral talks throughout 2026.
These sectors also featured during earlier 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 cooperation in trade, investment, mining, and renewable energy. 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 commencement of his new term, adding another round of high-level interactions prior to his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining investments and renewable energy cooperation prominent in bilateral relations
Mining already plays a key 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 stated it had invested over $1.1 billion in Mopani since assuming control. The company manages the Nkana and Mufulira mining complexes located in Zambia’s Copperbelt, where activities include copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
While the focus remains on expanding economic cooperation during the ongoing CEPA negotiations, Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also discussed infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives as part of their bilateral agenda. The announcement of $2.14 billion in memoranda added a commercial dimension to Hichilema’s visit, although the proposed trade agreement continues to be separate and unsigned. As of September 30, both governments described the CEPA as still under negotiation, with no official date set for its finalization or signing.