ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema gathered in Abu Dhabi on September 29 to explore ways to strengthen their countries’ economic partnership. Hichilema’s visit followed the start of his second presidential term earlier this month. During their discussions, the leaders focused on economic collaboration, renewable energy initiatives, and infrastructure development. They also revisited ongoing talks regarding a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, which aims to establish a comprehensive framework for economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed his welcome to Hichilema and extended best wishes for his new presidential term. The two heads of state reaffirmed a relationship that they said has lasted over 50 years. They examined development collaborations and economic diversification prospects, along with potential avenues for increased cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. Special attention was given to initiatives involving both government and private sector participation. Neither government disclosed a timetable for finalizing the CEPA, nor did officials reveal specific tariff terms or other detailed provisions negotiated thus far.
The presidential discussions coincided with the signing of new commercial agreements during Hichilema’s stay in Abu Dhabi. According to Zambia’s State House, the two nations signed memoranda of understanding valued at a combined $2.14 billion during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These accords covered various economic sectors, as reported by the Zambian government. Hichilema also reiterated Zambia’s desire to expand trade with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership agreement. The government did not specify a detailed breakdown of each project included in the memoranda announced.
Trade agreement still in progress
Negotiations on the UAE-Zambia CEPA are still ongoing following the leaders’ meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema indicated that a finalized agreement would mark a significant milestone in their bilateral economic relations. They also described it as a framework for broadening cooperation across both public and private sectors. No official signing date has been announced by either government. These discussions are part of wider economic engagement, which includes trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy, scheduled for 2026.
Earlier meetings between officials of Zambia and the UAE also touched on these sectors. In March, UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan met Hichilema in Lusaka, discussing trade, investment, mining, and renewable energy cooperation. Sheikh Shakhboot returned to Zambia in September for Hichilema’s inauguration, conveying greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These meetings followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the start of his new term, representing another round of high-level engagement ahead of his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining investments and renewable energy cooperation prominent in bilateral relations
Mining remains a significant sector of 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 assuming control. The company manages the Nkana and Mufulira mining complexes in Zambia’s Copperbelt, where operations include copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 meeting prioritized expanding economic collaboration while CEPA negotiations remain underway. Discussions between Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also covered infrastructure and renewable energy as part of their bilateral agenda. Zambia’s declaration of $2.14 billion in memoranda added a commercial element 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 finalization or signing.
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