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 economic cooperation. Hichilema’s visit followed the start of his second term earlier this month. The leaders examined collaboration opportunities in sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Their discussions also touched on ongoing negotiations for a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, designed to establish a broader framework for economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mohamed extended a warm welcome to Hichilema and expressed good wishes for his success in the new presidential term. The two heads of state reaffirmed a bilateral relationship that they stated has lasted over 50 years. They explored development partnerships and economic diversification, alongside potential avenues for further cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. The focus was particularly on areas involving government and private-sector participation. Neither government disclosed a timeline for finalizing the CEPA, nor did officials reveal specifics regarding negotiated tariff terms or other detailed provisions.
The presidential dialogue coincided with the signing of new commercial agreements during Hichilema’s visit to Abu Dhabi. Zambia’s State House announced that the two nations finalized memoranda of understanding valued at a combined $2.14 billion during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These agreements spanned multiple economic sectors, according to the Zambian government. Hichilema also reiterated Zambia’s interest in expanding trade with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership agreement. However, the government did not provide a detailed breakdown of all projects covered by the memoranda announced.
Negotiations Continue for Trade Agreement
The CEPA between UAE and Zambia remains under negotiation following the leaders’ meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema highlighted that a finalized agreement would mark a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations. They also described it as a framework to boost cooperation across both the public and private 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 projects featuring prominently in official bilateral talks scheduled for 2026.
Earlier meetings between officials from Zambia and the UAE also covered 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, carrying greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These engagements followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the start of his new term, adding another layer of high-level contacts before his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining and Renewable Energy as Key Areas of Investment
Mining already plays a significant 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 that it had invested over $1.1 billion in Mopani since taking over. 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 prioritized expanding economic cooperation, even as CEPA negotiations are ongoing. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also discussed infrastructure projects and renewable energy initiatives as part of the bilateral agenda. Zambia’s announcement of memoranda worth $2.14 billion added a commercial dimension to the presidential visit, while the trade agreement remains separate and unsigned. As of September 30, both governments continued to describe the CEPA as under negotiation, with no official timeline for its completion or signing announced.