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 enhancing bilateral economic collaboration. Hichilema’s visit to the UAE came shortly after he began his second presidential term earlier this month. The leaders examined cooperation in sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Their discussions also included ongoing talks toward a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, designed to establish a more comprehensive framework for economic partnership.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Hichilema and extended best wishes for his new presidential term. Both presidents reaffirmed a relationship that they stated has lasted over 50 years. Topics covered included development collaborations and economic diversification, along with prospects for increased cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. Special focus was given to areas involving government and private sector participation. Neither government revealed a timeline for finalizing the CEPA, nor did officials disclose specific tariff terms or other detailed provisions under negotiation.
The high-level 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 finalized memoranda of understanding valued at a total of $2.14 billion during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These agreements spanned several economic sectors, according to the Zambian government. Hichilema reiterated Zambia’s desire to broaden trade with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership deal. However, the government did not provide a detailed list of projects covered by the memoranda.
Negotiations Continue on Trade Pact
Following the leaders’ meeting, negotiations on the UAE-Zambia CEPA remained ongoing. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema both expressed that an agreement would mark a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations. They also highlighted its potential as a framework for expanding cooperation across public and private sectors. Neither side has announced a date for signing the agreement. These discussions form part of broader economic engagement, with topics such as trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy playing roles in 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 and discussed trade, investment, mining, and renewable energy cooperation. Sheikh Shakhboot returned to Zambia in September for Hichilema’s inauguration, delivering greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These engagements followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the commencement of his new term, representing another round of high-level dialogue ahead of his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining and Renewable Energy as Pillars of Collaboration
Mining remains a major focus of UAE-related investments in Zambia. In 2024, Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding acquired a 51% stake in Mopani Copper Mines, 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 manages the Nkana and Mufulira mining complexes in Zambia’s Copperbelt, where activities include copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 discussion emphasized expanding economic cooperation as CEPA negotiations are still underway. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also focused on infrastructure and renewable energy within their bilateral agenda. The announcement of $2.14 billion in memoranda added a commercial dimension to the presidential visit, though the trade agreement itself remains unsigned and separate from these memoranda. As of September 30, both governments described the CEPA as still under negotiation, with no official date set for its conclusion or signing.