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 partnership. Hichilema’s visit to the UAE followed the start of his second presidential term earlier this month. During their discussions, the leaders examined cooperation in sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. They also touched upon ongoing negotiations for a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, which aims to establish a more extensive framework for economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Hichilema and expressed his wishes for success in his new term. The two heads of state reaffirmed a bilateral relationship that they said has lasted over 50 years. They talked about development partnerships and economic diversification, as well as opportunities to deepen cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. Particular focus was given to areas involving government and private-sector collaboration. Neither government announced a timetable for finalizing the CEPA, and officials did not disclose specific tariff terms or other detailed provisions under negotiation.
Their 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 combined $2.14 billion during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These agreements span 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. The government did not release a detailed breakdown of each project included in the memoranda.
Trade agreement negotiations still ongoing
The UAE-Zambia CEPA remains under negotiation following the leaders’ meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema stated that a finalized agreement would mark a major step forward in their economic relations and serve as a framework to boost cooperation across both public and private sectors. Neither side has announced a specific signing date. The discussions are part of broader economic engagement, with trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects also discussed during official bilateral talks in 2026.
These sectors have been prominent in previous 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, carrying greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These meetings followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the start of his new term, adding another layer of high-level engagement before his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining investments and renewable energy projects shape bilateral relations
Mining remains a key area of UAE-related investment 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 reported investing over $1.1 billion in Mopani since taking control. The company manages the Nkana and Mufulira mining sites in Zambia’s Copperbelt, where activities include copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 meeting prioritized expanding economic cooperation while negotiations for the CEPA continue. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also discussed infrastructure development and renewable energy as part of their bilateral agenda. The announcement of $2.14 billion worth of memoranda added a commercial component to the presidential visit, although the trade agreement remains separate and unsigned. As of September 30, both governments described the CEPA as still under negotiation, with no official date set for its conclusion or signing.