ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema met in Abu Dhabi on September 29 to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral economic collaboration. Hichilema’s visit to the UAE followed the commencement of his second presidential term earlier this month. The leaders focused on cooperation in sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. Their discussions also encompassed ongoing negotiations for a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, designed to establish a comprehensive framework for economic cooperation.
Sheikh Mohamed greeted Hichilema and extended his best wishes for success in his new presidential tenure. Both presidents reaffirmed a relationship that they emphasized has lasted over 50 years. They deliberated on development partnerships and economic diversification, as well as potential opportunities for expanded collaboration between the UAE and Zambia. Emphasis was placed on areas involving government and private-sector engagement. Neither government disclosed a timeline for finalizing the CEPA, nor did officials reveal specific tariff terms or detailed provisions under negotiation.
The discussions between the presidents 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 multiple economic sectors, according to Zambian authorities. Hichilema also reiterated Zambia’s desire to deepen trade with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership deal. The government has not provided a detailed project-by-project breakdown of the memoranda announced.
Trade agreement negotiations ongoing
Following the leaders’ meeting, negotiations on the UAE-Zambia CEPA remain active. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema indicated that an agreement would mark a major milestone in their economic relations. They also highlighted its role as a framework to broaden cooperation across both public and private sectors. No official signing date has been announced by either government. The negotiations form part of a broader economic engagement, with trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy being prominent topics during official bilateral discussions scheduled for 2026.
These sectors have previously featured in meetings between officials from Zambia and the UAE. In March, UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan met Hichilema in Lusaka to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, mining, and renewable energy. Sheikh Shakhboot’s September return to Zambia for Hichilema’s inauguration included conveying greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These interactions followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the start of his new term, adding a further layer of high-level engagement before his upcoming working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining investments and renewable energy initiatives highlighted in bilateral discussions
Mining remains a key area of UAE-investment 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%. As of July 2025, International Resources Holding reported investing over $1.1 billion in Mopani since taking control. The company manages the Nkana and Mufulira mining complexes located in Zambia’s Copperbelt, focusing on copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 meeting primarily aimed to boost economic collaboration while CEPA negotiations are ongoing. Infrastructure and renewable energy were also key topics within the bilateral agenda. Zambia’s declaration of $2.14 billion in memoranda added a commercial dimension to the presidential visit, although the trade agreement itself remains unsigned and separate. As of September 30, both nations continued to describe the CEPA as under negotiation, with no official date set for its finalization or signing.