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 relations. Hichilema’s visit followed the start of his second presidential term earlier this month. The leaders examined cooperation in sectors such as the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. Their discussions also included ongoing negotiations concerning a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, designed to establish a more extensive framework for economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mohamed extended a warm welcome to Hichilema and expressed his wishes for success in his new term. The two heads of state reaffirmed a relationship that they said has lasted over 50 years. They deliberated on development partnerships, economic diversification, and opportunities for further cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. Particular emphasis was placed on areas involving government and private-sector engagement. Neither government announced a timeline for finalizing the CEPA, and officials did not disclose specific tariff terms or other detailed provisions under negotiation.
The presidential 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 concluded memoranda of understanding valued at a total of $2.14 billion during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These agreements spanned various economic sectors, according to the Zambian government. Hichilema also reiterated Zambia’s interest in expanding trade ties with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership deal. The government did not release a detailed breakdown of each project covered by the memoranda announced.
Negotiations Continue on Trade Agreement
The UAE-Zambia CEPA remains under negotiation following the leaders’ meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema stated that a finalized agreement would mark a significant milestone in their economic relations. They also described it as a framework for broadening cooperation across both public and private sectors. No signing date has been announced by either government. These discussions are part of wider economic engagement, with trade, investment, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy being prominent themes in bilateral talks scheduled for 2026.
These sectors have also featured in earlier 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 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 beginning of his new term, adding to the series of high-level contacts prior to his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining Sector and Renewable Energy as Key Areas of Cooperation
The mining industry already represents a significant aspect of UAE-linked 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 stated it had invested over $1.1 billion in Mopani since taking control. The firm 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 concentrated on expanding economic cooperation while CEPA negotiations are ongoing. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also discussed infrastructure development and renewable energy as part of their bilateral agenda. The announcement of $2.14 billion in memoranda added a commercial dimension to the presidential visit, but the proposed trade agreement remains separate and unsigned. As of September 30, both governments continued to describe the CEPA as under negotiation, with no official date set for its finalization or signing.