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 bilateral economic relations. Hichilema, who began his second presidential term earlier this month, visited the UAE as part of this diplomatic engagement. The leaders examined cooperation in the sectors of the economy, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Their discussions also encompassed ongoing talks regarding a UAE-Zambia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, designed to establish a broader framework for economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed his welcome to Hichilema and extended best wishes for his new term. The two heads of state reaffirmed a relationship that they stated has lasted over 50 years. They examined development partnerships and economic diversification, along with prospects for increased cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. Special emphasis was placed on areas involving both government and private sector participation. Neither government disclosed a timetable for finalizing the CEPA, nor did officials reveal detailed negotiated tariff terms or other specific provisions.
The presidential discussions coincided with the announcement of new commercial agreements during Hichilema’s visit to Abu Dhabi. Zambia’s State House reported that the two nations signed memoranda of understanding valued at a combined $2.14 billion during the Zambia-UAE Business Forum. These agreements covered various economic sectors, according to the Zambian government. Hichilema also reiterated Zambia’s desire to expand trade with the UAE through a comprehensive partnership agreement, although the government did not disclose a detailed breakdown of each project included in the memoranda.
Trade agreement still under discussion
Negotiations for the UAE-Zambia CEPA continued following the leaders’ meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema noted that a finalized agreement would mark a significant milestone in their economic relationship. They also highlighted its potential as a framework to boost cooperation across both 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 topics featured prominently during official bilateral exchanges in 2026.
Such sectors have also been part of earlier meetings between Zambian and UAE officials. In March, UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan met Hichilema in Lusaka to discuss trade, investment, mining, and renewable energy collaboration. Sheikh Shakhboot returned to Zambia in September for Hichilema’s inauguration and conveyed greetings from Sheikh Mohamed. These meetings followed Hichilema’s re-election in August and the start of his new term, adding another round of high-level contacts before his working visit to Abu Dhabi.
Mining and renewable energy as key areas of bilateral engagement
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 maintaining 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 operations include copper extraction, processing, smelting, and refining for export markets.
The September 29 meeting emphasized immediate efforts to deepen economic cooperation, even as CEPA negotiations carry on. Sheikh Mohamed and Hichilema also discussed infrastructure development and renewable energy projects as part of their bilateral agenda. The announcement of $2.14 billion in memoranda added a commercial dimension to the presidential visit, although the proposed 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 finalization or signing.