Zambia-UAE trade grows by 300% as both nations pledge deeper economic ties

Zambia’s trade with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) increased by 300 percent between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the strengthening ties between the two nations, authorities have revealed.

The UAE has pledged to further expand its relationship with Zambia, with current trade volumes standing at US$1.8 billion.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Shakhbout Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, made the remarks during a bilateral engagement with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House in Lusaka on Monday.

“There is a need to continue expanding the relationship between the two countries, which benefits their people. From 2019 to 2024, trade between the two countries has increased by 300 percent,” said Al Nahyan.

He noted that the UAE was Zambia’s second-largest trading partner in 2023 and commended the ratification of key agreements including those on air services, investment protection, and avoidance of double taxation.

In response, President Hichilema called for increased UAE investments beyond the mining sector, identifying opportunities in energy, health, tourism, and other key industries.

“Zambia has a number of lucrative sectors that need joint investment, such as energy, health, and tourism,” President Hichilema said.

He emphasized that Zambia was ready for increased trade and investment through strengthened economic partnerships with the UAE.

He also assured that his government was working to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that hinder efficient business transactions.

“The government-to-government partnership between Zambia and the UAE continues to grow from strength to strength, underpinned by robust trade and investment across key sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, and tourism,” he added.

President Hichilema said the collaborations were aimed at delivering tangible economic benefits, creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and unlocking business opportunities for both Zambians and Emirates.

“We also highly commend the UAE’s commitment to building human capital by offering training for our public service workforce,” he said, noting that the initiative aligned with Zambia’s ambition to deliver more effective, efficient, and timely public services.

Similarly, Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe and Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, urged the UAE to explore broader investments in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and value addition.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe added that Zambia was putting in place the necessary frameworks to further strengthen its diplomatic and economic relations with the UAE.

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