Chinese Premier, Li Qiang, set to visit Zambia

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, has announced that Chinese Premier Li Qiang will undertake an official visit to Zambia from November 19, at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Premier Qiang is also a member of the Standing Committee of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau.

In a statement issued on Monday, Haimbe said the visit follows President Hichilema’s successful State Visit to China in September 2023, during which the two countries elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

He said the forthcoming engagement reaffirms the strengthening of “historic and mutually beneficial relations” between Zambia and China.

During the visit, Premier Qiang will hold bilateral talks with President Hichilema at State House.

“The discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, transport and logistics, energy, mining, agriculture, and technology,” he said.

The two leaders are also expected to review progress on various agreements and projects, including the revitalisation of TAZARA, and explore new opportunities for collaboration under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Haimbe noted that Premier Qiang’s visit underscored the importance both countries attach to deepening long-standing ties dating back to Zambia’s pre-independence period.

“Over the past six decades, China has been an ‘all-weather friend’ to Zambia, supporting numerous development projects across various sectors including infrastructure, mining, health, education, and manufacturing,” he said.

He added that the visit reflected China’s recognition of Zambia’s role as a strategic partner in advancing regional connectivity and industrialisation within the context of South–South cooperation, and aligns with the shared vision of both governments to drive sustainable economic transformation through partnership and innovation.
Premier Qiang is expected to depart Zambia on November 20, 2025.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation remains committed to promoting Zambia’s bilateral and multilateral relations to realize the country’s development aspirations, for the benefit of the Zambian people,” Haimbe said.

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