Israel's President Herzog Arrives in Zambia to Promote Investment
Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Zambia this morning for a historic two-day state visit, marking the first time an Israeli head of state has officially visited the country. President Hakainde Hichilema received President Herzog at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 10:12 am, underscoring the significance of the diplomatic milestone.
The visit comes just months after Israel reopened its embassy in Lusaka on August 20, 2025—the first time the Israeli flag has flown in the Zambian capital for 52 years. The embassy reopening, officiated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, represents a new chapter in relations between the two nations following a 52-year diplomatic hiatus.
Reciprocal Engagement and Strengthening Ties
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe described President Herzog's visit as a reciprocation of President Hichilema's successful state visit to Israel in June 2023, during which the two countries signed a General Framework Agreement of Cooperation. That agreement laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors.
"The visit by President Herzog to Zambia underscores the warm and growing friendship between Zambia and Israel and provides an opportunity to consolidate development cooperation that directly contributes to Zambia's economic transformation agenda," Minister Haimbe stated.
During the two-day visit, Presidents Herzog and Hichilema are expected to hold bilateral talks at State House focusing on strengthening collaboration in agriculture, health, education, technology, trade, and investment—all priority areas aligned with Zambia's national development objectives.
Israeli Investment and Technical Cooperation
The reopening of the Israeli embassy has already catalyzed several concrete development initiatives. Israel has committed to establishing a trauma and emergency unit at a hospital in Livingstone, addressing critical healthcare needs in the tourist capital. Additionally, hundreds of Zambian agricultural students have been hosted in Israel's Negev region for specialized training in irrigation techniques, water management, and food security—expertise particularly valuable as Zambia navigates climate challenges and seeks to enhance agricultural productivity.
Israeli expertise in water management and agricultural innovation is especially relevant to Zambia's development priorities. President Hichilema has identified opportunities for Israeli investment in critical minerals, water harvesting technologies, and agriculture—sectors where Israeli technological advancement could yield significant mutual benefits.
During the embassy reopening ceremony in August, Foreign Minister Sa'ar emphasized Israel's commitment to the partnership: "We believe in Zambia's potential. We believe that Zambia is a country of values—domestically and in its foreign policy. We believe Zambia is a strategic partner for Israel in the southern part of Africa."
A Strategic Partnership
The diplomatic relationship between Israel and Zambia dates back to Zambia's independence in 1964, when founding President Kenneth Kaunda established relations with Israel. Like many African nations, Zambia severed ties in 1973 under pressure during regional conflicts, but relations were restored in 1991. Zambia opened its embassy in Tel Aviv in 2015, demonstrating the commitment to renewed partnership that has now culminated in Israel's physical presence in Lusaka.
The bilateral partnership extends beyond government-to-government cooperation. At the American Jewish Committee's Global Forum earlier this year, President Hichilema highlighted Zambia's vision to serve as a hub for trilateral cooperation between Africa, Israel, and the United States, particularly in fintech and agricultural innovation. Zambia is set to host an AJC Agritech Summit in 2025, positioning the country as a center for agricultural innovation and regional development.
Economic Diplomacy in Action
President Hichilema has consistently emphasized economic diplomacy as central to Zambia's foreign policy, seeking partnerships that deliver tangible development outcomes. The Israeli partnership aligns with this approach, offering access to cutting-edge agricultural technology, healthcare innovations, and water management expertise—all critical to Zambia's economic transformation agenda.
Israeli companies operating in agriculture, water management, information technology, and health are increasingly active in Zambia, while the country's strategic minerals—including copper, manganese, and cobalt—present opportunities for Israeli technology and defense industries.
Looking Ahead
As President Herzog departs on November 11, the visit is expected to yield new memoranda of understanding and expanded cooperation frameworks that will guide bilateral engagement in the coming years. The growing Israel-Zambia partnership reflects Zambia's strategic positioning as a diplomatic and economic hub in southern Africa, while demonstrating Israel's renewed commitment to strengthening ties across the African continent.
The historic visit marks not just a diplomatic milestone, but a practical commitment to partnership that promises tangible benefits for Zambian citizens through enhanced healthcare, agricultural productivity, technological innovation, and economic opportunity.