Angola Calls for Deeper Trade Ties with Zambia Amid Growing Economic Cooperation

The Angolan government has called on Zambia to broaden access for Angolan products in a bid to further strengthen bilateral trade. The appeal was made by Angolan representative Raimundo Dos Santos during a high-level engagement with Zambian officials at the Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola.

Dos Santos emphasised that the flourishing relationship between the two nations is grounded in mutual cooperation and shared strategic interests, particularly in infrastructure and trade development. One key example is the Lobito Corridor Project, which both countries have committed to advancing as a regional transport and logistics hub.

Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, highlighted the economic potential of deeper Angola–Zambia collaboration. He noted that the completion of the Lobito Corridor will significantly improve regional trade flows and bring direct benefits to both countries. Mulenga also pointed to Angola’s planned Lobito oil refinery as a game-changer for Zambia, potentially providing access to affordable oil through a future pipeline connection.

The Copperbelt Provincial Administration underscored the role of the 2025 Zambia International Trade Fair in driving economic growth. Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Lawrence Mwanza revealed that the event has attracted more than 400 local and 200 international exhibitors, underlining Zambia’s expanding economic footprint and the importance of foreign partnerships in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).