Hichilema Heads to UAE to Drive Investment Under Grow Zambia Agenda

President Hakainde Hichilema will make a working visit to the United Arab Emirates on 29 and 30 September. He travels at the invitation of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The visit is aligned with the Grow Zambia Agenda. It focuses on attracting investment, promoting private sector-led growth, adding value to Zambia's resources and expanding economic opportunities. It is also a chance to review progress on existing agreements and close any gaps in how they are being delivered.

The two leaders will hold official talks, which are expected to end with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding. The aim is to turn existing commitments into concrete investments, partnerships and results.

Priority sectors include mining and mineral value addition, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, transport and logistics, tourism and healthcare. The two countries will also work towards concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to make trade between them easier.

The programme includes a Zambia–UAE Business and Investment Forum, a meeting between the President and UAE business leaders, and an engagement with the Zambian community living in the UAE.

Relations between the two countries have grown from diplomatic ties into a broader economic partnership. Zambia opened an Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2023, and this month the UAE posted its first resident Ambassador to Zambia.

For ordinary Zambians, the visit is about turning partnerships into investment, jobs and industrial growth at home.