President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia held talks in Abu Dhabi on September 29, 2026. The leaders discussed expanding bilateral cooperation, focusing on economic development, renewable energy, and ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to boost trade and investment.
Leaders Discuss Development Goals in Abu Dhabi
The meeting in Abu Dhabi marked a significant step in the diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations, which have maintained bilateral relations for more than five decades. President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema, who is currently on a working visit to the UAE, and expressed support for his leadership in pursuing Zambia’s national development goals, wishing him success in his new presidential term as he works to fulfill the aspirations of his people for a more prosperous future.
Central to the discussions was the negotiation of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both leaders signaled that once finalized, the deal is expected to serve as a framework for deepening ties between the public and private sectors, acting as a catalyst for economic growth in both countries. The two sides emphasized their mutual commitment to building upon their long-standing history of cooperation, specifically in vital sectors that support shared developmental priorities and the diversification of their respective national economies.
- Renewable energy infrastructure
- Economic and developmental cooperation
- Trade and investment expansion
- General infrastructure projects
Delegations Exchange Public Administration Modernization Strategies
Following the presidential meeting, the scope of cooperation extended to administrative modernization. On October 2, 2026, President Hichilema met with Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, the UAE’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs, to discuss expanding partnerships in government work.
During the session with Minister Al Gergawi, the Zambian delegation explored several specific Emirati methodologies to modernize their public administration and enhance the readiness of their government workforce. The discussions covered the following strategic areas:
- Implementing government accelerators
- Strategies for “zeroing out bureaucracy”
- Digital transformation of public services
- Developing national capacity in artificial intelligence
The Zambian delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe and Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa.
High-Level Representation in Abu Dhabi
The initial meeting between the two heads of state was attended by a broad delegation of senior UAE officials, reflecting the importance the Emirates places on the bilateral relationship. Attendees included:
- Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region
- Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council
- Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
- Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination
- Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs
- Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence
The visit highlights a long-term strategic vision to diversify economies through shared developmental partnerships, building on a history of cooperation that has spanned more than five decades.
