Zambia hosts Kagem, recognized as the world’s largest emerald mine.
The Republic of Zambia
ZambiaEastern AfricaGeneral Information
Border Countries
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Zambia’s flag features an African fish eagle symbolizing freedom, while its orange stripe represents the country’s copper and mineral wealth.
Victoria Falls, shared with Zimbabwe, is one of the world’s largest sheets of falling water and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Zambia takes its name from the Zambezi River. Before independence in 1964, the country was known as Northern Rhodesia.
Lake Kariba, shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, used for electricity generation, fishing and tourism.
The Nc’wala ceremony of the Ngoni people celebrates the season’s first harvest through traditional rituals and colorful cultural performances.
By devoting nearly 30% of its territory to national parks and game reserves, Zambia has built one of Africa’s most ambitious wildlife conservation networks.
Nshima is Zambia’s national staple dish, made from thick maize porridge and traditionally served with vegetables, meat or fish.
Zambia is considered one of the birthplaces of the walking safari, where wildlife is explored on foot with trained guides.
Traditionally propelled by dozens of synchronized paddlers, the Kuomboka royal barge is accompanied by ceremonial drumming, traditional music and elaborate royal regalia.
Zambia’s Bangweulu Wetlands are home to the rare shoebill, a remarkable bird known for its enormous, shoe-shaped bill.
Zambia has one of the world’s fastest-growing populations, with the UN projecting its population to reach around 38 million by 2050.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
Economic Comparison
| Indicator | ZambiaUAE | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.E. Hakainde Hichilema
Since August 2021
H.E. Mulambo Haimbe
Since June 2024
H.E. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane
Since August 2021
H.E. Chipoka Mulenga
Since September 2021
H.E. Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma
Since September 2021
Political Summary
Political System
Zambia is a multi-party presidential republic in which the President is both Head of State and Head of Government.
Ruling Party
United Party for National Development (UPND): Liberal, Centre-left (since 2021)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Patriotic Front (PF): Left-wing, populistSocialist Party (SP): Left-wing, socialistCitizens First (CF): Centre-left
Next Presidential Election
Next Legislative Election
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Zambia | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Last Updated: October 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figuresCargo Flights
October 2026 figuresLast Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zambia Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Zambia | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Not Signed | Discussions Ongoing. |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 7 Feb 2020.Entered into force on 25 Jun 2021. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 7 Feb 2020.Entered into force on 13 Jan 2023. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed on 30 Sep 2009. |
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Zambia | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateSep2026
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateMar2026
- H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al ZeyoudiMinister of Foreign TradeFeb2026
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateJul2025
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateJul2023
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Hakainde HichilemaPresident of ZambiaSep2026
- H.E. Mulambo HaimbeMinister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of ZambiaJan2026
- H.E. Hakainde HichilemaPresident of ZambiaDec2023
- H.E. Hakainde HichilemaPresident of ZambiaJan2023
- H.E. Stanley KakuboMinister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of ZambiaAug2022
- H.E. Hakainde HichilemaPresident of ZambiaJan2022
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
Key Trade Commodities
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Zambian Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Zambia
DP WorldPorts and logistics
MasdarRenewable energy
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research