The Republic of Zambia

ZambiaEastern Africa
-2:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country

General Information

National Identity
Official Language(s)English
National CurrencyZambian Kwacha (ZMW)
National Day(s)24 October (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalLusaka
Economic CapitalLusaka
Cultural CapitalLusaka
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 6.5 – 7 h Direct flights
Primary AirportKenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Primary PortPort of Mpulungu
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline0 km (landlocked)
Highest PointMafinga Central (2,339 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverZambezi River
ClimateSubtropical

Border Countries

AngolaBotswanaDemocratic Republic of the CongoMalawiMozambiqueNamibiaTanzaniaZimbabwe
8

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research

Key Facts

Zambia hosts Kagem, recognized as the world’s largest emerald mine.

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

GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-

Economic Comparison

IndicatorZambiaUAEZambiaUAE
GDP, current pricesUSD Billions--
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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 (%)--
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Income levelWorld Bank classification--

Foreign Trade

No data available for this section yet.

Political Overview

Leadership

Head of State & Government

H.E. Hakainde Hichilema

Since August 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.E. Mulambo Haimbe

Since June 2024

Minister of Finance

H.E. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane

Since August 2021

Minister of Trade

H.E. Chipoka Mulenga

Since September 2021

Minister of Defense

H.E. Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma

Since September 2021

Political Summary

Political System

Presidential Republic

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

Expected in August 2031

Next Legislative Election

August 2031

Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research

Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs

43Organizations
29Member
0Founding Member
2Partner, Observer or Participant
12Not a Member

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations

Competitiveness Indexes

IndexYearRank Out ofZambiaUAE

No index matches.

Bilateral Relations

Diplomatic Relations and Representation

Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations26 Nov 197452 years of relations
H.E. Mohammed Saeed Mohammed Alkaabi
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Mohammed Saeed Mohammed AlkaabiUAE Ambassador to Zambia
H.E. Nkombo Muuka
Foreign Ambassador
H.E. Nkombo MuukaAmbassador of Zambia to the UAE · Non-resident

Last Updated: October 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research

Consular Information

Tourists
Residents
Students
Golden Visa Holders
Zambia Nationalsin the UAE
----
UAE Citizensin Zambia
----

Main Agreements and MoUs

Agreement / MOUStatusNotes
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.
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists

Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research

UAE Foreign Assistance

UAE Aid to ZambiaTotal Amount
Amount (USD Mn)-

Bilateral Visits

Official Visits from the UAE

  • H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of State
    Sep2026
  • H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of State
    Mar2026
  • H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al ZeyoudiMinister of Foreign Trade
    Feb2026
  • H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of State
    Jul2025
  • H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of State
    Jul2023

Official Visits to the UAE

  • H.E. Hakainde HichilemaPresident of Zambia
    Sep2026
  • H.E. Mulambo HaimbeMinister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia
    Jan2026
  • H.E. Hakainde HichilemaPresident of Zambia
    Dec2023
  • H.E. Hakainde HichilemaPresident of Zambia
    Jan2023
  • H.E. Stanley KakuboMinister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia
    Aug2022
  • H.E. Hakainde HichilemaPresident of Zambia
    Jan2022

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

-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports

Key Trade Commodities

-

Foreign Direct Investment Flows

FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)-
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)870.3USD Millions

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 WorldDP WorldPorts and logistics
  • MasdarMasdarRenewable energy

Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research

Business Support

Joint Business Council(s)-

Cooperation Opportunities

Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.

Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research