Zambia has begun high-level talks with the United Arab Emirates that could unlock multi-billion-dollar investments in its energy, mining, and industrial sectors.
Senior Zambian ministers welcomed a UAE delegation to Lusaka, signalling growing Gulf interest in Zambia’s economic reforms and its position in regional supply chains for essential minerals and energy infrastructure.
Officials said the discussions focused on attracting long-term capital into renewable energy generation, downstream petroleum projects, and value-added mining operations.
The government framed the engagement as a strategic opportunity to accelerate industrialisation, strengthen energy security, and create durable employment.
The talks come as Zambia intensifies an investment promotion drive launched under President Hakainde Hichilema, aimed at reassuring global investors of regulatory stability and improved macroeconomic management.
UAE investors expressed strong interest in petroleum and electricity systems, including renewable energy, as well as agriculture, health infrastructure, fisheries and livestock development, scientific and technological advancement, and financial services.
Gulf countries have steadily expanded their footprint across African resource and infrastructure markets, seeking exposure to projects linked to the global energy transition while securing access to critical minerals.
Zambian authorities argue that recent economic reforms and governance improvements have strengthened investor confidence.
Positioning Zambia As A Strategic Minerals And Energy Hub
President Hichilema recently used the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 conference in South Africa to position Zambia as a business-friendly destination. There, he reiterated the country’s ambition to move beyond basic commodity exports toward value-added production and broader industrial growth.
The latest engagement with the UAE reinforces that strategy, highlighting investment opportunities tied to mining-related energy and logistics infrastructure.
“The current UAE engagement demonstrates to international investors that mining-related energy and logistics now offer investment opportunities that can be expanded to meet their requirements,” officials said.
The government added: “Our nation has become a preferred destination for foreign investors due to our effective macroeconomic management and regulatory changes and our dedication to open government and consistent policy implementation.”
Officials said discussions on energy were particularly robust, reflecting demand for projects that would expand generation capacity and modernise power distribution networks. Zambia, one of Africa’s top copper producers, has faced electricity supply constraints that have periodically affected mining output and industrial activity.
To advance the process, both sides agreed to establish technical working groups to develop proposals and accelerate project execution.
“The two parties have decided to create technical working groups which will enhance their work process toward achieving bankable projects,” officials said.
Analysts say a deeper partnership could yield significant benefits not only for Zambia’s domestic market but also for global industries watching the reconfiguration of critical mineral supply chains. Copper and battery metals are central to renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and grid infrastructure.
Greater UAE capital participation could help stabilise copper and battery-metal output while supporting power-sector investments needed to ease production bottlenecks across the region.
The government said the anticipated multi-billion-dollar investments would “enhance energy security and drive value creation and support industrial development and create permanent job opportunities.”
Gulf states have increasingly positioned themselves as long-term partners for African economies seeking capital for energy, mining, and infrastructure projects. Their growing presence has intensified competition among global investors for strategic African resources.
For Zambia, the outcome of these negotiations could shape its economic trajectory. Translating political commitments into concrete business agreements will determine whether the proposed investment corridor materialises.
If realised, officials say the partnership could transform Zambia into a pivotal investment hub, strengthening its role in international energy and commodities markets at a time of heightened global demand for critical minerals and resilient supply chains.
