Cabinet clears Zambia's signing of a trade and investment pact with the UAE

Cabinet has approved Zambia signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, a trade and investment pact meant to open wider markets for Zambian businesses. The decision was announced in a statement by Chief Government Spokesperson Elvis Nkandu on Tuesday, after the third Cabinet meeting of President Hakainde Hichilema's second term, held at State House. Cabinet also approved a mechanism to put the agreement into effect, watch imports and review it from time to time. The statement said the agreement is meant to widen trade, attract investment and create more market opportunities for Zambian businesses. It did not give a signing date or say which goods and services the agreement covers. ## Background Non-oil trade between Zambia and the UAE reached US$3.4 billion in 2025, up 64.5 percent from 2024. During a visit to Lusaka, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, met President Hichilema and six Zambian ministers, those responsible for Energy, Finance and National Planning, Technology and Science, Agriculture, Health, and Commerce, Trade and Industry. The two sides discussed finalising a partnership agreement to widen market access for goods and services and make investment easier. The UAE business delegation that came with him covered agriculture, mining, renewable energy, logistics, aviation, healthcare, the digital economy and infrastructure. "Zambia represents a significant economic partner for the UAE," Dr Al Zeyoudi said. ## Why it matters The agreement matters to farmers, miners and traders in the sectors the two sides discussed, because it is meant to make it easier to sell into the UAE market. It also matters to local producers and to shoppers who buy imported goods, because the approved mechanism includes watching imports. ## What happens next The date of signing has not been announced, and the text of the agreement has not been released. Cabinet's approval clears the way for Zambia to sign