President Hichilema departs for UAE ahead of two-day working visit

President Hakainde Hichilema has departed Zambia for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, ahead of a two-day working visit scheduled for September 29 to 30, 2026.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that the visit follows an invitation from United Arab Emirates President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

According to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, the visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Zambia and the UAE, particularly in areas of investment, private-sector growth, value addition and industrial development.

During the visit, President Hichilema is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Sheikh Mohamed on matters of mutual interest. The two leaders are also expected to witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding intended to expand cooperation between Zambia and the UAE.

The engagements are expected to cover several sectors, including mining and mineral value addition, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, transport and logistics, tourism and healthcare.

President Hichilema is also scheduled to attend the Zambia-UAE Business and Investment Forum, where he will engage business leaders as Zambia seeks to attract investment and promote private-sector-led economic growth under the government's Grow Zambia Agenda. Discussions are also expected to advance the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Zambia and the UAE, which is intended to facilitate trade between the two countries.

The President is further expected to meet Zambians living in the United Arab Emirates before returning to Zambia after concluding his engagements.

Reports published on Sunday, September 27, confirmed that President Hichilema had already departed for Abu Dhabi. The reports therefore place his departure two days before the officially announced September 29–30 programme.

The visit comes as Zambia continues to emphasise economic diplomacy as a means of attracting investment, expanding trade and advancing the country's economic transformation agenda.