His Excellency Li Qiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the 20th Central Committee Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, arrived in Lusaka this evening for an official visit to the Republic of Zambia. The visit, at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema, underscores the strategic importance of the Zambia–China relationship and signals China’s commitment to deepening investment-focused cooperation.
Premier Li was received at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale-Nalumango, highlighting the high priority the Zambian government places on this engagement. The visit aims to reinforce the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership established in 2023 and to expand collaboration across key sectors including infrastructure modernisation, regional connectivity, energy reliability, industrialisation, agriculture, and human capital development.
Zambia’s economic reforms and its strategic position as a land-linked regional hub make this visit particularly timely. Premier Li’s engagements are expected to consolidate high-impact investments and accelerate priority projects, such as the revitalisation of the TAZARA Railway, enhancing national competitiveness, creating jobs, and promoting shared prosperity.
Scheduled meetings between Premier Li Qiang and President Hichilema at State House will focus on translating diplomatic relations into actionable outcomes that drive Zambia’s growth and deliver tangible benefits for citizens. Both leaders are set to participate in a tripartite groundbreaking ceremony involving China, Tanzania, and Zambia for the TAZARA Railway Rehabilitation, signalling renewed commitment to regional infrastructure and connectivity.
Premier Li’s visit reflects the strong bilateral ties between Zambia and China and offers a platform to deepen economic, industrial, and cultural cooperation, while supporting Zambia’s long-term development agenda.