Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, MP, held a high-level bilateral meeting with British Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. Yvette Cooper on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting at Lancaster House in London. The discussion focused on deepening bilateral relations between Zambia and the United Kingdom, highlighting opportunities for trade, investment, and strategic partnerships. Hon. Haimbe emphasized the importance of leveraging the UK-Zambia Green Growth Compact to develop key sectors of Zambia’s economy, including value addition in critical minerals. The British Foreign Secretary acknowledged Zambia’s support at multilateral platforms and expressed the UK’s commitment to financing and participating in these developmental initiatives. Both leaders agreed that stronger cooperation would enhance economic growth, governance, and sustainable development in Zambia.
During the meeting, Hon. Haimbe called for broader bilateral partnerships across multiple sectors, including energy, governance, and law enforcement. He praised the UK’s continued support in strengthening Zambia’s institutions, particularly in fighting corruption and promoting transparent governance practices. Rt. Hon. Cooper welcomed Zambia’s engagement and expressed Britain’s readiness to explore new areas of collaboration. The conversation also highlighted the potential for increased trade and investment, noting that effective partnerships could drive industrial development, create jobs, and stimulate economic diversification. Both parties acknowledged the mutual benefits of collaboration in promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience.
At the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, Hon. Haimbe highlighted the Commonwealth’s natural advantage in promoting trade, governance, and respect for the rule of law, citing shared legal traditions, language, and networks. He emphasized that Zambia is strengthening institutions, fighting corruption, and implementing reforms that provide a predictable and rules-based environment for business. Hon. Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s support for ongoing Commonwealth reform efforts aimed at making the organization more effective, inclusive, and responsive to contemporary development and governance challenges. He outlined Zambia’s national priorities, including economic development through human capital investment, sound fiscal management, and value addition to raw materials. He stressed that a reformed Commonwealth could better support these priorities and unlock opportunities across member states.
The Minister also underscored Zambia’s commitment to democratic governance, human rights, and anti-corruption measures, framing these as essential pillars for sustainable development. He highlighted regional integration initiatives, including leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area, to ensure that growth in one part of the Commonwealth benefits others, promoting collaboration rather than competition. Hon. Haimbe pointed out that Commonwealth reform proposals could deepen intra-Commonwealth trade and connectivity, creating opportunities for value-added industries and decent employment, particularly for women and youth. He expressed confidence that a revitalized Commonwealth remains a valuable partner in Zambia’s pursuit of sustainable economic and social development.
Hon. Haimbe’s engagements with the United Kingdom and within the Commonwealth illustrate Zambia’s strategic focus on building strong international partnerships, enhancing governance, and advancing economic growth. By emphasizing transparency, institutional reform, and value addition to strategic sectors, Zambia positions itself as an attractive destination for investment and cooperation. Strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships allows the country to leverage external support while driving homegrown development initiatives. The Minister’s discussions reinforce Zambia’s commitment to inclusive, rules-based governance and regional integration, ensuring that partnerships deliver tangible benefits for citizens. Through these efforts, Zambia demonstrates that collaboration, strategic planning, and active participation in global frameworks can accelerate national development and regional prosperity.