Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its long standing bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Morocco, emphasizing that the partnership continues to serve as an important driver of sustainable development, economic growth and mutual prosperity. The renewed commitment was highlighted during celebrations marking the Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, held in Lusaka. Government officials described the relationship between the two countries as one that has steadily evolved through friendship, trust and a shared vision for development. Zambia believes that closer cooperation with Morocco will create new opportunities across several strategic sectors while strengthening ties between the people of both nations. The event also provided an opportunity for both governments to reflect on the achievements of their partnership and outline plans for even greater collaboration in the years ahead.
Speaking during the celebrations, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr. Gabriel Pollen, praised the strong diplomatic relationship that Zambia and Morocco have built over the years. He said the two countries continue to enjoy cordial and productive relations based on mutual respect, cooperation and common development aspirations. According to Dr. Pollen, the partnership has expanded beyond traditional diplomacy to include practical initiatives that directly contribute to national development. He emphasized that Zambia remains committed to working closely with Morocco to strengthen cooperation in areas that support economic transformation and improve the lives of citizens. His remarks reflected the government’s broader foreign policy objective of building partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for the country.
Dr. Pollen highlighted several important milestones that have strengthened relations between Zambia and Morocco over the past decade. One of the most significant moments came in 2017 when His Majesty King Mohammed VI paid a historic visit to Zambia. That visit marked a turning point in modern diplomatic engagement between the two nations and opened new opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors. The visit demonstrated the commitment of both governments to building a strategic partnership founded on mutual interests and long term collaboration. Since then, diplomatic engagement has continued to grow through regular high level exchanges and sustained dialogue between government officials.
Another important development came in May 2026 when Zambia’s then Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., undertook an official visit to Morocco. The visit reaffirmed the determination of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation and identify new opportunities for investment, trade and development. High level diplomatic visits such as these play a crucial role in strengthening political relations while creating platforms for meaningful economic partnerships. They also allow governments to assess the progress made under existing agreements and identify new areas where collaboration can be expanded. Zambia views these engagements as essential to maintaining strong diplomatic ties and promoting shared prosperity.
Dr. Pollen also pointed to the successful inaugural Zambia and Morocco Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation held in December 2024 as another major achievement in the growing partnership. During the commission meeting, both countries signed several Memoranda of Understanding covering strategic sectors including education, mining, trade and tourism. These agreements were designed to promote knowledge sharing, increase investment opportunities and encourage greater cooperation between institutions in both countries. The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Zambian Government’s commitment to fully implementing these agreements to ensure that they deliver meaningful developmental outcomes. Successful implementation is expected to create new opportunities for businesses, students, investors and communities in both Zambia and Morocco.
The partnership between Zambia and Morocco extends beyond economic cooperation and also reflects a shared commitment to peace and stability across the African continent. Dr. Pollen commended Morocco for its continued contribution to promoting regional peace, security and cooperation through diplomatic engagement. He specifically acknowledged Morocco’s efforts toward finding a lasting solution to the Western Sahara issue, recognizing the importance of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Zambia continues to support initiatives that promote stability and strengthen regional integration because peace remains a key requirement for sustainable development. Strong diplomatic partnerships between African countries are viewed as essential for addressing common challenges and advancing the continent’s development agenda.
The relationship between Zambia and Morocco also presents significant opportunities for expanding cultural exchange and strengthening people to people connections. Cultural cooperation helps promote greater understanding between nations while encouraging collaboration in education, tourism, arts and youth development. As diplomatic relations continue to grow, both countries are expected to increase initiatives that celebrate their diverse cultures and encourage interaction between their citizens. Such exchanges contribute to stronger social ties while complementing economic and political cooperation. Building these human connections helps create lasting partnerships that extend beyond government institutions.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Mourad Benaida, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Zambia. He emphasized Morocco’s readiness to enhance cooperation across various sectors while expanding cultural exchanges between the two nations. His remarks reflected Morocco’s continued interest in building a partnership that benefits both countries through increased collaboration, dialogue and shared development initiatives. He also expressed confidence that the existing relationship would continue to grow stronger as both governments implement previously signed agreements and explore new areas of cooperation. The commitment from both sides demonstrates a shared determination to build a durable and productive partnership.
Zambia’s renewed commitment to its relationship with Morocco highlights the importance of international partnerships in achieving sustainable national development. Through continued diplomatic engagement, expanded economic cooperation and stronger cultural ties, both countries are positioning themselves to benefit from a relationship built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. The milestones achieved in recent years, including high level visits and strategic agreements, provide a solid foundation for future collaboration across multiple sectors. As both governments continue implementing their commitments, the partnership is expected to generate new opportunities for investment, education, tourism and regional cooperation. With both Zambia and Morocco expressing a clear commitment to strengthening their ties, the future of this bilateral relationship appears well positioned to deliver lasting benefits for both nations and their people.