Zambia has intensified its efforts to attract foreign investment by promoting its economic potential to investors in the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the country’s stable business environment and ongoing economic reforms. The investment promotion mission focused on showcasing Zambia as one of Africa’s leading destinations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), supported by transparent governance, investor-friendly policies and a growing pipeline of development projects. Zambia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Professor Gerry Nkombo Muuka, emphasized that the government’s ambitious economic growth strategy under President Hakainde Hichilema continues to strengthen investor confidence. His remarks reflected Zambia’s determination to expand international partnerships while accelerating economic development through both public and private sector investment. The visit also reinforced the country’s commitment to positioning itself as a preferred investment destination within the African continent.
Professor Muuka made the remarks while delivering keynote addresses during high-level investment seminars held in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The events formed part of a promotional visit by a Zambian delegation representing the Public-Private Partnership Office and the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme. The delegation was led by Dr. Stephen Chanda, Principal Business Development Officer at the Public-Private Partnership Secretariat in Lusaka, alongside Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Mary Mumba. Their mission focused on presenting Zambia’s investment opportunities to potential investors across the UAE while encouraging greater participation in Public-Private Partnership projects. The delegation sought to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries by creating direct engagement with investors and business leaders.
During the promotional tour, the delegation visited three of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Investment seminars held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi attracted a wide range of participants, including investors, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and government officials from both Zambia and the UAE. These engagements provided an important platform for discussing investment opportunities while highlighting Zambia’s economic reforms and development priorities. The seminars also enabled potential investors to interact directly with government representatives responsible for facilitating investment projects. Such engagements play a key role in building confidence and creating long-term business partnerships.
Professor Muuka highlighted Zambia’s strategic advantages, noting that its central location in Southern Africa, combined with decades of peace and political stability, provides a strong foundation for investment. He explained that Zambia’s investor-friendly policies continue to attract businesses seeking stable and predictable markets within the region. According to the Ambassador, the government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and supportive business environment has enhanced Zambia’s reputation among international investors. Stable governance and sound economic management remain critical factors influencing investment decisions. These qualities continue to distinguish Zambia as a competitive destination for global capital.
The Ambassador also emphasized President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to economic reforms, transparency, zero tolerance for corruption and private sector-led growth. These policy priorities have contributed to increasing investor confidence while supporting sustained economic expansion. Professor Muuka noted that the government’s reform agenda continues to attract billions of dollars in investment into key sectors of the economy. By strengthening governance and promoting accountability, Zambia has created conditions that encourage both domestic and foreign investment. Investors increasingly view policy consistency and institutional reforms as essential components of long-term business success.
One of the central objectives of the UAE promotional tour was to showcase investment opportunities across multiple sectors of Zambia’s economy. The delegation highlighted projects in agriculture, infrastructure, mining, energy, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, education and financial services. These sectors offer significant potential for investors seeking opportunities in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Zambia’s abundant natural resources, expanding infrastructure and growing consumer market continue to create attractive prospects for international businesses. The government’s focus on economic diversification has further expanded investment opportunities beyond traditional mining activities.
Professor Muuka also underscored the strategic importance of the United Arab Emirates as a global business hub connecting Africa, Asia and Europe. He explained that the UAE’s well-established logistics network and financial markets make it an important partner for Zambia’s international trade and investment ambitions. The Ambassador pointed to the strong air connectivity between Lusaka and Dubai through Emirates Airlines as an important factor supporting business travel, tourism and commercial partnerships. Improved transport links make it easier for investors to access Zambia while strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. Enhanced connectivity also creates opportunities for increased exports and broader regional integration.
Speaking during the investment seminars, Dr. Stephen Chanda outlined Zambia’s Public-Private Partnership framework and explained the legal structures established to safeguard investors. He said the country has developed a robust regulatory environment designed to promote transparency, investor protection and long-term sustainability for development projects. These legal and institutional mechanisms provide confidence to both local and international investors considering participation in Zambia’s infrastructure and development initiatives. Dr. Chanda also presented a portfolio of Public-Private Partnership projects that are immediately available for investment. These projects span multiple sectors and are intended to support national development while creating commercial opportunities for private investors.
Dr. Chanda further revealed that Zambia’s Public-Private Partnership framework has attracted more than US$19 billion in investments over the past four years. This achievement reflects growing international confidence in Zambia’s economic outlook and the effectiveness of its investment policies. The continued inflow of investment demonstrates that the country’s reforms are producing tangible results while strengthening its competitiveness within the region. Public-Private Partnerships have become an increasingly important tool for financing infrastructure development and improving public service delivery. The government’s collaboration with private investors is expected to continue driving sustainable economic growth in the years ahead.
Participants at the investment seminars praised Zambia’s economic reforms, strategic geographic position, rich natural resource base and commitment to creating a business-friendly environment. Many acknowledged the country’s efforts to improve governance, strengthen regulatory systems and encourage private sector participation in national development. The positive response from investors and business leaders reflects increasing international interest in Zambia’s economic transformation. As the government continues promoting investment opportunities around the world, partnerships with countries such as the United Arab Emirates are expected to contribute significantly to job creation, infrastructure development and economic diversification. The successful investment promotion mission has reinforced Zambia’s position as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for Foreign Direct Investment while laying the foundation for stronger economic cooperation between Zambia and the UAE.