Zambia and Finland have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming their longstanding bilateral cooperation into a stronger and more commercially focused partnership centred on investment, enterprise development, innovation, technology, skills development and sustainable economic growth. The renewed commitment emerged during a courtesy call by outgoing Ambassador of Finland to Zambia, Saana Halinen, on Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration, Prudence Kaoma. Discussions highlighted the progress made in bilateral relations while outlining opportunities to deepen economic cooperation in areas that can generate jobs, strengthen businesses and support Zambia’s development priorities. Both sides emphasised the importance of moving beyond traditional development cooperation towards partnerships that mobilise private capital, knowledge and technology. The discussions also reflected a shared interest in ensuring that cooperation produces measurable economic opportunities for Zambian citizens.
Trade and investment featured prominently in the discussions, with Zambia welcoming Finland’s continued confidence in the country as a stable, reliable and forward-looking economic partner. Kaoma noted that Finnish companies should view Zambia not only as an investment destination but also as a strategic partner with opportunities across several sectors. Increased Finnish investment could bring capital, technical expertise, technology and international business networks into the Zambian economy. Stronger commercial relations could also help Zambian companies gain access to new markets, partnerships and opportunities for growth. The emphasis on investment reflects Zambia’s broader objective of attracting productive capital that can support economic diversification and sustainable development.
Enterprise development and employment also emerged as important areas of cooperation between the two countries. Finland has supported Zambian businesses through the Accelerated Growth for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Programme, helping enterprises expand their operations and create employment opportunities. Small and medium-sized businesses play an important role in economic activity because they provide livelihoods while contributing to local supply chains and Government revenue. Continued support for these enterprises can help businesses overcome barriers related to finance, skills, technology and market access. The success of the programme demonstrates how development cooperation can increasingly focus on building commercially viable businesses that contribute directly to economic growth.
The discussions also highlighted Finland’s contribution to school feeding and climate resilience in Zambia. Finland has contributed €500,000 through the World Food Programme to support nutrition for more than 34,000 learners while also promoting climate-resilient agriculture. School feeding programmes can help improve access to nutritious food while supporting children’s participation in education. Linking such initiatives with climate-resilient agriculture also addresses the longer-term challenges facing food production in communities affected by changing weather patterns. The partnership therefore combines immediate nutritional support with measures aimed at strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems.
Climate resilience has become increasingly important for Zambia following severe drought conditions that affected communities, agriculture and economic activity. Cooperation with Finland is expanding into areas such as groundwater mapping and water management as both countries explore practical responses to water-related challenges. Better information about groundwater resources can help improve planning and strengthen the management of water supplies during periods of drought. Effective water management can also support agriculture, communities and other economic activities that depend on reliable access to water. Finland’s willingness to continue cooperation in this area demonstrates how bilateral relations are adapting to Zambia’s changing development needs.
Innovation and entrepreneurship have also become important components of the Zambia-Finland relationship. Lusaka Slush’D provided a platform for Zambian startups to connect with investors and development partners while showcasing innovative business ideas. Approximately 100 startups were supported through the initiative, while more than 17 young innovators received recognition for their work. One of the notable outcomes was the securing of US$23,000 by Aurora Gems, demonstrating how entrepreneurship programmes can connect promising businesses with financial opportunities. Such initiatives can help strengthen Zambia’s startup ecosystem by giving young entrepreneurs greater exposure to investors, business networks and technical support.
Technology cooperation is another area where Zambia and Finland are seeking to build a stronger foundation for future economic growth. The partnership includes support related to Zambia’s first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as well as entrepreneurship training for more than 100 students. Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies have the potential to influence how businesses operate, how public services are delivered and how young people participate in the economy. Developing the skills required to use these technologies effectively will therefore be important for Zambia’s competitiveness. Cooperation with Finland can help expand access to knowledge and training while supporting the development of local innovation capacity.
The two countries are also exploring opportunities connected to Zambia’s minerals sector, responsible mining and renewable energy. Critical minerals are becoming increasingly important in global technology and energy supply chains, creating opportunities for countries with significant mineral resources. Zambia can benefit from these opportunities if investment is managed responsibly and supports local value addition, skills development, environmental protection and broader economic participation. Renewable energy also presents opportunities to expand access to reliable and sustainable power while supporting new businesses and industries. The discussions with Finland indicate that future cooperation could bring together investment, technology and responsible resource development.
Financing is expected to play a major role in the next phase of the Zambia-Finland partnership. The Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation, known as FINNFUND, already has two direct investments in Zambia involving Yalelo and Cavendish University. Ambassador Halinen said FINNFUND is also examining additional investment opportunities, particularly in renewable energy. Further investment could help businesses expand while contributing to employment, infrastructure development and economic activity. The availability of financing is especially important for projects that require significant upfront capital and have the potential to deliver long-term economic and social benefits.
The Lobito Corridor was also identified as an area that could create new opportunities for Zambia and its international partners. Improved regional transport and trade connectivity can help reduce logistical barriers and create opportunities for exporters and investors. Zambia’s position within regional mineral and agricultural supply chains makes efficient transport infrastructure particularly important for economic growth. Cooperation around the corridor could therefore support trade, investment and access to international markets. The focus on the Lobito Corridor also demonstrates how Zambia and Finland are considering opportunities that connect domestic development priorities with broader regional economic trends.
Ambassador Halinen described the relationship between Zambia and Finland as having changed significantly for the better during her four-year tenure. She said cooperation had become broader, more commercially oriented and increasingly based on an equal partnership. This reflects a shift towards a relationship in which both countries seek mutual economic and strategic benefits while continuing to address development priorities. The expansion of private-sector cooperation, investment discussions and innovation initiatives provides evidence of this changing approach. A stronger focus on equal partnership can also create opportunities for Zambia to play a more active role in shaping the direction of bilateral cooperation.
High-level engagement between the two countries has also increased during Halinen’s tenure. Zambia received two Finnish ministers, a deputy minister accompanied by a business delegation, two parliamentary delegations and the Deputy Mayor of Tampere accompanied by business representatives. These visits created opportunities for government officials, businesses and institutions from both countries to explore areas of mutual interest. High-level engagement can help turn diplomatic relationships into practical economic partnerships by connecting decision-makers with investors and private-sector stakeholders. The increased number of official and business visits therefore reflects the growing importance attached to the Zambia-Finland relationship.
Finland has also expressed openness to discussing concrete blended-finance proposals with Zambia. Blended finance can combine different sources of funding to help make development and commercial projects more viable while attracting additional private investment. This approach could be particularly relevant in sectors such as renewable energy, water infrastructure and enterprise development, where projects may require substantial financing and long-term investment. By bringing together public resources, development finance and private capital, blended-finance arrangements can help expand the number and scale of projects that reach implementation. Zambia’s interest in such financing models reflects its broader effort to mobilise capital for sustainable economic development.
Kaoma said the next chapter of Zambia and Finland’s relationship would increasingly focus on mobilising capital, enterprise, technology and knowledge. She emphasised that the success of this new phase should be measured through tangible outcomes such as investments realised, businesses expanded, skills transferred, jobs created and opportunities improved for citizens. This approach places measurable economic impact at the centre of bilateral cooperation. It also provides a clear framework for assessing whether partnerships are translating into practical benefits for communities and businesses. The emphasis on results could help ensure that future cooperation remains closely connected to Zambia’s economic priorities and development objectives.
As Ambassador Halinen prepares to leave Zambia, Kaoma expressed appreciation for her service and contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries. She thanked the outgoing ambassador on behalf of the Zambian Government and people, recognising the energy she invested in deepening bilateral cooperation. Kaoma noted that Halinen’s tenure helped broaden cooperation, increase high-level engagement and establish a stronger foundation for investment, innovation and shared prosperity. Halinen, in turn, expressed pride in the positive evolution of relations between Finland and Zambia over the past four years. Her departure comes as the two countries look to build on this progress and pursue an increasingly dynamic partnership.
The renewed Zambia-Finland partnership points to a future in which economic cooperation plays a larger role alongside traditional development support. Investment, enterprise development, innovation, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, critical minerals, water management and skills development all present opportunities for deeper collaboration. The challenge will be converting these areas of cooperation into projects that create sustainable businesses, quality employment and measurable benefits for Zambian citizens. Zambia’s ability to attract investment and Finland’s willingness to provide financing, expertise and business connections could create a strong platform for this next phase. With both sides expressing confidence in the relationship, Zambia and Finland are positioned to strengthen their longstanding ties while pursuing a more equal, innovative and commercially focused partnership for sustainable economic growth.