Zambia and Egypt are looking to strengthen their longstanding bilateral relationship as the two countries prepare for engagements focused on expanding economic and political cooperation. Yesterday at Charter House in Lusaka, Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received Her Excellency Ms. Mayada Essam Abdel Rahman Mohamed, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Zambia. Their meeting provided an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest and identify areas where cooperation between the two countries can be further developed. Among the key matters discussed were the upcoming Zambia-Egypt Business Forum and Political Consultations. The engagements are expected to provide platforms for both countries to strengthen existing partnerships while exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
The planned Zambia-Egypt Business Forum is expected to play an important role in expanding economic ties between the two countries. Business forums can provide opportunities for companies, investors and government representatives to identify areas of shared interest and discuss practical ways of increasing trade and investment. For Zambia, strengthening economic relations with Egypt can support efforts to attract investment and create opportunities for businesses seeking access to wider markets. Egypt, as an important economic and political partner on the African continent, also stands to benefit from stronger commercial engagement with Zambia. The planned forum therefore represents an opportunity to move bilateral relations beyond diplomatic engagement and towards greater economic cooperation with potential benefits for businesses and communities.
The meeting also addressed the upcoming Political Consultations between Zambia and Egypt. Such consultations provide an avenue for officials from both countries to exchange views on bilateral relations as well as broader regional and international issues of mutual interest. Regular political dialogue can help strengthen understanding between governments and create a framework for addressing emerging issues through diplomatic channels. It can also support the coordination of positions on matters affecting the African continent and the wider international community. By maintaining regular consultations, Zambia and Egypt can continue building a relationship based on communication, shared interests and cooperation.
During the meeting, Ms. Gundersen conveyed appreciation on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema for Egypt’s goodwill following his re-election. She noted that the gesture reflected the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between Zambia and Egypt. Diplomatic gestures of goodwill can reinforce relationships between governments and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining positive engagement. The expression of appreciation also highlighted the importance Zambia attaches to its relationship with Egypt as the country begins another term under President Hichilema’s leadership. Continued diplomatic engagement can provide a foundation for both countries to identify practical areas where their partnership can deliver greater value.
Ms. Gundersen further stated that Zambia intends to strengthen its bilateral relations with Egypt. Her remarks point to a broader effort by the Zambian Government to build partnerships that can support the country’s development priorities. Strong bilateral relations can create opportunities for cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, skills development, technology, infrastructure and other sectors of shared interest. The focus on strengthening relations also indicates that Zambia wants to build on existing cooperation rather than limit engagement to diplomatic exchanges. Greater collaboration with Egypt could therefore form part of Zambia’s wider approach to expanding international partnerships that support national economic objectives.
The Permanent Secretary linked Zambia’s approach to bilateral relations with President Hichilema’s vision for his second term. She noted that the President’s vision is anchored on the Grow Zambia Agenda, which places economic growth at the centre of the country’s development priorities. This emphasis means that international partnerships are expected to contribute to practical economic objectives and opportunities for Zambians. Engagement with Egypt can therefore be viewed within the broader context of Zambia seeking partnerships that can support investment, trade and sustainable economic development. The upcoming business forum could become particularly important in translating diplomatic relations into concrete economic opportunities aligned with this agenda.
The Zambia-Egypt relationship also has significance within the broader context of African cooperation. Both countries have an interest in strengthening economic and diplomatic partnerships across the continent, while greater cooperation can support stronger connections between different African markets. Increased engagement between Zambia and Egypt could create opportunities for businesses and institutions to establish new partnerships and explore areas of mutual benefit. Political consultations can also help both governments exchange perspectives on developments affecting Africa and identify areas where they can work together. Stronger bilateral relations between African countries can contribute to broader efforts to promote trade, investment and cooperation across the continent.
The discussions at Charter House demonstrate the importance of continued diplomatic engagement in advancing Zambia’s foreign policy and economic priorities. Meetings between senior government officials and diplomatic representatives provide opportunities to review existing relationships while identifying areas that require greater attention. The upcoming Business Forum and Political Consultations give Zambia and Egypt specific platforms through which they can build on the discussions held in Lusaka. Their success will depend on translating commitments and discussions into practical programmes, partnerships and opportunities. Continued follow-up will therefore be important to ensure that the renewed focus on bilateral relations produces measurable outcomes.
The meeting between Ms. Gundersen and Ambassador Mayada Essam Abdel Rahman Mohamed has placed stronger Zambia-Egypt cooperation firmly on the diplomatic agenda. The planned business and political engagements could help broaden the relationship while supporting Zambia’s focus on economic growth under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Zambia’s appreciation for Egypt’s goodwill following President Hichilema’s re-election also reinforces the longstanding ties between the two countries. As preparations continue for the Zambia-Egypt Business Forum and Political Consultations, both sides have an opportunity to turn their shared commitment into stronger economic and political cooperation. The latest engagement in Lusaka therefore signals Zambia’s intention to deepen its relationship with Egypt and pursue partnerships that can contribute to national development and improved economic opportunities.