Zambia has intensified its economic diplomacy efforts through a series of high-level engagements held in Madrid, Kingdom of Spain on 11 May 2026. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, development finance, climate action, education exchange, and multilateral relations. The Zambian delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, who was accompanied by Zambia’s Ambassador to France and Spain, Her Excellency Judith Mulenga, along with senior government officials. The visit formed part of Zambia’s broader strategy to position itself as a competitive investment destination and deepen international partnerships. It also reflected growing efforts to align foreign relations with national development priorities.
At the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations, known as CEOE, Zambia presented a detailed investment proposition to Spanish businesses. The presentation highlighted key priority sectors including mining value addition, critical minerals, renewable energy, agro-industrial processing, tourism infrastructure, electric vehicle assembly, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. These sectors were identified as central to Zambia’s economic transformation agenda. The discussions focused on how Spanish investors could participate in expanding industrial capacity and supporting value chain development in Zambia. Business leaders showed interest in exploring long-term opportunities that align with sustainable growth and industrial expansion.
A major area of discussion centered on Zambia’s farm block development programme, which offers large-scale agricultural investment opportunities. The programme includes irrigation systems, mechanisation, and post-harvest processing technologies designed to improve productivity and food security. Spain was invited to consider investment partnerships that could modernise agricultural production and enhance export potential. Zambia also proposed deeper cooperation through the Alianza África Avanza framework, which supports structured Africa-Europe business collaboration. Plans for a Zambia-Spain Business Forum and trade mission were also introduced as platforms to strengthen private sector engagement.
Zambia also highlighted its strategic geographic position as a key advantage for investors seeking regional market access. Special emphasis was placed on the Lobito Corridor and Nacala Corridor, which serve as critical transport and trade routes linking Zambia to regional and global markets. These corridors were presented as essential enablers of mineral exports, regional integration, and trade competitiveness. The delegation explained how improved infrastructure along these routes can significantly reduce logistics costs and enhance market access. Spanish companies were encouraged to view Zambia as a gateway to wider Southern and Eastern African markets.
The CEOE expressed interest in supporting future Zambia-Spain investment engagements and identified priority sectors for continued collaboration. Spanish businesses indicated willingness to explore opportunities in infrastructure development, energy projects, and agro-industrial expansion. The discussions also highlighted the importance of building long-term partnerships that support both economic growth and sustainable development. Zambia extended an invitation to Spanish companies to participate in the Invest Zambia International Conference scheduled for 9 to 11 December 2026 in Lusaka. This event is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing investment opportunities and strengthening business ties.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Zambia held bilateral talks with senior Spanish officials led by the Director General for Africa, Ms. Ximena Bartolomé Tocino. The discussions focused on strengthening political and diplomatic relations under Spain’s Africa Strategy 2025 to 2028. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and improving coordination on global issues. Development finance emerged as a key theme, with discussions covering agriculture, energy, and infrastructure financing. Spain’s support for international debt restructuring efforts was also acknowledged as an important contribution to global financial stability.
Climate finance played a central role in the discussions, with both sides exploring technical support for green bond issuance and public finance reforms. These measures are intended to strengthen Zambia’s capacity to finance climate resilience projects and environmental sustainability programmes. Spain also expressed readiness to support capacity building in sustainable finance mechanisms. The talks emphasized the importance of aligning climate action with national development strategies. Both countries agreed that stronger financial cooperation is essential for addressing climate-related challenges.
Education and cultural cooperation were also explored as part of efforts to deepen people-to-people ties. Zambia and Spain discussed potential partnerships with Spanish universities through the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board. These partnerships aim to expand access to higher education and exchange programmes for Zambian students. The initiative is expected to enhance skills development and strengthen academic collaboration between the two countries. Cultural exchange was also identified as a tool for building stronger bilateral understanding.
Zambia formally requested Spain to consider establishing a resident Embassy in Lusaka. This move was presented as a step toward deepening diplomatic engagement and improving coordination between the two nations. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations. Structured engagements were identified as key to sustaining momentum in diplomatic and economic cooperation. Spain also indicated interest in exploring Zambia’s eligibility for financing instruments under European Union initiatives such as Global Gateway.
Further discussions were held with Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, focusing on investment facilitation and trade promotion. The Zambian delegation engaged with the Director General for Economic and Trade Intelligence, Mr. Juan Luis Gimeno Chocarro. Key topics included infrastructure financing, productive transformation, and access to Spain’s Corporate Internationalisation Fund and COFIDES financing facilities. These instruments were discussed in relation to Zambia’s energy and infrastructure development priorities. Both sides agreed to continue technical consultations on financing mechanisms for priority projects.
Zambia also engaged with Xcalibur Smart Mapping on cooperation in advanced geospatial technologies. The discussions focused on airborne geophysical surveys, mineral mapping, and digital resource intelligence systems. These technologies were identified as important tools for strengthening mineral exploration and attracting investment in critical minerals. They also support improved governance of natural resources through data-driven decision-making. The engagement is expected to lead to further technical cooperation and potential partnerships in mineral resource mapping.
The Madrid engagements reflect a growing depth in Zambia-Spain bilateral relations and a shared commitment to economic cooperation. They demonstrate Zambia’s strategic approach to international partnerships focused on trade expansion, investment promotion, and sustainable development. The discussions also highlight the country’s intention to leverage global relationships to support long-term economic transformation. As both nations continue to build on these engagements, the foundation has been set for stronger cooperation across multiple sectors. Zambia’s economic diplomacy agenda continues to position the country as an active and forward-looking player in global development partnerships.