Zambia and the City of Oxford have pledged to deepen cooperation in education, research, local government and investment promotion following a courtesy meeting between Oxford Lord Mayor Chewe Munkonge and Zambia’s Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa. The meeting, held yesterday, provided an opportunity for both sides to explore practical ways of strengthening longstanding ties between Zambia and the United Kingdom. The discussions focused on areas that could deliver long-term benefits for institutions, communities, businesses and young people in both Zambia and Oxford. The engagement also highlighted the importance of building stronger links beyond traditional diplomatic and political relationships. It comes as Munkonge begins his 2026 to 2027 term as the first Black Lord Mayor of Oxford, a milestone that has generated considerable pride in Zambia.
Kangwa congratulated Munkonge on his historic appointment and described his achievement as a source of pride for Zambia. His election as Oxford’s first Black Lord Mayor represents an important milestone and provides an opportunity to strengthen connections between Zambia and the United Kingdom through his leadership position. Munkonge’s background in Zambia and his subsequent career in Oxford give him a unique perspective on the potential for stronger cooperation between the two communities. During the meeting, he reaffirmed his commitment to using his position to support closer relations between Zambia and the UK. The discussions therefore placed particular emphasis on partnerships that can produce tangible outcomes in education, professional development, research, investment and community engagement.
The Zambian government expressed interest in strengthening its longstanding relationship with the United Kingdom by expanding academic, professional and cultural exchanges between Oxford-based institutions and Zambian universities and organisations. Such exchanges could create opportunities for students, academics and professionals to share knowledge and develop new skills. The proposed cooperation could also encourage institutions in both countries to establish joint programmes, research initiatives and professional networks. Stronger cultural exchanges could further help communities understand each other and build relationships that extend beyond formal government structures. By expanding these connections, Zambia and Oxford could create a broader platform for cooperation that supports education, innovation and economic development.
Public health and medical research also emerged as important areas for closer cooperation. Zambia proposed stronger partnerships in fields such as medical research, climate science and agriculture, all of which have significant implications for the country’s development. Research partnerships could allow universities and institutions to combine expertise, share resources and develop solutions that address challenges affecting communities in both countries. Scholarship opportunities could also give more Zambian students access to advanced academic and professional training. These opportunities would help develop skills that students could apply in Zambia while also strengthening institutional links between Zambian and Oxford-based organisations.
The two sides also discussed the importance of stronger partnerships between the local authorities of Lusaka and Oxford. Closer cooperation between the two cities could create opportunities for officials and professionals to exchange knowledge about urban planning, public services, environmental management and community development. Local government partnerships can provide practical benefits because they allow cities to share experiences on issues that directly affect residents. Cooperation in research and local government could therefore benefit both Zambia and the United Kingdom by creating opportunities to test ideas, share expertise and develop effective approaches to common challenges. Stronger city-to-city relations could also provide a foundation for future cooperation involving businesses, universities and community organisations.
Investment promotion formed another important part of the discussions, with the Zambian government looking to expand its engagement with Oxford and the wider UK market. Government indicated that it would work with relevant ministries, the Zambia Development Agency and the British High Commission to advance the proposals discussed during the meeting. This includes exploring ways to promote Zambia as an investment destination in Oxford rather than concentrating investment engagement solely in London. Munkonge specifically identified Oxford as an avenue through which Zambia could reach investors, institutions and professional networks. Greater engagement in the city could help Zambian businesses and investment agencies build new relationships and identify opportunities in sectors with growth potential.
Munkonge outlined three key priorities for strengthening links between Lusaka and Oxford. The first involves training and community partnerships, which could connect institutions and communities in both cities through skills development and collaborative programmes. The second is promoting Oxford as an avenue for investment engagement with Zambia, creating opportunities for the country to present its economic potential to investors and professional networks based in the city. The third priority is expanding collaboration between the University of Zambia and Oxford institutions in research and higher education. Together, these priorities provide a practical framework for developing cooperation that reaches government institutions, universities, businesses and communities.
Munkonge also spoke about the influence of his upbringing and education in Zambia on his leadership. He said his experiences had shaped his outlook and encouraged him to demonstrate to young people that their background should not prevent them from achieving their ambitions. His position as Oxford’s first Black Lord Mayor gives him an opportunity to highlight the contribution of people with African and Zambian backgrounds within the United Kingdom. It also provides a platform for him to encourage young people in Zambia and elsewhere to pursue education, leadership and professional opportunities. His personal story could therefore become an important part of the broader relationship between Zambia and Oxford.
The Lord Mayor further expressed his intention to support efforts to market Zambia and its universities in the United Kingdom. He hopes to build stronger networks between Zambian organisations and community groups in Oxford, creating additional channels for cooperation outside formal government structures. These networks could help Zambian organisations connect with professionals, researchers, businesses and community leaders in the city. They could also provide opportunities to promote Zambian education, culture and economic opportunities to a wider UK audience. By using his position to strengthen these connections, Munkonge could help turn the goodwill surrounding his appointment into practical partnerships.
The meeting also touched on Zambia’s economic relationship with the United Kingdom, with Kangwa thanking the UK for its support towards Zambia’s debt restructuring programme. He said the partnership had contributed to the country’s economic progress, highlighting the broader importance of cooperation between the two countries. Economic relationships remain closely connected to areas such as investment, trade, education and development assistance. Strengthening these links could help Zambia attract new investment while creating opportunities for businesses and institutions to establish stronger international partnerships. The discussions between Kangwa and Munkonge therefore formed part of a wider effort to deepen Zambia’s engagement with the United Kingdom.
The proposed cooperation between Zambia and Oxford has the potential to create benefits across several sectors if the ideas discussed are converted into concrete programmes. Education and research partnerships could support knowledge transfer, scholarships and joint projects, while local government cooperation could improve the exchange of expertise between Lusaka and Oxford. Investment promotion could introduce Zambian opportunities to new networks in the UK and help businesses establish international relationships. Public health, climate science and agriculture could also benefit from research partnerships that combine expertise from both countries. The next stage will depend on continued coordination between government ministries, the Zambia Development Agency, the British High Commission, universities and local authorities.
Munkonge’s historic tenure as Lord Mayor of Oxford also gives the relationship added significance. As the first Black person to hold the position for the 2026 to 2027 term, his leadership creates a direct connection between a major British city and Zambia. His stated priorities place education, investment, research, training and community partnerships at the centre of that connection. For Zambia, the opportunity extends beyond celebrating a historic appointment because it creates a platform for promoting the country’s institutions, businesses and universities in the UK. For Oxford, stronger engagement with Lusaka and Zambian organisations could open new opportunities for research, cultural exchange, investment and international cooperation.
The courtesy call between Chewe Munkonge and Patrick Kangwa has therefore highlighted a shared interest in building a stronger and more practical relationship between Zambia and Oxford. The proposed cooperation covers education, research, public health, agriculture, climate science, local government, investment promotion and cultural engagement. If the commitments discussed are followed by sustained action, they could create new opportunities for students, researchers, businesses, local authorities and communities in both countries. Munkonge’s historic position provides an important platform for advancing these initiatives and increasing Zambia’s visibility in Oxford and the wider UK. The meeting ultimately signals a commitment to turning longstanding Zambia-UK relations into broader partnerships with measurable benefits for future generations.