Zambia and China have taken another step in strengthening their longstanding bilateral relations following the signing of an Exchange of Notes for the construction of a new office building for Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The signing ceremony took place at Charter House in Lusaka yesterday, with Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., M.P., and the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Han Jing, representing their respective governments. The project will see the construction of a modern headquarters designed to support the ministry’s diplomatic responsibilities and international cooperation efforts. With a planned total floor area of approximately 8,824 square metres, the new facility is expected to provide suitable working space for the ministry’s operations. The initiative also reflects the continued cooperation between Zambia and China in infrastructure development and economic diplomacy.
The construction project will be financed through a Chinese Government Grant provided under the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Republic of Zambia and the People’s Republic of China, which was signed on 24 June 2019. Under the agreement, the Chinese government will undertake the construction of the new ministry building and provide the necessary furniture and other related requirements for the completed facility. This arrangement is intended to ensure that the building is equipped to meet the ministry’s operational needs when completed. The project represents a practical form of bilateral cooperation, with support directed towards an important government institution responsible for managing Zambia’s foreign relations. By providing both the building and its essential furnishings, the initiative covers key requirements for establishing a functional and modern diplomatic headquarters.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe expressed the Zambian government’s appreciation to China for its support towards the construction of the new Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation headquarters. He described the project as a demonstration of the strong relationship between the two countries and noted that China continues to stand as an all-weather friend to Zambia. His remarks highlighted the importance of sustained international partnerships in supporting national development priorities. The minister also recognised the contribution of the Chinese government to an initiative intended to strengthen the ministry’s capacity to carry out its responsibilities. His appreciation underscored Zambia’s interest in maintaining constructive relations with China while advancing its diplomatic and economic objectives.
Hon. Haimbe further explained that the new office building would contribute directly to Zambia’s economic diplomacy and support the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda. Economic diplomacy involves using international relations to promote trade, attract investment, expand business opportunities and strengthen economic partnerships. As Zambia continues to engage with governments, international organisations and private sector stakeholders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation plays an important role in presenting the country’s economic priorities to the world. A modern headquarters can provide an appropriate environment for coordinating diplomatic activities, hosting official engagements and supporting communication with international partners. The project is therefore intended to strengthen the institutional foundation from which Zambia pursues its foreign policy and promotes its economic interests.
The minister noted that the new headquarters would give Zambia a modern and appropriate platform from which to project its national image more effectively and showcase its economic and investment opportunities to the international community. The ministry’s work extends beyond traditional diplomatic engagement, as it also helps connect Zambia with potential investors, development partners and international markets. Suitable office facilities can support these responsibilities by providing space for administrative coordination, official meetings and engagement with visiting delegations. The building is expected to serve as an important institutional asset as Zambia continues to promote investment and deepen cooperation with countries across different regions. However, the full benefits of the project will depend on its successful implementation and how effectively the completed facility supports the ministry’s day-to-day work.
Hon. Haimbe also expressed gratitude to China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Wang Yi, for his support towards the project. His remarks highlighted the role of continued engagement between the two governments in advancing areas of mutual interest. High-level diplomatic cooperation can help sustain development initiatives by maintaining communication and strengthening coordination between the relevant institutions. In this case, the construction of the new headquarters forms part of the broader relationship between Zambia and China, which includes cooperation through economic and technical agreements. The minister’s acknowledgement also reflected the importance Zambia attaches to partnerships that support public institutions and national development priorities.
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia His Excellency Han Jing reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between China and Zambia. He said the project was not merely a gesture of goodwill but a concrete action aimed at supporting Zambia’s development. The ambassador’s statement emphasised the practical nature of the cooperation, with the Chinese government committing resources towards the construction and furnishing of the new ministry building. He also assured the Zambian government that the Chinese side would work closely with its Zambian counterparts to ensure the successful implementation of the project. This commitment places emphasis on coordination between the two governments as the initiative moves forward.
The successful implementation of the project will be important in ensuring that the planned investment delivers its intended benefits. Construction must meet the agreed requirements, while the provision of furniture and related facilities will help prepare the building for official use. Cooperation between the Chinese project team and the relevant Zambian authorities will also be necessary to support effective coordination throughout the process. Although the signing of the Exchange of Notes establishes an important step in the project, the completion timeline and other implementation details were not specified in the information provided at the ceremony. The focus will therefore remain on translating the agreement into a completed facility that meets the ministry’s needs and supports its diplomatic responsibilities.
The new Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation headquarters in Lusaka is expected to contribute to Zambia’s broader efforts to strengthen public institutions and advance economic diplomacy. Its approximately 8,824-square-metre floor area will provide a dedicated setting for the ministry to coordinate international relations, engage diplomatic partners and promote the country’s economic and investment opportunities. The project also demonstrates how grant-funded cooperation can support infrastructure development through agreements between governments. For Zambia, the building is intended to provide a modern platform for representing national interests and implementing the Grow Zambia Agenda through international engagement. As Zambia and China continue their cooperation, the successful completion of the headquarters will be an important measure of how this agreement translates into practical support for Zambia’s development and diplomatic objectives.