Nigeria and Zambia are seeking to deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation, with both countries identifying agriculture, mining, tourism, technology and private-sector partnerships as key areas for closer bilateral engagement.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, following the presentation of Letters of Credence by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Ambassador Efe A. Clark-Omeru, to President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka on September 18, 2026.
Clark-Omeru conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s greetings to Hichilema and congratulated the Zambian president on his re-election in the August 2026 general elections.
Hichilema was officially declared the winner of Zambia’s August 13 presidential election on August 18, securing 2,965,326 votes, according to Zambia’s State House. He was subsequently sworn in for a second term on September 1.
The Nigerian envoy said Abuja was ready to strengthen bilateral relations through existing agreements and new partnerships covering agriculture, mining and solid minerals, trade and investment, education, tourism, the creative economy, science and technology.
She also identified the deployment of Nigerian volunteers under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme as another area through which the two countries could expand cooperation.
Hichilema, according to the ministry, said Zambia’s foreign engagement was increasingly focused on economic diplomacy under the Grow Zambia Agenda, urging diplomats to help drive investment, trade, tourism and international economic partnerships.
He called for diplomatic relations to be translated into “concrete projects and deliverables”, with stronger business-to-business, people-to-people and government-to-government partnerships.
The Zambian president placed particular emphasis on technology and local value addition, while also highlighting peace, security and stability as conditions necessary for sustainable development.
Hichilema further called for affordable access to capital and highlighted Zambia’s tourism potential, including plans to upgrade four provincial airports to international standards.
He also reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area and stronger intra-African trade.
During a separate meeting with Hichilema, Clark-Omeru highlighted the role of Nigerian companies and professionals operating in Zambia, including Dangote Cement, Access Bank Zambia, UBA Zambia, Sahara Group, Harvest Group, Atlas Group, Naija Chops and Tasty Bite.
The envoy also conveyed Nigeria’s interest in exploring a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Zambia, which could establish direct air connectivity between the two countries.
Hichilema acknowledged the contribution of Nigerian businesses to Zambia’s economy and said efforts had been made to create a more favourable business environment for investors.
The discussions point to potential expansion of economic ties beyond government-to-government relations, with both sides stressing private-sector engagement and people-to-people exchanges as part of efforts to increase trade and investment.
Nigeria and Zambia have longstanding diplomatic relations rooted in shared African interests, including cooperation and solidarity during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in Southern Africa.
The Nigerian High Commission in Lusaka subsequently hosted a reception attended by representatives of the Nigerian community and Nigerian businesses in Zambia.
Clark-Omeru used the occasion to reaffirm the mission’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in Zambia while working with the community and businesses to advance Nigeria’s economic interests, values and image.
The Federal Government said it looked forward to working with Zambia to consolidate the longstanding relationship between both countries and promote partnerships aimed at advancing their shared interests and mutual prosperity.
Source: Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria.
