President Hakainde Hichilema landed in Abu Dhabi with a clear goal. He wants Zambia to break old habits in government and catch up with the digital age. This time, he is looking to the UAE for answers. During his two-day visit, Hichilema sat down with UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi. The talks were direct. Both sides focused on how Zambia could use Emirati know-how to fix its own government. The Times of Zambia and Emirates News Agency (WAM) confirmed the meetings.
The agenda was packed. Digital transformation, better public services, and training for civil servants topped the list. Zambia wants to cut through red tape. The UAE has already done it. Their government runs on digital systems and fast-track programs. Artificial intelligence is part of daily operations. The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and UAE Vision 2031 set the pace. The Emirates have become a global example for public sector efficiency. Zambia wants in.
Knowledge exchange drives the partnership
Hichilema did not hide his intentions. He wants a deeper partnership with the UAE. The official visit, at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, included more than just meetings. Six memoranda of understanding were signed. The deals are worth about US$2.14 billion. There was a business forum and direct talks with Emirati business leaders. The agreements cover healthcare, renewable energy, logistics, and technology. The UAE is betting on Africa's growth. Ecofin Agency reported the details.
Digital government services are coming. Zambia wants to train its civil servants and use UAE methods to make government work faster. Artificial intelligence is on the table. Both leaders want their countries to lead in tech. The Dubai Media Office says this kind of knowledge transfer fits the UAE's push to share its government model worldwide. The World Government Summit is one of the main platforms for this.
Regional context and the push for sustainable growth
Gulf and African countries are watching each other. Many want to copy the UAE's speed and focus. The Emirates have built a system around efficiency and digital tools. Others want the same. Saudi Arabia is also moving fast on development and housing reform, as reported earlier.
Zambia is making a bet. By working with the UAE, it hopes to spark real change at home. Hichilema says trade and reform will stay at the top of his agenda. He wants to double Zambia's economy under the Grow Zambia Agenda. The UAE's own economic plans follow a similar path. Talks for a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement are ongoing. Lusaka Times and The National say this deal could make trade easier and update the rules between the two countries.
If this partnership works, it could do more than just help Zambia and the UAE. It could show other countries how to skip old problems and use new ideas from global leaders. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) are shaping the region's investment climate. For Zambia, the Emirates look like the right partner for growth and reform. The stakes are high.
