Zambia–China Cooperation Gains Momentum as 49 Projects Worth US$6.14 Billion Are Signed
Zambia–China cooperation continues to attract attention as new economic and trade opportunities emerge from the 2026 Forum on China–Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation. Held on 7 November in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, China, the forum recorded 49 cooperation agreements worth approximately US$6.14 billion. According to the Zhejiang Government’s report published on 9 November 2026, the agreements cover international trade, overseas investment, engineering contracts and business cooperation. Although the projects involve several African countries, the developments highlight the wider economic opportunities available to Zambia through its longstanding partnership with China.
Zambia and China have maintained diplomatic relations since 29 October 1964, with cooperation expanding into mining, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, trade and technology. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ latest Zambia country profile reports that bilateral trade reached US$7.553 billion in 2025, representing a 13.6 per cent increase from 2024. In addition, China granted Zambia zero-tariff treatment on 100 per cent of tariff lines from December 2024. Recent cooperation also includes a 1,000-megawatt solar energy development agreement signed between the Zambian Government and Chinese companies in January 2026, as reported by Zambia’s State House.
The two countries are also strengthening cooperation in science, technology and digital development. On 9 November 2026, Chinese Ambassador Han Jing met Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, to discuss artificial intelligence, technology transfer and opportunities to support Zambia’s development priorities. According to the Chinese Embassy in Zambia’s latest statement, both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, mining, agriculture and energy. These developments demonstrate the continuing scope of the Zambia–China partnership, with opportunities to increase investment, expand trade and support Zambia’s economic development.
