Canada reopens High Commission in Lusaka after 15 years, signs economic cooperation pact with Zambia LUSAKA – Canada has reopened its High Commission in Lusaka with a resident High Commissioner after an absence of more than 15 years. On the same day, the two countries signed a…

Canada reopens High Commission in Lusaka after 15 years, signs economic cooperation pact with Zambia

LUSAKA – Canada has reopened its High Commission in Lusaka with a resident High Commissioner after an absence of more than 15 years. On the same day, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Economic and Development Cooperation.

Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, and Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, officially opened the mission on November 9, 2026. The ceremony was part of Mr Sarai’s visit to Zambia from November 8 to 10.

The MoU sets out a framework for closer collaboration on trade and investment, critical minerals, private sector development, regional security and inclusive economic growth.

Mr Haimbe said the decision to reopen the mission was a direct response to President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for a stronger resident diplomatic presence in Zambia. The President wants that presence to help turn the country’s economic stability into real investment, trade and jobs.

He described the move as a vote of confidence in Zambia’s political stability, its economic reform path and the Grow Zambia Agenda, the government’s blueprint to double the size of the economy, expand production and improve livelihoods.

“Canada is already one of Zambia’s most significant economic partners. Canadian companies are major contributors to our economy, with over 12.9 billion United States dollars in assets in our mining sector, supporting jobs, government revenue, and communities,” Mr Haimbe said.

The Minister said government was encouraged by the new momentum in the relationship. He pointed to FinDev Canada, Canada’s bilateral development finance institution, which has committed a loan of about US$35 million (CAD 50 million) to Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO). The loan is part of a US$105 million facility arranged together with Citibank, Swedfund and Norfund. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced the loan.

Mr Haimbe said the loan is FinDev Canada’s first direct investment in Zambia. It will expand access to finance for small and medium enterprises, especially women-owned businesses and agribusinesses.

He also highlighted the launch in Zambia of the Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth (TRISEG) programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada and run in partnership with the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA). TRISEG runs for five years, from 2025 to 2030. It is designed to support SMEs and women cross-border traders, and to help implement the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Mr Haimbe said Canada’s interest in Zambia’s mining, agro-processing and renewable energy sectors fits well with national priorities. These include a countrywide high-resolution geophysical survey and a target of 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation by 2031.

“We therefore look forward to the proposed Canadian trade mission to Zambia, and Zambia will reciprocate. Let us use this resident Mission as a one-stop bridge to de-risk investment, facilitate joint ventures, and promote value addition here in Zambia,” the Minister said.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Corry van Gaal, said the opening of the mission and the return of a resident High Commissioner reflect Canada’s long-term commitment to stronger diplomatic, economic and development ties with Zambia, and to wider engagement across Southern Africa.

Ms van Gaal noted that Canadian companies have already made significant investments in Zambian mining. She pledged her country’s continued support for the sector.

Mr Sarai said the reopening and the MoU mark a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

“It reflects our confidence in Zambia’s future and our commitment to deepening cooperation on trade, investment, sustainable economic growth and development. Together with the new Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Development Cooperation, it provides a strong foundation for an even closer partnership that creates opportunities and prosperity for Canadians and Zambians alike,” Mr Sarai said.

During the visit, Canada announced CAD 10.5 million in new support for economic growth, women’s empowerment, energy access and institutional strengthening in Zambia. Since 2020, Canada has provided more than CAD 210 million in international assistance to Zambia, supporting health, education, gender equality, food security and sustainable economic development.

The two countries also have a record of working together at the United Nations. In 2013 they co-sponsored the first UN General Assembly resolution on child, early and forced marriage, and they have continued to champion its renewal every two years.

The reopening builds on Canada’s Africa Strategy, launched in 2025, which commits Ottawa to stronger diplomatic, economic and development partnerships across the continent.

Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment Jito Kayumba, senior government officials, private sector representatives and members of the diplomatic corps witnessed the signing and the reopening.