Zambia, Ghana Deepen Economic Ties at High-Level Business Forum

ZIT-Zambia and Ghana have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation following a high-level engagement between President Hakainde Hichilema and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the Zambia–Ghana Business Forum.

Speaking at the forum, the two Heads of State jointly called for accelerated growth, deeper collaboration and increased investment between the two countries. They emphasized the need for actionable partnerships, particularly through the use of digital platforms, to drive a shared economic agenda that delivers tangible benefits to citizens in both nations.

President Hichilema noted that Zambia and Ghana share a long-standing history of friendship rooted in the Pan-African vision of unity and mutual support. He recalled that the relationship dates back to the era of Zambia’s founding President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who both championed African self-determination, economic independence and regional integration.

Over the years, Zambia–Ghana relations have evolved from political solidarity into practical cooperation in trade, education, agriculture, mining, energy and tourism. The two countries have continued to exchange technical expertise, support each other in multilateral forums and promote people-to-people ties through culture and education.

At the Business Forum, President Hichilema highlighted Zambia’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, including enhanced fiscal discipline, currency stability and private sector–led growth. He encouraged Ghanaian investors to explore opportunities in agriculture value chains, renewable energy, mining services, manufacturing and digital innovation.

President Mahama, on his part, reiterated Ghana’s readiness to deepen trade links with Zambia, noting that stronger South–South cooperation is essential for Africa’s economic transformation. He called on the private sector in both countries to take advantage of policy reforms and market opportunities to build cross-border partnerships.

A key milestone discussed at the forum was the growing emphasis on digital trade platforms, which are expected to reduce transaction costs, improve market access for small and medium enterprises and enhance transparency in cross-border business. The leaders also underscored the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks to make it easier for companies to operate in both jurisdictions.

Recent engagements between Zambia and Ghana have seen renewed diplomatic exchanges, business delegations and cooperation in multilateral initiatives aimed at boosting intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Both countries see AfCFTA as a strategic vehicle to unlock new markets and accelerate industrialization.

The Zambia–Ghana Business Forum concluded with a shared resolve to move beyond dialogue to implementation, ensuring that agreements translate into real investments, job creation and inclusive growth.

“Our partnership with Ghana is not only historic, but forward-looking,” President Hichilema said. “Together, we are building bridges of opportunity that will drive prosperity for our people and our continent.”