Lusaka, Zambia – China and Zambia are preparing for a significant diplomatic moment as Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to visit Lusaka from 19 to 20 November. The trip marks the first visit by a Chinese Head of Government to Zambia in twenty-eight years and Premier Li’s first visit to a sub-Saharan African nation since taking office. For countries such as Eswatini that continue to observe China’s expanding engagements across the region, the visit signals the ongoing recalibration of China-Africa partnerships.
According to Ambassador Han Jing of China’s Embassy in Zambia, the visit aims to accelerate the implementation of agreements made between President Xi Jinping and President Hakainde Hichilema during recent high level engagements. It also seeks to advance commitments made at the Forum on China Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit. The focus is on strengthening political trust, widening cooperation, improving coordination on international matters and contributing to what China calls an All Weather China Africa Community with a Shared Future.
China and Zambia’s relationship stretches back to the years preceding Zambia’s independence, particularly during their joint resistance against colonial rule. One of the strongest symbols of that partnership is the Tanzania Zambia Railway, built with Chinese assistance to support Zambia’s economic survival during periods of external pressure. The decades that followed saw close cooperation in mining, infrastructure, health, education, energy and other sectors. Chinese investments continue to play a major role in Zambia’s economic development, much like China funded projects that have shaped several African countries.
The diplomatic momentum increased in 2023 when President Hichilema made a state visit to China. During that visit, he and President Xi elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership. Since then, several major projects have been launched including the Lusaka Ndola Dual Carriageway, the Luanshya Shaft 28 Dewatering project and the Chisamba Solar Power Plant. Debt restructuring agreements concluded recently have also removed obstacles that previously slowed cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding to revitalise the TAZARA Railway was signed at the Great Hall of the People during the FOCAC Beijing Summit, with a concession agreement finalised in October.
Premier Li’s visit is expected to build on these achievements and introduce new initiatives to guide the next phase of cooperation. The two leaders will meet to discuss political trust, multilateral coordination, the interests of the Global South and deeper collaboration across various economic and social sectors. Ambassador Han says the visit is expected to produce around a dozen outcome documents to be signed in the presence of both leaders.
The diplomatic engagement follows China’s Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party, where the country formulated its 15th five year plan. This national plan outlines priorities such as innovation, green development and social inclusion. It maintains the Belt and Road Initiative as a central mechanism for cooperation with African countries. The blueprint signals a shift toward development models that prioritise technology and capacity building alongside traditional infrastructure support.
Ambassador Han says these changes present new opportunities for the Global South, including Zambia, to tap into China’s economic advancements and build stronger, more resilient national systems.
He invited Zambians to welcome Premier Li and expressed confidence that the visit would deliver practical benefits for both countries.
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