Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to visit Zimbabwe on Friday, November 14, 2025. The visit, at the invitation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is a state visit and will mark the first official one for Hichilema.

During the visit, the two heads of state will co-chair the inaugural session of the Zambia–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC). This upgraded framework is intended to deepen bilateral relations and boost cooperation in key sectors, including: 

  • Trade
  • Energy
  • Transport
  • Infrastructure development
The visit is also intended to improve relations between the two countries, which saw a deterioration in 2023 following concerns raised by election observers regarding Zimbabwe’s polls.
A statement written by the ministry of foreign affairs said:

 

Republic of Zambia

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

STATE VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE BY MR. HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the nation that Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, will undertake a State Visit to the Republic of Zimbabwe on 14th November 2025, at the invitation of His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

During the Visit, President Hichilema and President Mnangagwa will Co-Chair the Inaugural Session of the Zambia-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), which upgrades the existing Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) to a higher framework of strategic engagement. The establishment of the BNC underscores the shared vision of the two Heads of State to strengthen bilateral cooperation, accelerate joint infrastructure projects, and deepen economic integration between the two nations.

The BNC process will be preceded by a Meeting of Senior Officials on 12th November 2025 and a Ministerial Meeting on 13th November 2025, which will lay the groundwork for the agreements to be considered during the inaugural BNC. Through the BNC, Zambia and Zimbabwe aim to enhance collaboration in key sectors, including trade, energy, and transport.

This Visit also highlights the deep and enduring bonds of friendship, shared history, and mutual respect that unite Zambia and Zimbabwe. The two sister nations are bound by geography, culture, and shared assets such as the Kariba Dam, Victoria Falls, and critical transport infrastructure that are central to the socio-economic progress of both countries.

Zambia remains firmly committed to regional cooperation, economic diplomacy, and infrastructure development as catalysts for inclusive growth and prosperity within the Southern African region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reiterates its commitment to advancing Zambia’s bilateral and regional relations in line with the country’s Foreign Policy objectives and the vision of President Hichilema to promote peace, stability, and economic transformation through diplomacy.

President Hichilema is expected to return to Lusaka immediately following the conclusion of his engagements in Harare.

(Original signed)

Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C, M.P

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

LUSAKA

12th November 2025

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