ZAMBIA · TRADE
Published Wednesday, 28 October, 5:16 p.m. ET · Source: Zambian State House, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, UN Comtrade
Key Facts
- —Who Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Swiss State Secretary Helene Artieda met at State House in Lusaka.
- —What Hichilema said Zambia-Switzerland trade and investment has exceeded US$20 billion over the years.
- —Where The meeting took place at State House in Lusaka, Zambia.
- —When The remarks were reported on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Bilateral Figure Announced
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said trade and investment between Zambia and Switzerland has grown to more than US$20 billion over the years. He made the remarks on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Hichilema called for the two countries to deepen relations into a comprehensive economic partnership. He said the model would ensure mutual benefit and protection, moving away from the traditional pattern of European firms investing in Africa without local participation.
Swiss Investment Interest
Artieda expressed Switzerland's interest in investing in Zambia, noting that the country is well positioned. She said Swiss investment consists of domestic value addition in sectors including extractive minerals, technology and innovation that will create jobs in Zambia.
She said the private sector has a key role to play in its achievement.
Trade Data Context
Independent trade data show Zambia's exports to Switzerland reached US$4.8 billion in 2024, according to UN Comtrade figures. Switzerland accounted for 42.5% of Zambia's exports that year, making it the country's leading export destination.
The Bank of Zambia reported total export earnings of US$4.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 46.1% from the same period of 2025. Copper exports reached US$2.9 billion, up 49.3%, underscoring the mineral sector's dominance in Zambia's trade profile.
Economic Partnership Goals
Hichilema highlighted opportunities not only in mining but also in commodities, agriculture, and value addition. He said Zambia seeks to leverage Swiss capital and technology alongside its own natural resources.
The president urged Swiss businesses to take advantage of Zambia's youthful population, which needed education, skills, jobs, and opportunities. He stressed that Zambia and Switzerland should work together as equal partners in the global arena.
What It Means for US Readers
Zambia is Africa's second-largest copper producer, and its mineral exports feed global supply chains for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and electronics. Switzerland's dominant share of Zambian exports reflects the role of Swiss-based commodity trading houses in moving copper and other critical minerals to world markets.
For US investors and manufacturers, Zambia's copper and critical mineral output is a strategic input for energy transition technologies. The reported US$20 billion bilateral figure, while unverified in detail, signals the scale of Swiss involvement in a mining economy that matters to global supply chains.
What Is Not Known
The available reports do not specify whether the US$20 billion figure refers to cumulative trade, cumulative investment, a stock of investment, or a combined estimate. No start or end date for the period was supplied.
No published calculation from Zambia's Ministry of Commerce, Zambia Statistics Agency, Bank of Zambia, Swiss authorities, or UN Comtrade matching the US$20 billion claim was provided. The available trade data confirm Switzerland's importance to Zambia but do not independently substantiate the combined figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did President Hichilema say about Zambia-Switzerland economic ties?
Hichilema said trade and investment between Zambia and Switzerland has evolved over the years to reach more than US$20 billion. He called for deepened relations into a comprehensive economic partnership between the two countries.
Who is Helene Artieda and what did she say?
Helene Artieda is the Swiss State Secretary who met with President Hichilema at State House in Lusaka. She expressed Switzerland’s interest in investing in Zambia.
Why does Switzerland matter to Zambia’s economy?
Switzerland accounted for 42.5% of Zambia’s exports in 2024, with exports valued at US$4.8 billion. The relationship is driven largely by Zambia’s copper and mineral exports, which Swiss-based commodity traders help move to global markets.
Sources: Zambian State House, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, UN Comtrade.
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This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief