China expands economic cooperation with Zambia and Namibia

China is expanding its economic and diplomatic footprint in Africa through strengthened bilateral agreements with Zambia and Namibia.

In Zambia, Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe and Chinese Ambassador Han Jing discussed deepening cooperation in mining, energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. The discussions focused on leveraging China’s zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent of Zambian tariff lines, which began in December 2024. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached US$7.553 billion in 2025. Key infrastructure priorities include the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and the expansion of solar power initiatives.

In Namibia, officials announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a “China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era.” This framework follows a state visit by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to China in July. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Weiping noted that cooperation will extend across trade, infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture, with China supporting Namibia’s development ambitions and its sixth National Development Plan through increased investment and zero-tariff policies.