President Hichilema Meets Donald Trump Jr. During Private Visit

President Hakainde Hichilema met Mr. Donald Trump Jr. during his private stay in Zambia, holding discussions on investment opportunities, tourism and Zambia’s growing relationship with the United States. The engagement, which took place while Trump Jr. vacationed in the country, underscored Zambia’s growing visibility among American visitors and investors exploring prospects across Africa.

Officials said Trump Jr. expressed appreciation for Zambia’s natural attractions, wildlife and the hospitality extended to him during his visit. He also indicated interest in the country’s investment climate and the reforms shaping it. President Hichilema conveyed warm regards to U.S. President Donald J. Trump and reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Washington in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology.

The meeting with Trump Jr. came at the end of a period marked by intensive diplomatic and economic activity for the President. State House noted that the engagements reflect a deliberate strategy to strengthen partnerships, deepen regional cooperation and position Zambia as a stable anchor in Southern Africa.

As part of this wider outreach, President Hichilema travelled to Tanzania to join President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her inauguration, he highlighted the deep historical and economic ties between the two countries, particularly in transport, energy and trade. Tanzania is home to the TAZARA railway and the TAZAMA pipeline, both critical arteries for Zambia’s import and export routes. Officials described the visit as a reaffirmation of Zambia’s long-standing relationship with Dar es Salaam and a signal of readiness to work with Tanzania on modernising shared infrastructure. The meeting also reinforced regional unity and acknowledged Tanzania’s role as a key maritime and transit partner for Zambia’s economy.

Earlier in the week, President Hichilema restored and strengthened relations with Israel by hosting President Isaac Herzog in Lusaka. Their talks focused on agriculture technology, security cooperation and areas of shared interest. He later travelled to Zimbabwe for engagements with President Emmerson Mnangagwa under the Zambia–Zimbabwe cooperation framework. During the Bi-National Commission Meeting, President Hichilema called for the removal of duties and tariffs between the two countries, saying lower barriers would boost trade and widen economic opportunities for citizens on both sides. He described the relationship as strong and focused on shared development. President Mnangagwa agreed that Zambia and Zimbabwe must work closely to advance their common interests and improve the wellbeing of their people.

At home, the President participated in several Remembrance Day ceremonies, paying tribute to veterans, service personnel and families of fallen soldiers. State House noted that these engagements form part of the administration’s commitment to honouring the defence forces and promoting national unity.

The week also carried a strong economic agenda. President Hichilema hosted the European Union Business Delegation before meeting a high-level German investment mission exploring opportunities in mining, manufacturing and renewable energy. His address at a major EU event secured an additional 50 million euros in funding for priority development projects.

During the same period, the President also met two of Africa’s most influential business leaders. Nigerian philanthropist Tony Elumelu discussed entrepreneurship support and regional financing opportunities, while Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, conferred with the President on measures to address Zambia’s ongoing energy challenges. Both engagements were aimed at creating pathways for job creation, industrial expansion and improved energy security.

State House described the combined diplomatic and economic calendar as part of a sustained effort to anchor Zambia firmly within regional and global networks. Officials noted that the meeting with Trump Jr. complements this broader strategy by strengthening connections with influential American business circles and reinforcing Zambia’s reputation as a welcoming and credible destination for global investment.

The Presidency said Zambia will continue engaging partners across multiple regions to accelerate economic recovery, expand market access and deepen bilateral cooperation. The engagements with Israel, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, the European Union, African business leaders and the United States, they added, reflect a coordinated approach to securing long-term national benefits.