Israeli President Commends Zambia’s Economic Recovery, Pledges Support in Key Sectors

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has commended Zambia for its remarkable recovery from years of economic challenges.

Mr Herzog, who is in the country for a two-day working visit, said Zambia is now heading in the right direction, a shift that has encouraged investors and the business community to engage more actively.

He said many Israeli businesses and NGOs are keen to operate in Zambia, citing the country’s visible signs of advancement.

Mr Herzog was speaking when he held bilateral talks with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House today.

He said Israel is ready to support Zambia in areas such as innovation, climate change mitigation, food security, and water management.

“We are happy to cooperate with Zambia on many levels and are grateful for the warm attitude towards the people of Israel,” he said.

And President Hichilema reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening trade and bilateral relations with Israel, citing the reopening of the Israeli embassy in Zambia,52 years after its closure, as a clear demonstration of that intent. He noted that the two countries share a long-standing relationship.

President Hichilema said President Herzog’s visit will advance the discussions initiated during his own visit to Israel in 2023, particularly around framework agreements that will enable the two nations to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

He said Zambia is eager to deepen collaboration in education, health, and agriculture, especially in research and development and precision irrigation, which the country aims to scale up.

“We want to further our cooperation in irrigation agriculture. The expertise that the State of Israel has will come in handy in this area,” he said.

He also expressed interest in partnering with Israel to develop a sustainable energy mix that addresses Zambia’s current electricity deficit.

“We want to further invest in solar, hydro, thermal, and other technologies to build a balanced energy mix,” the President said.

And President Hichilema commended Israel for the ceasefire agreement with Gaza, adding that Zambia hopes the peace will be sustained to restore stability and protect life and property.

He urged all parties involved to pursue peace so that attention could be redirected toward economic growth and development.