Canada has reopened its High Commission in Lusaka with a resident High Commissioner, ending an absence of more than 15 years, and the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on economic and development cooperation the same day.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe said the move answers President Hakainde Hichilema's call for a stronger resident diplomatic presence in Zambia, so that the country's economic stability turns into real investment, trade and jobs for Zambians, according to LusakaTimes.com.
What the reopening means for Zambia
Speaking at the official launch of the reopened Canadian High Commission, Mr Haimbe called the decision a vote of confidence in Zambia's political stability, its economic reform path and the Grow Zambia Agenda, the government plan to double the size of the economy, expand production and improve livelihoods for all Zambians.
After years of being handled from afar, Zambia now has a full diplomatic partner on the ground in Lusaka. That matters. Deals are negotiated face to face, business is facilitated locally, and Zambian interests can be defended at the table, not down a telephone line to some distant capital.
Mr Haimbe said the MoU will guide the next chapter of the partnership between the two countries.
“Canada is already one of Zambia's most significant economic partners. Canadian companies are major contributors to our economy, with over 12.9 billion United States dollars in assets in our mining sector, supporting jobs, government revenue, and communities,” Mr Haimbe said.
That is serious money in Zambian copper, and it is money this country must keep working for Zambians: jobs here, taxes here, value addition here at home.
Money on the table: FinDev loan and the TRISEG programme
The government also welcomed new momentum on financing. FinDev Canada, Canada's bilateral development finance institution, has committed a 35 million United States dollars loan to ZANACO, part of a 105 million United States dollars facility arranged with Citibank, Swedfund and Norfund.
Mr Haimbe explained that the FinDev deal is Canada's first direct investment in Zambia, and it will expand access to finance for small and medium enterprises, especially women-owned businesses and agribusinesses.
There is more. The Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth programme, known as TRISEG, has been launched in Zambia in partnership with the Zambia Development Agency, with first initiatives funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Mr Haimbe said TRISEG is a five-year initiative running from 2025 to 2030, designed to support SMEs, women cross-border traders and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Mining, power and Zambian priorities first
Canada's interest in Zambian mining, agro-processing and renewable energy lines up with Zambia's own priorities, Mr Haimbe said, from a countrywide high-resolution geophysical survey to the target of 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation by 2031.
Those are Zambian goals, set by Zambians, and any partner that wants to work here must work on Zambian terms. The Minister made that much clear.
“We therefore look forward to the proposed Canadian trade mission to Zambia, and Zambia will reciprocate. Let us use this resident Mission as a one-stop bridge to de-risk investment, facilitate joint ventures, and promote value addition here in Zambia,” Mr Haimbe said.
Value addition here in Zambia. That is the phrase every Zambian worker should hold every investor to, Canadian or otherwise.
What Canada says
Canada's High Commissioner to Zambia, Corry Van Gaal, said the opening of the High Commission and the presence of a residence reflects Canada's long-term commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic and development ties with Zambia, and expanding engagement across Southern Africa.
Ms Van Gaal added that it also reflects her country's confidence in Zambia's future and its commitment to deepening cooperation on trade, investment, sustainable economic growth and development.
“Together with the new Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Development Cooperation, it provides a strong foundation for an even closer partnership that creates opportunities and prosperity for Canadians and Zambians alike,” Ms Van Gaal stated.
She noted that Canadian companies have already made significant investments in Zambian mining, and pledged her country's continued support and investment in the sector.
Canada's Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, said the MoU reflects the growing importance of the relationship between the two countries in economic and development cooperation, and pointed to the role of the strengthened relationship in creating new opportunities.
Before this reopening, Canada had managed its relations with Zambia through its mission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Zambian Observer reported. The new mission is led by Ms Van Gaal, an international affairs professional with more than 20 years of experience, including senior roles at Global Affairs Canada and work with the World Bank's Global Agriculture and Food Security programme.
Canada and Zambia also share Commonwealth ties and a history of development cooperation, including close joint work on ending child, early and forced marriage, according to Global Affairs Canada.
Who witnessed the signing
Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment Jito Kayumba, and other government officials witnessed the signing of the MoU and the reopening of the High Commission.
The challenge now falls to the Zambian side: turn 12.9 billion dollars of Canadian assets, a 105 million dollar credit facility and a five-year trade programme into processing plants, megawatts and pay cheques on Zambian soil. The door is open. Zambia must walk through it on its own feet.
Frequently asked questions
When did Canada reopen its High Commission in Zambia?
Canada reopened its High Commission in Lusaka in November 2026, after an absence of more than 15 years, with a resident High Commissioner, Corry Van Gaal.
How much have Canadian companies invested in Zambia?
Canadian companies hold over 12.9 billion United States dollars in assets in Zambia's mining sector, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe.
What is the FinDev Canada loan to ZANACO?
FinDev Canada committed a 35 million United States dollars loan to ZANACO, part of a 105 million dollars facility with Citibank, Swedfund and Norfund. It is Canada's first direct investment in Zambia.
What is the TRISEG programme?
TRISEG, the Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth initiative, is a five-year programme from 2025 to 2030 supporting SMEs, women cross-border traders and the African Continental Free Trade Area.