President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia has resulted in a wide-ranging Comprehensive Partnership Agreement aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries and advancing Pan-African integration.
A key highlight of the visit is a visa-free travel agreement, allowing citizens of Ghana and Zambia to stay in each other’s countries for up to 30 days, a move expected to boost tourism, business, and people-to-people relations.
In the economic sector, fintech contracts valued at over $50 million were signed between Ghanaian and Zambian companies. These deals are projected to create about 8,000 jobs in the short term, strengthening digital finance and innovation ecosystems in both countries.
The two nations also reached natural resource cooperation agreements focused on value addition and environmentally sustainable mining practices. As part of this collaboration, Ghana will provide technical assistance to Zambia in establishing a Minerals Commission and Goldbod, drawing on Ghana’s experience in mineral governance.
On its part, Zambia will support Ghana with **technical expertise in solar energy regulation and scientifically improved seedling production, reinforcing cooperation in renewable energy and agriculture.
Security cooperation was also enhanced through a defence cooperation agreement, aimed at creating new operational and training opportunities for the armed forces of both countries.
To strengthen trade, Ghana and Zambia agreed to establish new trade corridors, positioning both countries as strategic hubs for West and Southern African markets. They also committed to standardizing product certification, a move expected to ease trade barriers and improve market access.
In aviation, a Bilateral Air Services Agreement was signed to enhance cooperation and pave the way for direct flights between Ghana and Zambia, improving connectivity for business and tourism.
Cultural and creative industry ties were equally spotlighted. Ghana will host a Fugu and Kente Trade Exhibition in Zambia next month, following strong interest from Zambians in Ghanaian traditional attire and President Hakainde Hichilema’s publicly expressed desire to place orders.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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