President John Dramani Mahama has departed Accra to undertake a three-day State Visit to the Republic of Zambia from February 4 to February 6, 2026, marking a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two African nations.
The visit follows a formal invitation from Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and forms part of President Mahama’s broader foreign policy agenda focused on deepening regional cooperation and advancing Africa’s economic integration.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, President Mahama will be accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, as he leads a high level Ghanaian delegation to Lusaka.
The visit is expected to reinforce longstanding ties between Ghana and Zambia, while opening new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, and regional development initiatives.
At the heart of the State Visit will be bilateral talks between Presidents Mahama and Hichilema. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including the enhancement of diplomatic relations and the strengthening of economic cooperation.
Both leaders are also expected to explore opportunities for collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which Ghana continues to champion as a transformative framework for Africa’s economic future.
“A key highlight of the visit will be an address to the National Assembly of Zambia, where he is expected to share Ghana’s vision for a more integrated and prosperous Africa.”
Hon. Felix Ofosu Kwakye, MP for Abura Asebu Asamankese, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications
The address will also offer an opportunity for Ghana to share its experiences in democratic governance, economic reforms, and regional leadership. Beyond formal state engagements, President Mahama is scheduled to meet members of the Ghanaian community resident in Lusaka.
The interaction is intended to strengthen ties with Ghanaians living and working in Zambia and to acknowledge their contributions to both the host country and Ghana’s international image. The President has consistently emphasized the importance of engaging the Ghanaian diaspora as partners in national development and continental progress.
Economic Diplomacy at the Heart of the Visit
Economic diplomacy will feature prominently during the State Visit, with the hosting of a Ghana Zambia Business Dialogue co chaired by Presidents Mahama and Hichilema. The dialogue will bring together business leaders, investors, and policymakers from both countries to explore concrete opportunities for partnership.
Ghana is expected to showcase its growing strengths in digital technologies and fintech services, offering Zambian businesses and institutions insights into innovative solutions that can drive efficiency and financial inclusion.
The Presidency noted that the business dialogue will serve as a platform for fostering knowledge exchange and building sustainable economic partnerships. By promoting Ghana’s digital and fintech capabilities, the dialogue aligns with President Mahama’s vision of leveraging technology as a catalyst for development and regional competitiveness.
President Mahama’s State Visit to Zambia also underscores his long held commitment to an Africa that is seamlessly connected through improved transport infrastructure, expanded trade linkages, and the free movement of people and goods.
He remains a strong advocate for the accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which he believes holds the key to transforming African economies and unlocking opportunities for the continent’s youthful population.
The President has consistently argued that effective implementation of the AfCFTA will help create sustainable jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and position Africa more competitively within the global economy. His engagements in Zambia are therefore expected to reinforce Ghana’s leadership role in promoting continental integration and economic cooperation.
President Mahama to Participate in World Governments Summit
Ahead of the State Visit, President Mahama will depart Accra on Sunday, February 1, 2026, for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The visit to Dubai is at the invitation of the Ruler of the UAE, where the President will participate in the World Governments Summit 2026 scheduled to take place from February 2 to February 4.
The summit brings together global leaders to discuss governance innovation, economic transformation, and solutions to emerging global challenges. The Presidency disclosed that President Mahama will travel to Dubai aboard a special aircraft provided by the Ruler of the UAE. The same aircraft will convey the President and his delegation onward to Zambia to commence the State Visit immediately after the summit.
Signed by the Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Hon Felix Ofosu Kwakye, the statement emphasized that the President’s engagements in both Dubai and Zambia reflect Ghana’s active and forward looking foreign policy posture.
As President Mahama continues to position Ghana as a key player in regional and global affairs, the upcoming State Visit to Zambia is expected to deepen cooperation, strengthen people to people ties, and advance the shared vision of a more united and prosperous Africa.
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