Canada has reopened its High Commission in Zambia, restoring its diplomatic presence in the southern African country after a 15-year absence. The move marks a renewed chapter in relations between the two countries and provides a platform for strengthening diplomatic engagement and bilateral cooperation.
According to Efficacy News, the High Commission was officially inaugurated on 9th November 2026 by Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, and Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai.
During the period of Canada’s absence, diplomatic relations with Zambia were managed through its High Commission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Speaking at the inauguration, Haimbe said the reopening reflected renewed friendship and partnership, as well as Canada’s confidence in Zambia’s political stability, economic reforms and development agenda. He said the decision responded to President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for stronger resident diplomatic representation to help translate Zambia’s economic progress and reform efforts into tangible investment, trade and employment opportunities.
Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to working with Canada to ensure the renewed diplomatic presence delivers mutually beneficial outcomes, particularly in advancing economic diplomacy and the Grow Zambia Agenda. He also called for reciprocal trade missions and encouraged the use of the High Commission as a platform for facilitating investment, reducing investment risks, promoting joint ventures and expanding local value addition. The Minister outlined five priority areas for strengthening bilateral cooperation: enhanced political dialogue; economic diplomacy, with an ambition to double trade and investment over the next five years; inclusive development focusing on women, youth, education and food security; climate action and green growth; and stronger collaboration in multilateral affairs.
On climate and green growth, the two countries are expected to explore opportunities in clean energy, carbon markets and sustainable mining. During the same occasion, Zambia and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Economic and Development Cooperation to provide a framework for expanding collaboration across key sectors. Sarai said the agreement would establish a strong foundation for enhanced cooperation while creating opportunities for shared prosperity for the people of both countries.
He described the reopening of the High Commission as a new chapter in the longstanding relationship and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to working with Zambia, particularly in advancing women’s rights and leadership. Zambia and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1972, with their partnership built on shared commitments to democracy, good governance, human rights and Commonwealth membership. Over the years, bilateral cooperation has extended across education, healthcare, gender equality, human rights, climate action and peacekeeping, alongside longstanding development partnerships.
