Canada Reopens High Commission in Zambia
Canada's diplomatic mission in Lusaka returns after nearly 15 years, as both countries seek to expand trade and investment.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Canada
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Canada reopened its high commission in Lusaka, Zambia, after nearly 15 years of closure. Zambia's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe spoke at the inauguration on Monday.
Why it matters
The reopening follows more than six decades of diplomatic relations and is intended to expand trade and investment between the two countries. Zambia is seeking to attract international investment and strengthen economic cooperation.
Canadian mining assets in Zambia were valued at about US$12 billion in 2024, making Zambia Canada's fifth-largest overseas mining investment destination. Bilateral trade reached US$97 million in 2025, and the source does not detail how that figure is expected to change under the reopened mission.
The players
Mulambo Haimbe
Mulambo Haimbe serves as Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and spoke at the inauguration of Canada's reopened high commission in Lusaka.
The details
Canada's high commission in Lusaka was inaugurated on Monday, with Zambia's Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe speaking at the event. Key areas of cooperation include mining, renewable energy, fibre processing and support for small businesses.
Timeline
Nearly 15 years before the reopening, Canada's high commission in Zambia closed.
2021: Canada began providing development assistance to Zambia, totaling about US$210 million since.
2024: Canadian mining assets in Zambia were valued at about US$12 billion.
2025: Bilateral trade between Canada and Zambia reached US$97 million.
Monday, November 9, 2026: Canada's high commission in Lusaka was inaugurated.
Big Picture
Canada's mining assets in Zambia, valued at about US$12 billion in 2024, anchor the relationship, and the reopened high commission formalizes a diplomatic presence alongside that investment. The mission places Zambia within Canada's network of overseas mining investment, where it ranks as the fifth-largest destination.
Travelers and businesses interested in Zambia may find expanded Canadian diplomatic services in Lusaka, which the reopened high commission is positioned to provide. The mission is intended to support trade, investment and small-business cooperation between the two countries.
The takeaway
Diplomatic presence often follows economic weight, and Canada's reopened mission in Lusaka reflects the scale of its mining and development ties with Zambia. Readers tracking Zambia's investment climate can watch for measurable progress toward the stated goal of doubling trade and investment within five years.
Further reading
Explore more on Canada for context on the country reopening its diplomatic mission.
Source note: This article includes information reported by APAnews - African Press Agency.
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