Ghana’s state visit to Zambia by President John Dramani Mahama has yielded far-reaching outcomes under a new Comprehensive Partnership, positioning both countries to unlock shared prosperity, deepen African integration and deliver tangible benefits for citizens.
According to details shared by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the partnership places people, jobs and sustainability at its core. Central to the agreements is a Pan-African visa-free travel arrangement allowing Ghanaian and Zambian nationals to stay in each other’s countries for up to 30 days, easing movement for business, tourism and cultural exchange.
The partnership is also expected to drive economic transformation through fintech contracts valued at over US$50 million in the short term, with the potential to create about 8,000 jobs for young people and professionals in both countries. In the natural resources sector, new agreements will prioritise value addition and environmentally responsible practices, aligning growth with sustainability.
Further strengthening cooperation, Ghana and Zambia signed defence and security agreements to expand collaboration between their armed forces, while also committing to technical knowledge exchange. Ghana will support Zambia in establishing a Minerals Commission and Goldbod, while Zambia will assist Ghana with solar energy regulation and improved seedling production to boost agriculture and climate resilience.
To enhance trade, both countries agreed to establish new trade corridors, standardise product certification, and deepen aviation cooperation through a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, paving the way for direct flights.
Cultural and creative industries also stand to benefit, with Ghana set to host a Fugu and Kente Trade Exhibition in Zambia next month, following strong interest from Zambians.
Building on the historic Nkrumah–Kaunda friendship, the renewed Ghana–Zambia partnership signals a bold, people-focused model for African cooperation and shared development.
