August 25, 2025
Israel’s engagement with Africa continues to expand, with Zambia emerging as a key partner in diplomacy, development, and innovation. The opening of Israel’s embassy in Lusaka in August 2025 marked a historic milestone, symbolizing a deepening of ties that extend across politics, business, and humanitarian cooperation.
Historic Diplomatic Renewal
On August 20, 2025, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar inaugurated the new embassy in Lusaka, alongside Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe. Sa’ar emphasized the significance of the moment: “It is an honor and a privilege to be here in Lusaka and open Israel’s embassy. It is a truly emotional moment to raise our flag — the Israeli flag — and to hear HaTikvah, here in Zambia, after 52 years.” He described the opening as “the beginning of a new chapter between our nations,” highlighting shared values and strategic interests in southern Africa.
Israel and Zambia first established diplomatic ties in 1966, shortly after Zambia gained independence. Relations were severed in 1973 under pressure from Soviet-backed Arab states, but were reestablished in 1991. In 2015, Zambia opened an embassy in Tel Aviv, while Israel had relied on a non-residential ambassador covering Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Ambassador Ofra Farhi now resides in Lusaka, strengthening Israel’s diplomatic presence in the region.
Expanding Cooperation Across Sectors
The bilateral partnership encompasses agriculture, health, technology, and education. Israel has established a trauma and emergency unit in Livingstone, hosted hundreds of Zambian agricultural students in the Negev, and offered specialized courses in water management, food security, and agricultural innovation. During Sa’ar’s visit, the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding to expand bilateral consultations and cooperation in health, agriculture, and other strategic areas.
The collaboration also includes humanitarian initiatives, such as a significant donation AJC to Zambia’s National Heart Hospital, providing a state-of-the-art heart-lung machine that will double the hospital’s pediatric surgery capacity. These efforts underscore the combination of diplomacy, technology, and humanitarian aid that defines Israel’s partnership with Africa.
Innovation, Fintech, and People-to-People Ties
Beyond government-to-government relations, Zambia is emerging as a hub for regional innovation. During a 2023 official state dinner hosted by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and senior advisor Chipo Mwanawasa proposed hosting a trilateral fintech summit in Lusaka to bring together Israel, the U.S., and African nations. This initiative reflects Zambia’s ambition to leverage technology for economic growth while strengthening ties with Israel and American partners.
Hichilema also spoke at the AJC Global Forum 2025, where he highlighted five key ways Israel, the United States, and Zambia can work together to expand ties.
“Many African countries in general and Zambia in particular put a big emphasis on agriculture as a path to economic growth and job creation,” said AJC Africa Director Wayne Sussman. “Zambia, with other African countries, the U.S., Israel, and Abraham Accords partners can find mutually beneficial agricultural solutions to ensure greater food security and development.”
A Broader African Vision
Israel’s renewed focus on Africa is part of a wider regional strategy. Diplomatic and economic ties have grown with nations including Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Chad, and Sudan, while Israel shares expertise in agriculture, water management, technology, healthcare, and security across the continent. Israel also obtained observer status in the African Union in 2021, reflecting its commitment to constructive engagement in African multilateral frameworks.
The opening of the embassy in Lusaka is a tangible sign of Israel’s return to Africa and Africa’s return to Israel—a partnership built on shared values, innovation, and humanitarian collaboration. As Sa’ar said at the inauguration, “These are relations between two nations of believers: believers in ancient traditions based on the holy Bible. It is an alliance of believers. And I know that together we will do great things.”
