Turkey and Zambia Deepen Economic and Social Cooperation in Ankara
Ankara, April 21 – The second term meeting of the Joint Economic Commission (KEC) between Turkey and Zambia took place in Ankara, hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. During the meeting, significant agreements were signed to foster economic, commercial, and social cooperation between the two nations.
Key Agreements Signed to Boost Bilateral Relations
Vedat Işıkhan, Turkey’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, and Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, signed pivotal agreements. Minister Işıkhan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to Africa, referencing the 2003 Africa Strategy, which has significantly advanced political, economic, and human cooperation with African countries based on mutual respect, equal partnership, and a win-win approach.
“This strategic vision has enabled Turkey to contribute to the improvement of economic and social conditions in Africa while significantly advancing political, economic, and human cooperation with continental countries,” Işıkhan stated.
Growing Turkish Presence in Africa
Işıkhan highlighted the extensive diplomatic presence, noting, “Today, we have embassies in 44 African countries, and 38 African countries have embassies in Turkey. The Turkey-Africa trade volume, which was 5.4 billion dollars in 2003, reached approximately 40 billion dollars by 2025. Our direct investments in Africa have reached a market value of 15 billion dollars, and Turkish contractors have undertaken over two thousand projects across the continent, generating a business volume of approximately 100 billion dollars.”
Turkey-Zambia Trade and Investment on the Rise
Focusing on bilateral relations, Minister Işıkhan reported that the trade volume between Turkey and Zambia reached 32 million dollars in 2025. He expressed confidence that regular KEC meetings, business forums, trade delegations, and mutual participation in fairs would significantly increase this figure.
“The market value of Turkish firms’ investments in Zambia has reached 70 million dollars, providing employment to approximately 4,000 Zambian citizens,” Işıkhan added.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Development Cooperation
Işıkhan also noted the ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal infrastructure of relations with Zambia. “The Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments (IPPA) between Turkey and Zambia is in force. Today, we will also sign a very important step, the ‘Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation,’ with Mr. Minister. I have no doubt that these agreements will accelerate mutual investments.”
Furthermore, development and education cooperation with Zambia are steadily growing. “Through TİKA, our Turkey scholarships, and the Lusaka International Maarif Schools, which became operational last year, we are carrying out activities that strengthen the emotional ties of our Zambian friends with Turkey,” he said.
The meeting assessed cooperation in various fields based on mutual benefit and identified concrete steps for the upcoming period. Işıkhan affirmed that Turkey would meticulously follow up on the decisions made and implement them swiftly.
Agreements Signed Post-Meeting
Following the meeting, the Turkey-Zambia Joint Economic Commission Meeting Minutes and the Agreements on the Avoidance of Double Taxation, aimed at further strengthening trade between the two countries, were officially signed.
This comprehensive effort underscores the commitment of both Turkey and Zambia to foster a robust and mutually beneficial partnership, paving the way for increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Source: https://www.haberturk.com/yerel-haberler/ankara-haberleri/turkiye-ile-zambiya-arasindaki-kek-toplantisi-ankarada-yapildi-41172438
