Saudi Arabia
ZAMBIA-SAUDI ARABIA KEY FIGURES
| Recorded Bilateral Trade | Diplomatic Presence | Historical Cooperation Areas | Regional Investment Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimal | Embassy in Lusaka | Agriculture, Healthcare, Oil | Saudi Fund for Development |
Direct bilateral trade between Zambia and Saudi Arabia remains minimal according to the Bank of Zambia’s own trade statistics, even as the Kingdom maintains an embassy in Lusaka and has previously pursued cooperation with Zambia in agriculture, healthcare investment and oil supply.
Saudi Arabia has separately committed to a broader USD 41 billion pledge to Africa, including USD 10 billion in export finance through Saudi EXIM and USD 5 billion in development finance through the Saudi Fund for Development, a vehicle through which future Zambia-specific cooperation could be channelled.
Bilateral Trade
The Bank of Zambia’s Direction of Trade Report records Saudi Arabia among Zambia’s trading partners, though at a minimal and largely negligible scale compared with Zambia’s leading trade partners[1].
Regional Investment Context
Saudi Arabia has committed to deliver on a USD 41 billion pledge to Africa, including USD 10 billion in export finance channelled through Saudi EXIM and USD 5 billion in development finance through the Saudi Fund for Development[2]. The African Development Bank and Saudi institutions have discussed expanding co-investment in renewable energy, trade infrastructure and social development, including affordable housing, across the continent[2].
Investment Opportunities
The gap between Saudi Arabia’s continent-wide USD 41 billion Africa pledge and the minimal bilateral trade currently recorded between Zambia and Saudi Arabia points to headroom for Zambia to seek a larger share of that financing, particularly through the Saudi Fund for Development’s renewable energy, infrastructure and social development focus areas, which align with sectors covered on the dedicated Energy and Construction pages[1][2].
Last Update: September 2026
