On August 21, 2025, Israel officially reopened its embassy in Lusaka, Zambia, restoring full diplomatic ties after more than five decades. This historic move not only rekindles a bilateral relationship that was severed in 1973 but also highlights Israel’s growing diplomatic outreach across Africa (All Israel News).
Zambia, like many African states, cut ties with Israel following the Yom Kippur War, under pressure from Arab states and in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. For decades, engagement between the two countries was informal and limited. The reopening of the Lusaka embassy is therefore more than symbolic it signals a pragmatic turn toward renewed cooperation in trade, security, and development.
Foreign Affairs minister of Israel Gideon Sa'ar and Foreign Minister of Zambia Mulambo Haimbe at the inauguration ceremony of the Israeli embassy in Zambia
Why now? Zambia’s motivations
Several drivers appear to shape Zambia’s decision to re-engage Israel:
- Economic partnerships: Israel is globally recognized for its expertise in agriculture, water management, and technology. For a country like Zambia, where food security and rural development remain priorities Israeli innovations in irrigation, crop management, and renewable energy could be transformative. President Hakainde Hichilema has emphasized the need to diversify Zambia’s partnerships to drive economic growth, and Israel offers practical solutions (Reuters).
- Security interests: With rising regional security challenges, from cross-border crime to extremism, Zambia may see value in tapping into Israel’s advanced defense and intelligence capabilities (Jerusalem Post).
Foreign Minister of Zambia Mulambo Haimbe
- Political repositioning: Zambia’s current leadership is keen on reshaping foreign policy to embrace a wider network of allies. By reopening relations with Israel, Lusaka signals openness to strategic partnerships beyond its traditional diplomatic circles.
Israel’s strategy in Africa
For Israel, Zambia’s return to the diplomatic fold fits into a broader “Return to Africa” strategy. In recent years, Israel has strengthened ties with Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, aiming to secure allies in international forums, expand trade opportunities, and counter Iranian influence on the continent (Atlantic Council). Zambia’s location in southern Africa makes it a strategic addition to this network, offering Israel a gateway into regional markets and political platforms.
Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar
Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar welcomed the reopening, noting that “Israel’s partnership with Zambia reflects the shared vision of innovation, security, and prosperity.” Similarly, Zambian officials highlighted opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, technology transfer, and education.
Broader implications
The development may reignite debates among African nations about balancing pragmatic relations with Israel against historical solidarity with Palestine. Some African governments have cautiously maintained distance, while others increasingly view Israel as a partner in solving pressing economic and security challenges (Al Jazeera).
For Zambia, the embassy reopening presents an opportunity to accelerate modernization efforts and diversify international partnerships. For Israel, it represents another milestone in its growing continental footprint. As both countries step into this renewed chapter, the relationship could reshape cooperation not just bilaterally but regionally adding a new layer to Africa’s evolving diplomatic landscape.
At a time when global powers are competing for influence across the continent, the Israel–Zambia rapprochement underscores Africa’s role as a strategic hub where history, ideology, and pragmatic diplomacy continue to intersect.