Brazil eyes bigger trade, investment with Zambia

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU 

BRAZIL has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with Zambia, citing the country’s improving economic performance and vast potential for deeper bilateral cooperation.

President of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Laudemir Muller, described Zambia as “a shining beacon of African potential translated into tangible reality,” pointing to sustained economic growth and declining unemployment as key indicators of progress.

Speaking during the Brazil-Zambia Business Forum held in Lusaka last week, Mr Muller congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election and expressed optimism that the new administration would further strengthen economic relations between the two countries.

The forum was organised by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), ApexBrasil, the Embassy of Brazil in Lusaka and Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the theme, “Cooperation, Trade and Investments.”

Mr Muller noted that bilateral trade reached US$47.5 million by the end of 2025, a figure he said remained far below the potential of the two economies.

“To turn this potential into reality, we want to act together. We see great synergy between our countries. Zambia seeks to raise productivity and modernise its agriculture, and Brazil is the natural partner for this leap,” he said.

He said Brazil was ready to support Zambia’s agricultural transformation by supplying farm machinery, bio-inputs, improved animal genetics and tropical farming technologies suited to Zambia’s climatic conditions.

Mr Muller added that Brazil was also prepared to provide specialised industrial machinery and technical expertise to help Zambia increase local value addition and expand domestic production.

He said Brazil could also support Zambia’s energy diversification through renewable energy technologies, including biomass and biofuels, to strengthen energy security for industries and rural communities.

Mr Muller further highlighted opportunities presented by the Lobito Corridor, describing the regional transport network as a transformative project that would enhance trade and investment across Southern Africa.

He said trade should be viewed not merely as the exchange of goods but as a driver of economic development capable of creating jobs, raising incomes and promoting inclusive growth.

To strengthen business partnerships, ApexBrasil and the Zambia Development Agency signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at increasing commercial linkages between Brazilian and Zambian companies.

Mr Muller also reaffirmed Brazil’s broader commitment to expanding economic engagement with Africa under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration, citing the continent’s growing population, vast agricultural resources and strategic mineral wealth.

He said Brazil-Africa trade grew from US$5 billion in 2002 to US$28 billion in 2013 before falling to US$11.5 billion in 2020. Renewed engagement has since pushed bilateral trade back to US$24 billion in 2025.

According to Mr Muller, more than 1,000 Brazilian companies exported to Africa in 2025 through ApexBrasil-supported initiatives. Of those, 30 companies currently export to Zambia, with 14 entering the Zambian market over the past year.

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