Switzerland and Zambia maintain good relations. Since 1st March 2020, Switzerland is represented in Zambia through the Embassy of Switzerland in Pretoria (Southern Africa) and its Honorary Consul in Lusaka.
Bilateral relations
Key aspects of relations
Switzerland and Zambia agreed to cooperate in priority areas being food security and fight against HIV/AIDS. Currently, 13 projects are being carried out in Zambia in conjunction with partners. The project investment approximately amounts CHF 1 million a year. Zambia is part of the Southern Africa Regional Programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
The volume of trade between Switzerland and Zambia is low. Switzerland imports metal products and agricultural products and exports pharmaceutical products and machinery.
Trade promotion (Switzerland Global Enterprise)
A Swiss honorary consul is stationed in Lusaka itself.
Swiss nationals in Zambia
At the end of 2015, there were 132 Swiss citizens living in Zambia.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland’s presence in Zambia dates back to the late 19th century. Protestant missionaries from French-speaking Switzerland began working in eastern Zambia in 1885. Swiss nationals subsequently settled in mining areas in northern Zambia.
Switzerland recognized Zambia immediately after it gained independence in 1964 and established diplomatic relations with it two years later. Switzerland opened a consulate in Lusaka in 1969.
Entry in the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
