Israel formally reopened its embassy in Lusaka on Wednesday, the first time in more than 50 years that its flag has flown over the Zambian capital. The move reflects a broader push by Israel to expand ties in Africa, Asia, and Latin America at a time when it faces diplomatic pressure in Europe, Australia, and Canada.
At the ceremony, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the reopening “the beginning of a new chapter” and described the relationship as an “alliance of believers” rooted in shared biblical traditions. “Strengthening our engagement with Africa is a strategic priority,” Sa’ar said. “Reopening our embassy in Lusaka is a cornerstone of this plan. We will deepen our partnerships and work together for a better future for both nations.”
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
They all said they cover it.
We see it.
We report with just one agenda: the truth.
Israel closed its Zambian embassy in 1972 during a wave of African states severing ties after the Six-Day and Yom Kippur wars. Relations were restored in 1991, and Zambia opened an embassy in Israel in 2015. Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu visited in 2017, followed by President Hakainde Hichilema in 2023.
Zambia, a leading exporter of copper, manganese, and cobalt, supplies materials vital for defense and technology industries. Israeli imports from Zambia are estimated at $1 million to $3 million annually. Sa’ar praised Zambia’s support for Israel in international forums, including its call for impartiality at the International Court of Justice, where Israel faces genocide charges brought by South Africa.
Sa’ar thanked Hichilema and Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe and announced a new memorandum of understanding on bilateral consultations.