• The accords cover visas, trade, defense, air transport, and health regulation

• A visa waiver was agreed for holders of diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports

• Bilateral trade rose to $1.4 million in 2024, up from $256,000 in 2023

Ghana and Zambia have signed 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding spanning a wide range of sectors, the Ghanaian presidency said on February 5 following President John Mahama’s visit to Lusaka.

Among the agreements is a visa waiver eliminating entry requirements for holders of diplomatic, official or service, and ordinary passports, a move aimed at easing travel and movement between the two countries.

As part of the State Visit to the Republic of Zambia, President John Dramani Mahama and President Hakainde Hichilema witnessed the signing of ten (10) Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in priority areas of mutual interest.

The instruments signed cover cooperation in… pic.twitter.com/PA1osIJwfB

— Ghana Presidency (@GhanaPresidency) February 5, 2026

On the economic and commercial front, memorandums of understanding were signed between the Ghana Export Promotion Authority and the Zambia Development Agency, as well as between the national standards bodies of both countries. These agreements cover cooperation on standardization, conformity assessment, and technical training.

Security cooperation was reinforced through an addendum to an existing military defense agreement, while air transport ties were formalized with the signing of a bilateral air services agreement.

The two countries also concluded cooperation agreements in health and product regulation, including collaboration between their respective authorities overseeing food and pharmaceutical products.

“These agreements reaffirm the strong bonds of friendship between Ghana and Zambia and underscore the shared commitment of both nations to deepening bilateral relations, strengthening institutional collaboration, and promoting sustainable development for the mutual benefit of their people,” the presidency said in its statement.

Relations between Ghana and Zambia took a significant step forward in 2023 with the establishment of a permanent joint commission and the signing of several bilateral accords. That momentum has translated into stronger trade ties, with bilateral trade rising from $256,000 in 2023 to $1.4 million in 2024, according to data from the International Trade Center.

Ingrid Haffiny (intern)