President John Dramani Mahama, accompanied by First Lady Lordina Mahama, arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. This
three-day state visit, at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema, marks a pivotal moment in the "Ghana-Zambia" economic corridor, moving from shared history to shared digital prosperity.
Fresh from the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai, President Mahama touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard a special aircraft provided by the Ruler of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The "Fintech" Offensive
Unlike traditional diplomatic visits, this trip is heavily centered on market expansion and technical exchange.
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The Digital Showcase: A central pillar of the visit is the Ghana-Zambia Business Dialogue. Ghana aims to position its fintech services and digital technologies as the standard for Zambian businesses and public institutions.
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AfCFTA Integration: Both leaders are prioritizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to accelerate the movement of goods, particularly in mining, energy, and agriculture.
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Parliamentary Address: President Mahama is scheduled to address the National Assembly of Zambia, where he will articulate a vision for a "seamlessly connected Africa" through enhanced transport and digital infrastructure.
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New Legislation: During a meeting with the Ghanaian community in Lusaka, President Mahama announced he will soon lay the Divestiture of Public Property Bill before Parliament to ensure transparency in the sale of state-owned assets.
A Ministerial Power-Delegation
The President is supported by a cabinet-level delegation focused on operationalizing these trade agreements:
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Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa: Foreign Affairs Minister (Diplomatic alignment).
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Hon. Samuel Nartey George: Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (Fintech export lead).
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Hon. Haruna Iddrisu: Minister of Education (Knowledge exchange).
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Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu: Minister for Government Communications (National branding).
Strengthening the "Founding Fathers" Legacy
President Hichilema noted that while the political bond between Ghana and Zambia—forged by Kwame Nkrumah and Kenneth Kaunda—remains strong, the 2026 priority is the "economic agenda." This includes sharing experiences on debt restructuring and reforms, as both nations navigate complex global financial landscapes.
The Bottom Line
President Mahama’s visit to Zambia (Feb 4–6, 2026) is a strategic mission to export Ghana's digital expertise and cement a "South-South" economic alliance within the AfCFTA framework.
