Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar heads to Africa to inaugurate Israel’s embassy in Lusaka, meet with Zambia’s leadership, and strengthen ties across the continent in a major push to expand Israel’s African diplomacy.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar will embark on a diplomatic mission to Africa on Tuesday, with the highlight being the inauguration of Israel’s Embassy in Zambia—a reopening after decades of closure.
During his stay in Lusaka, Sa’ar will meet with President Hakainde Hichilema, Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe, and Parliament Speaker Nelly Mutti to discuss expanding cooperation and launching new joint initiatives. The embassy inauguration ceremony will be held on Wednesday in the Zambian capital.
Strengthening Africa Ties
On his way to Zambia, Sa’ar will also stop in Addis Ababa, where he will meet with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timotheos—the fourth meeting between the two since Sa’ar took office.
The Foreign Ministry noted that reopening the Zambian embassy forms part of a broader strategic initiative to expand Israel’s diplomatic, economic, and security partnerships in Africa throughout 2025.
Historic Renewal
Israel had previously maintained an embassy in Zambia during the 1960s and 1970s, but it was closed amid a wider drawdown of African diplomatic missions. Zambia, for its part, has had an embassy in Israel since 2015.
The move marks a significant milestone in deepening bilateral relations, with Lusaka poised to become an important hub for Israel’s engagement in Southern Africa.
