By Gift Mulenga, University of Zambia, International Relations Student.
Zambia, a land-linked nation in Southern Africa, stands at a crossroads with the potential to elevate its global influence. With a rich legacy of prioritizing education, a renewed focus on economic diplomacy and an emerging emphasis on military capability, Zambia has the potential to elevate its global influence. These three pillars; education, economy and military form the foundation of a nation’s ability to project power and shape international discourse.
Education is the cornerstone of Zambia’s aspirations, equipping citizens with skills to address global challenges like poverty and fostering soft power through cultural and academic ties. Since 2021, Zambia has expanded access to education through free schooling from early childhood to secondary levels and increased funding for higher education loans. By virtue of giving education to children, it gives an opportunity for children coming from humble families without division to be able to acquire the skills necessary to add to the development of the nation.
In addition, Zambia’s Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) has expanded student loan access to several public universities that previously did not offer such loans or had limited loan programs. For example; Kapasa Makasa University (KMU), Mukuba University (MU), Chalimbana University (CHAU), Kwame Nkrumah University (KNU) ,Palabana University (PU) are now offering student loans signaling Zambian’s desire for global influence through education. Mulungushi University (MU), which previously offered limited loans, has seen an expansion in its loan program under this initiative. The University of Zambia (UNZA) and Copperbelt University (CBU) were already providing loans prior to 2021, but their programs have also been enhanced through increased funding. This commitment signals Zambia’s intent to build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and international collaboration.
However, challenges threaten quality and sustainability: overcrowded lecture halls, outdated laboratories, weak ICT infrastructure, and insufficient funding. These issues contribute to brain drain and limited research capacity, undermining Zambia’s global competitiveness. To address these, Zambia could partner with private sectors and international donors to fund modern STEM and ICT facilities. An educated workforce not only strengthens Zambia’s economy but also enhances its diplomatic appeal, attracting global partnerships in research and development.
Furthermore, Zambia has increasingly leveraged economic diplomacy as a soft power tool to enhance its global influence, focusing on trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and regional integration to drive economic growth. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Zambia’s debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to drop to 91.1% by December 2025, falling below 100% for the first time in years, signaling that the country’s economic output now exceeds its debt and freeing resources for critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, mining, and education. Strategic projects such as the Maamba Phase II, a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant extension set for completion in 2026, aim to address electricity demands, while the reopening of dormant mines like Luanshya, Lufubwa, Lubambe, and Kitumba in Mumbwa District underscores Zambia’s ambition to tap its vast mineral potential, particularly in copper and cobalt, to bolster its economy. Additionally, the Lobito Corridor and partnerships with the EU and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for electric battery value chains highlight Zambia’s commitment to leveraging its mineral wealth and fostering regional cooperation to boost trade and attract investment. The Eighth National Development Plan (2022–2026) further emphasizes private sector-led growth to diversify from mining into agriculture and manufacturing, positioning Zambia as an appealing investment hub. These efforts, if managed effectively, could significantly enhance Zambia’s economic trajectory and global standing.
However, Challenges include infrastructure gaps, political risks ahead of the 2026 elections, and environmental concerns from mining. To overcome these, Zambia should prioritize green investments to align with global sustainability trends and strengthen governance transparency to mitigate political risks and boost investor confidence. A robust economy supports educational reforms by funding infrastructure and creates a stable environment for military modernization, reinforcing Zambia’s regional influence.
A modest but modernized military strengthens Zambia’s national security and regional influence, creating a stable environment for economic and educational progress. Zambia’s military demonstrated its domestic role by ensuring a peaceful power transfer in 2021. Investments in cybersecurity, border security, and counterterrorism address modern threats, while participation in regional and international peacekeeping elevates Zambia’s global profile. On September 3, 2025, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) marked a historic milestone by deploying its first air asset and crew a C-27J Spartan aircraft to support United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. The aircraft provides strategic airlift for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), operating between Kadugli, Sudan, and Wau, South Sudan.
This deployment, under the ZAF motto “Defend and Support,” is not merely a symbol of national strength but a powerful contribution to global peace and stability. By participating in UN peacekeeping, Zambia enhances its reputation as a responsible global actor, strengthening its voice in international forums like the African Union and SADC. Partnerships with global powers, such as the United States and China, for military training and technology transfers further bolster Zambia’s defense capabilities. The ZAF’s UNISFA deployment demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to global peace, reinforcing its name on the global stage and creating a foundation for broader influence.
The recent developments also highlights how Zambia is increasingly becoming a major player. For instance, Eswatini has explicitly turned to Zambia for lessons in building professional security forces, maintaining internal stability and contributing to continental missions. Zambia’s journey to global influence lies in its ability to empower its people through education, leverage economic diplomacy to attract investment, and strengthen military capability to ensure stability.
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