Israel–Africa Relations Renewed: President Isaac Herzog’s Visit to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Overview: Herzog’s State Visit Opens a New Chapter in Israel–Africa Relations

Israeli President Isaac Herzog began his historic Central African tour this week with a state visit to Zambia, marking a symbolic and strategic milestone in Israel’s renewed engagement with Africa.
Arriving in Lusaka on Monday 10 November 2025, Herzog was warmly welcomed by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at the Presidential Palace, where the two leaders held a series of bilateral meetings before a formal signing ceremony and an official walk through the presidential gardens.

This visit — part of Herzog’s broader regional tour, which also includes the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — embodies Israel’s ambition to reclaim diplomatic depth, economic partnerships, and faith-based alliances across Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Israel loves Africa, Israel loves Zambia,” Herzog declared during his address, emphasizing cooperation rooted in innovation, shared development, and peace.

Key Themes of the Lusaka Visit: Innovation, Agriculture, and Peace

Discussions between Presidents Herzog and Hichilema cantered on economic innovation, agricultural modernization, climate resilience, and educational cooperation.

Herzog underlined Israel’s readiness to share its expertise in:

• Water management and irrigation to enhance Zambia’s agricultural productivity.
• Climate adaptation technologies, particularly in renewable energy and desert agriculture.
• Food security initiatives designed to counter regional drought and dependency risks.

“Our cooperation is built on innovation and partnership,” Herzog said, reiterating that Israel’s technological and agricultural expertise could help Zambia achieve its Vision 2030 development goals.

He also highlighted Israel’s educational outreach:

“We are happy to welcome Zambian students to Israel — and to see them return home to contribute to the development of their communities.”

Political and Symbolic Dimensions

Herzog’s visit comes three months after Israel reopened its embassy in Lusaka, a gesture that formally restored diplomatic relations suspended for over three decades. The reopening — led by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on 20 August 2025 — signals a strategic re-entry into Southern Africa, positioning Zambia as a regional anchor for Israel’s African diplomacy.

During the visit, both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ mutual commitment to peace and stability in the region. Herzog referenced the October 7 terrorist attacks (2023), which he described as a “terrible period that claimed the lives of citizens from many countries, including Africans,” reaffirming Israel’s determination to secure peace and return all hostages.

He extended gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for “his mediation and commitment to peace,” marking a rare public acknowledgment of Trump’s continued diplomatic influence in Middle Eastern and African contexts.

For his part, President Hichilema described the meeting as “a historic moment”, symbolizing Israel’s return to Africa through Zambia.

“To the people of Israel, I say — you are welcome in Zambia. Come discover our natural wonders and build with us a shared future,” Hichilema declared.

He encouraged increased Israeli investment in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and technology, highlighting Zambia’s role as a bridge between Central and Southern Africa.

Strategic Context: Israel’s Expanding Presence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Herzog’s African tour represents a continuation of Israel’s “Africa Return Policy,” aimed at re-establishing ties with strategic states across the continent.
The policy seeks to:

• Diversify Israel’s diplomatic alliances beyond the Middle East and Western partners.
• Counter rival influences, particularly those of Iran and certain Arab League states active in Africa.
• Leverage soft power and interfaith networks, notably among Christian-majority African nations with strong cultural sympathy for Israel.

Earlier in November, 30 African Christian leaders from 10 countries visited Israel as part of a faith diplomacy mission, underscoring the emergence of religious cooperation as a pillar of Israel’s African outreach.

However, this expansion has also deepened ideological divides — with South Africa leading anti-Israel criticism, while states like Zambia, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC embrace proactive partnerships based on shared values and development goals.

Next Stop: Kinshasa – Toward Security and Economic Cooperation with the DRC

Following his engagements in Zambia, Herzog is expected to arrive in Kinshasa, where he will meet President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss:

• Defence and border surveillance cooperation, particularly against armed group infiltration in eastern DRC.
• Mining sector modernization, with Israeli companies offering technologies in traceability, logistics, and value-chain transparency.
• Energy and digital development, aligned with Tshisekedi’s national modernization agenda.

The DRC’s Vice Prime Minister is expected to participate in the meetings, reaffirming Kinshasa’s interest in deepening bilateral defence and investment relations with Jerusalem.

African Security Analysis (ASA) Strategic Assessment

ASA analysts identify Herzog’s visit as a turning point in Israel’s re-engagement strategy in Africa, driven by a blend of diplomacy, soft power, and pragmatic cooperation.

Key takeaways include:

1. Soft Power Diplomacy: Israel’s focus on innovation and agriculture resonates strongly with African development priorities, enhancing its image as a “partner for progress” rather than a political actor.

2. Faith-Based Alliances: The deepening of ties with Christian-majority African countries serves as a moral and political counterweight to anti-Israeli sentiment within parts of the African Union.

3. Strategic Positioning: By reinforcing its presence in Zambia and the DRC, Israel gains logistical and diplomatic footholds in Central and Southern Africa — areas critical for expanding influence toward the Great Lakes and SADC regions.

However, ASA notes potential regional competition from Iran, Turkey, and China, all of which have ramped up their diplomatic and commercial activity in Africa’s security and resource sectors.

Conclusion: A New Era for Israel–Africa Cooperation

President Isaac Herzog’s tour of Zambia and the DRC mark a new phase in Israel’s African diplomacy — one that combines innovation, education, and shared strategic interests.

For Israel, this visit consolidates its image as a reliable, peace-seeking partner offering practical solutions in agriculture, technology, and security.
For Africa — particularly Zambia and the DRC — it opens opportunities for knowledge transfer, investment, and joint development, anchored in a relationship of mutual trust and modern vision.

As Herzog concluded in Lusaka:

“This visit is not only about diplomacy — it’s about building together a future of hope, progress, and partnership between Israel and Africa.”

Prepared by:
African Security Analysis (ASA) Regional Contributors: ASA Kinshasa & Lusaka Bureaus | Diplomatic Source Network | Field Correspondents
Date: 12 November 2025