Relationship dossier
Libya
Zambia
Relationship assessment
Libyan investment in Zamtel and Zambia’s later recovery of the company marked a mixed relationship.
Libya toward Zambia
+5A Libyan state-linked company invested in Zambia’s Zamtel telecommunications operator, creating a significant commercial connection.
Zambia toward Libya
-10Zambia took back control of Zamtel after Libyan state-linked ownership and recognized Libya’s National Transitional Council during the 2011 conflict.
Overall relationship
0The relationship includes a substantial commercial link through Libyan state-linked investment in Zamtel, followed by a contentious change in ownership. Zambia’s recognition of Libya’s National Transitional Council during the 2011 conflict was a further consequential political development.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Libyan state-linked investment in Zambia’s Zamtel telecommunications company was a notable bilateral economic link. Zambia later took back control of the company, and its government recognized Libya’s National Transitional Council during the 2011 conflict. These developments indicate a relationship shaped by both commercial engagement and a significant political and ownership rupture.
Areas of tension
- The change in ownership and control of Zamtel after Libyan state-linked investment.
Key developments
A Libyan state-linked company acquired an ownership stake in Zambia’s Zamtel telecommunications operator.
Zambia took back control of Zamtel after Libyan state-linked ownership.
Zambia recognized Libya’s National Transitional Council during the 2011 conflict.
Major uncertainties
- The extent of Libyan state involvement in the Zamtel investment is unclear.
- The subsequent handling of bilateral economic and diplomatic cooperation is unclear.