Donald Trump Jr Visits Zambia, Meets President Hichilema Ahead of G20 Snub

Trump Jr. Tours Zambia Amid G20 Absence

Zambia welcomed a high-profile visitor this week as Donald Trump Jr., son of former US President Donald Trump, toured the southern African nation during a private vacation. The trip included a friendly meeting with Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, who shared the encounter on social media, drawing attention across the continent.

“We were delighted to meet @DonaldJTrumpJr during his private vacation in Zambia, where he experienced the beauty of our country,” Hichilema tweeted. The Zambian leader also extended “warm regards” to his father, US President Donald Trump, and emphasized Lusaka’s commitment to deepening ties with Washington.

We were delighted to meet @DonaldJTrumpJr during his private vacation in Zambia where he experienced the beauty of our country. We conveyed our warm regards to his father, US President @realDonaldTrump and affirmed our commitment to fostering enhanced US-Zambia relations. pic.twitter.com/RMOKzXrzcR

Hakainde Hichilema (@HHichilema) November 16, 2025

Timing Sparks Diplomatic Interest

The meeting comes just as the United States confirmed it will not attend South Africa’s G20 summit in Johannesburg, marking a rare absence at a high-level international gathering. Analysts have described Washington’s no-show as a potential diplomatic setback for Pretoria, although South African officials maintain that the summit’s agenda will proceed without disruption.

Observers note that Trump Jr.’s Zambia visit, while personal, carries symbolic weight. Hichilema has carefully courted both Western and regional partners, and this friendly engagement highlights Zambia’s role as a stable, open destination for investment and tourism in southern Africa.

Soft Diplomacy in Action

Experts describe the visit as a subtle form of soft diplomacy. By publicly acknowledging Trump Jr.’s presence and extending messages to the US president, Zambia signals both hospitality and strategic openness. In the context of shifting global alignments, the interaction underscores Lusaka’s growing confidence on the regional and international stage.

For Zambia, this moment also serves to highlight its potential as a reliable partner amid broader geopolitical tensions in the lead-up to the first G20 summit on African soil. The summit is set to tackle energy transition, trade reform, and debt relief for developing economies, critical issues for the continent.

Social Media Reaction and Public Interest

Hichilema’s tweet has drawn significant attention, with social media users across Africa noting the timing and its diplomatic implications. Many have praised Zambia’s approach to cultivating international partnerships while keeping tourism and cultural showcase at the forefront. Others have speculated on whether this private visit could influence US-African relations in the months ahead.

As Johannesburg prepares for the G20 summit, Zambia quietly positions itself as a model of stability and engagement, using even informal visits to amplify its diplomatic voice.