President Jacob Zuma will arrive in the Zambian capital Lusaka this afternoon on a three day state visit. The visit is aimed at strengthening investment and trade relations between the two countries in the areas of agriculture, energy, health and mining.

Accompanied by several Cabinet ministers and a business delegation representing 60 companies from different sectors, President Zuma is expected to sign several bilateral agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding during his visit.

Zambia is regarded as a second home for many South Africans. It is where most ANC freedom fighters were accommodated during the struggle for freedom. After being banned, the ANC had its headquarters in Lusaka for almost three decades.

Despite the undisputed political relationship between the two countries, their trade relations have been skewed heavily in favour of South Africa. The president's visit seeks to address trade imbalance between these two southern African countries.