ZAMBIA’S AMBASSADOR TO CHINA IVAN ZYUULU IS DEAD.
Zambia’s Ambassador to China Ivan Zyuulu is dead.
Ambassador Zyuulu died at Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital ( UTH) last night of July 30, 2026.
He was in Zambia campaigning for Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND just like many other diplomats including Andrew Banda who is Zambia’s Ambassador to South Korea.
He is the second high ranking officer to die this week
CONDOLENCE STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR IVAN ZYUULU
_Zambia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China_
Issued by: MDI – Invest in Zambia Agenda
Date: 31st July 2026 | Lusaka, Zambia
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1. OPENING AND ANNOUNCEMENT
It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that MDI – Invest in Zambia Agenda received the sad news of the passing of His Excellency Ambassador Ivan Zyuulu, Zambia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, who died on at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka after an illness.on the 30 th July 2026
On behalf of the Board, Management, Staff, Partners, and the entire MDI Family, we extend our deepest condolences to his beloved family, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Zambian Diplomatic Corps, and the People of the People’s Republic of China.
Ambassador Zyuulu has gone to rest. But his legacy will walk ahead of us.
2. A DIPLOMAT, A BRIDGE, AN ASSET TO THE NATION
Ambassador Zyuulu was more than a diplomat. He was a bridge builder.
He represented Zambia not just with a flag and a title, but with conviction, dignity, and a tireless belief in what Zambia could become.
In Beijing, he did not simply occupy an office. He opened doors.
He translated Zambia’s potential into partnerships.
He translated China’s capacity into opportunity for our people back home.
To us at MDI, he was an asset to the “Invest in Zambia” agenda. A man who understood that diplomacy must deliver jobs, investment, and dignity for ordinary Zambians.
3. MDI’S PERSONAL TRIBUTE: A PARTNER IN PROGRESS
MDI had the honour of engaging with Ambassador Zyuulu during our engagements in the People’s Republic of China.
We will remember him for three things:
1. His Access: When we needed to connect with serious investors, institutions, and decision-makers, Ambassador Zyuulu answered. He made the introductions that turned conversations into commitments.
2. His Conviction: He spoke about Zambia with pride. He sold Zambia not as a charity case, but as a land of opportunity, stability, and return on investment.
3. His Service: Even in the demands of his post, he remained a Zambian first. He wanted to see mines modernized, farms mechanized, energy expanded, and youth employed.
Because of his influence, MDI was able to connect with investors who are today considering projects in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure in Zambia. That is a legacy that will outlive us.
We have lost a champion. We have lost a door-opener. We have lost a patriot.
4. CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY
To Mrs. Zyuulu, the children, and the entire Zyuulu family:
We grieve with you. No words can fill the space left by a husband, a father, a son, and a brother.
Know this: The nation you served alongside him sees your sacrifice. MDI sees your sacrifice.
May you find comfort in knowing that his name will be spoken with respect in boardrooms in Lusaka and in Beijing for years to come.
_“A free gift is a debt we cannot pay in cash.”_ The gift of his service is a debt Zambia will pay by continuing the work he started.
5. CONDOLENCES TO THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA
To His Excellency the President, the Cabinet, and the people of Zambia:
The nation has lost a servant who carried our flag with honour on one of our most strategic diplomatic postings.
At a time when Zambia is courting investment to drive Vision 2030, to create jobs, and to industrialize, the loss of Ambassador Zyuulu is deeply felt. But his work must not die with him. Let us honour him by accelerating the very partnerships he worked to secure.
6. CONDOLENCES TO THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
To our brothers and sisters in China, to the investors, and to the Government of the People’s Republic of China:
Ambassador Zyuulu loved China. He respected its discipline, its vision, and its partnership with Africa. He worked to ensure that the Zambia-China relationship moved from aid to trade, from talk to factories, from promises to power lines.
On behalf of MDI and the Zambian private sector, we thank China for the partnership. We ask that you continue to walk with us. The Ambassador lit the path. Let us keep walking it together. _Zhong-Zan Youyi Wan Sui_ – Long Live Zambia-China Friendship.
7. HIS LEGACY AND OUR COMMITMENT
Ambassador Zyuulu taught us that:
– Diplomacy is development. Every meeting abroad must mean a job at home.
– Relationships are infrastructure. Trust opens markets faster than tariffs.
– Service is sacrifice. He served until his last breath.
MDI therefore commits to:
1. Carry his mantle: We will intensify our investor engagements in China in his honour.
2. Name a partnership in his memory: We propose an “Ambassador Ivan Zyuulu to continue connecting Zambian projects with Chinese capital.
3. Mentorship: Support young Zambian diplomats and trade officers to embody his ethic of service.
8. CLOSING PRAYER AND FINAL WORD
May the Almighty God grant Ambassador Ivan Zyuulu eternal rest.
May He comfort the family.
May He strengthen the nation.
May He bless the Zambia-China friendship that he so diligently nurtured.
As we mourn, we also resolve.
_The work continues. The doors he opened must remain open. The investors he called must still come. Zambia must still rise._
Go well, Your Excellency. MDI will remember.
Tiyende Pamodzi – Let us walk together.
On behalf of MDI – Invest in Zambia Agenda*
Lusaka, Zambia
Winter Muvombo
Managing Director