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The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is considering a US$50 million financing package to support private sector investments in Zambia and Djibouti, including the development of a Hilton-branded hotel in Lusaka aimed at strengthening the country’s hospitality industry.
According to the latest Access Bank market commentary, the proposed financing will support the construction of the hotel in Lusaka alongside the expansion of a grain storage warehouse in Djibouti to improve logistics and food storage infrastructure.
‘The lender said the investment is expected to increase the availability of quality accommodation for business and leisure travellers in Zambia while enhancing regional trade and supply chains in the Horn of Africa,” the bank said.
Access Bank noted that the projects were also expected to create employment opportunities, strengthen local supplier networks and promote improved environmental and social standards.
The IFC board is expected to consider the proposed financing package in September 2026.
Meanwhile, Access Bank reported that tensions in the Middle East have intensified following a new wave of United States airstrikes on Iranian missile, drone, air defence and surveillance facilities near the Strait of Hormuz.
The bank said the escalation had heightened concerns over global energy supplies, disrupted maritime trade routes and raised fresh risks for commercial shipping and aviation in the region.
According to the commentary, the latest developments come after an interim peace agreement between the two countries collapsed, with both sides accusing each other of breaching its terms.
In the United States, Access Bank said Federal Reserve Chair, Kevin Warsh, has maintained that the recent surge in artificial intelligence investment is unlikely to fuel long-term inflation.
Warsh said while AI-related demand had temporarily pushed up costs for chips, energy and labour, these pressures are not expected to translate into sustained inflation.
He reaffirmed the US central bank’s commitment to restoring price stability while stressing that monetary policy decisions will remain data-driven and independent of political influence.
Access Bank added that Warsh’s remarks followed lower-than-expected June producer price data, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue monitoring inflation trends before adjusting interest rates.
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