Zambia to pitch four agricultural value chains at FAO investment forum

Zambia will present investment plans for four priority agricultural value chains — soybeans, honey, beef and common beans — at the 2026 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum in Rome, Italy.

The four value chains were selected following a data-driven analysis supported by FAO, based on their potential to increase smallholder incomes and youth employment, promote value addition and agro-processing, boost export earnings and strengthen climate resilience.

In a statement issued by Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Principal Public Relations Officer, Harriet Chimuka, said the forum had attracted global leaders seeking to accelerate agrifood systems transformation and eradicate poverty and hunger.

The forum is being held from October 13 to 16, 2026, at FAO headquarters in Rome under the theme, “Accelerating Agrifood Systems Transformation through Investment and Partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Zambia’s delegation is led by Minister of Green Economy and Environment Dr. Gilbert Siame, who arrived in Rome on Monday to spearhead the country’s investment drive.

“The Hand-in-Hand Initiative is FAO’s flagship programme that supports investment in high-potential agrifood territories to accelerate transformation,” the statement read.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Siame said the investment plans presented by Zambia offered opportunities across production, aggregation, processing, cold-chain logistics, certification and market access.

He said Zambia’s participation was anchored on the Grow Zambia Agenda, President Hakainde Hichilema’s flagship strategy to turn agriculture into a business and a key driver of economic growth, job creation and food security.

“Zambia has continued to make positive strides in promoting agricultural trade and investment aimed at economic transformation and improving the living standards of its citizens,” Siame said.

He said Zambia was positioning itself to transition from a net importer to a net exporter through strategic investments in the agrifood sector.

“Zambia is open for sustainable agrifood investment,” Siame said.

During the visit to Rome, the delegation will also explore partnerships through thematic sessions focusing on unlocking financing for resilient coffee value chains and using artificial intelligence to bridge investment gaps in agrifood systems.

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