Economist calls for more aggressive approach to unlock domestic direct investment

Economist Kelvin Chisanga says Zambia must adopt a more aggressive policy approach to unlock domestic direct investment as a key driver of economic growth.

In a statement issued on Friday, Chisanga noted that while foreign direct investment remained important, mobilising local capital is critical for sustainable and inclusive development.

He said Zambia possessed significant domestic resources through pension funds, its mineral base, insurance institutions, commercial banks and private investors.

The economist observed that much of this capital remained concentrated in short-term government securities rather than being channelled into productive sectors of the economy.

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Chisanga argued that a stronger policy framework was required to redirect domestic capital toward manufacturing, agro-processing, energy, mining value chains and infrastructure development.

“Government could accelerate this shift through targeted tax incentives, credit guarantees for local investors and blended financing models that help reduce risks associated with long-term investments,” he explained.

Chisanga added that harnessing domestic investment would expand industrial capacity, stimulate job creation and build a more resilient and self-sustaining Zambian economy.

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