By 
Zambia recorded $19.07 billion in actualised investment between 2021 and June 2026, with manufacturing accounting for the largest share and emerging as a key driver of jobs and revenue, government has disclosed.
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary for Investment and Industrialisation Crusivia Hichikumba said manufacturing sector alone contributed 38.5 percent of the total investments, the highest of any sector during the period.
Speaking during the 2026 Manufacturers’ Month Media Briefing at the Ministry in Lusaka on Thursday, Hichikumba said the figures reflected the impact of ongoing reforms to improve the investment environment.
He claimed that the sector generated over 46,000 jobs, the second-highest of any sector, while currently contributing around 9.3 percent to GDP and 10.4 percent of government tax revenue as of the first quarter of 2026.
“The results confirm that macroeconomic stabilisation, regulatory reform and stronger public-private dialogue are translating into real investment, real production and real jobs,” Hichikumba said.
He urged the private sector to take full advantage of enabling policy initiatives such as investment and trade facilitation to drive industrialisation, create jobs and contribute to Zambia’s economic transformation.
Hichikumba said the ministry was actively working on them through the industrialisation and local content agenda, and that manufacturers’ month was one of the platforms through which the government intended to keep working through.
“Industry has been clear about what must follow: reliable and affordable electricity; a lower cost of doing business; wider access to long-term finance; predictable tax policy; stronger local content implementation; and improved market access,” he said.
Read More: Govt pushes for stable tax regime ahead of 2027 budget, says manufacturing key to growth
The Permanent Secretary stated that government was actively addressing those priorities through its industrialisation and local content agenda, with Manufacturers’ Month serving as one of the key platforms for structured dialogue.”The government remains a firm partner to Zambia’s manufacturers. the challenges facing this sector, be it energy, financing or market access, cannot be resolved by either government or industry working alone,” he said.
ZAM President, Mohammed Umar, officially announced that the 16th Annual Manufacturers’ Month will be held throughout September under the theme: “Towards Vision 2030: Resurgent Manufacturing for a Prosperous and Inclusive Economy.”
“A strong manufacturing sector creates jobs, adds value to our natural resources, promotes innovation, grows exports and strengthens economic resilience,” Umar said.
Hichikumba, however, said significant challenges remained such as unpredictable tax policy, the reduction in raw material duty waivers, high electricity tariffs, logistical bottlenecks, non-tariff barriers, illicit trade and rising compliance costs continue to weigh on the competitiveness of local manufacturers.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR
Comments