Zambia Development Agency targets US$2 billion in deals at upcoming investment conference

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is targeting to generate business leads and investment deals worth over US$2 billion in key sectors such as energy, mining, and agriculture through the upcoming Invest in Zambia Conference (IZIC), scheduled for July this year.

In support of the event, ZANACO Bank has presented a cheque worth K500,000, becoming the conference’s platinum sponsor.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lusaka on Tuesday, ZDA Director General, Albert Halwampa, projected that the conference could ultimately generate investment deals exceeding US$5 billion.

“We are initially targeting over US$2 billion, but with negotiations already underway, we could easily reach US$5 billion in deals signed during IZIC. This is just the beginning,” Halwampa said.

He disclosed that several countries had already confirmed participation, including Malaysia, Netherlands, USA, South Africa, Botswana, Germany, India, the UK, Australia, Austria, China, Egypt, Greece, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, and Nigeria, with more expected to follow.

Receiving the sponsorship, Halwampa commended ZANACO for its timely support and strategic partnership in promoting Zambia’s investment potential.

“Your contribution is not only appreciated but crucial to the successful delivery of this conference. We look forward to more collaboration to grow the local economy and help SMEs transition into large corporations,” he said.

Presenting the cheque, ZANACO Chief Executive Officer, Mukwandi Chibesakunda, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to fostering investment and economic growth.

“Through strategic partnerships and innovative ventures, Zambia can unlock its full potential, creating sustainable prosperity for future generations,” Chibesakunda said.

She noted that Zambia’s economic outlook remained positive, with the IMF projecting real GDP growth of 5.8 percent in 2025, driven by a rebound in agriculture, increased copper production, and improved electricity generation.

“Foreign direct investment is expected to steadily increase in sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. These investments will drive job creation, technology transfer, and infrastructure development — essential for Zambia to achieve its goal of becoming a middle-income country by 2030,” Chibesakunda added.

She commended ZDA for conceptualizing and organizing the inaugural conference.

“It is a bold and visionary step towards positioning Zambia as a competitive and attractive destination for investment. We believe that through such initiatives, Zambia can harness its abundant resources, youthful population, and strategic location to attract investments that are not only profitable but also transformative.

“With your organisation reporting that the country last year, recorded US$9.83 billion worth of actualized projects spanning multiple sectors, and generated 40,395 jobs, surpassing the initial target of 38,119 jobs, we are optimistic that Zambia will record even more actualized investments,” Mukwandi said.

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