Zambia outlines investment pitch to Spanish businesses, seeks financing for key sectors

Zambia has outlined its investment pitch to Spanish businesses, calling for improved development financing access in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.

The country undertook a series of high-level engagements in Madrid, Spain, on May 11, 2026, advancing its economic diplomacy agenda through substantive discussions on trade, investment, development finance, climate action, education exchange, and multilateral affairs.

The delegation was headed by the Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foriegn Affairs and International Cooperation.

Gundersen was accompanied by Zambia’s Ambassador to France and Spain, Judith Mulenga, and other government officials.

At the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE), Zambia presented its investment proposition to Spanish businesses, highlighting priority sectors including mining value addition and critical minerals, renewable energy, agro-industrial processing, tourism infrastructure, electric vehicle assembly, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

“The discussions explored opportunities for Spanish investment in Zambia’s farm block development programme, covering irrigation systems, mechanisation, and post-harvest processing technologies,” reads the statement.

Zambia proposed enhanced collaboration through the Alianza África Avanza framework and the co-organisation of a Zambia–Spain Business Forum and trade mission.

Zambia’s strategic geographic position was presented as a key investment advantage, with particular emphasis on the Lobito and Nacala Corridors as enablers of regional integration, trade competitiveness, mineral exports, and access to international markets.

“Access to development financing mechanisms was a central theme, spanning strategic sectors including agriculture, energy, and infrastructure,” according to the statement.

Climate finance featured prominently, with discussions on technical support for green bond issuance and public finance reforms aimed at enhancing climate resilience and Spain’s constructive role in international debt restructuring efforts was acknowledged.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other in multilateral fora and strengthening cooperation on global issues of mutual interest.

Zambia’s active role within Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Great Lakes Region in promoting peace, security, stability, and dialogue was underscored.

“Zambia requested Spain to consider opening a resident Embassy in Lusaka as a concrete step towards deepening diplomatic engagement,” the Ministry said

The meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen bilateral relations through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations.

Both sides committed to structured bilateral engagements and to exploring Zambia’s eligibility for Spanish development financing instruments and broader European Union opportunities under initiatives such as Global Gateway.

“Access to Spain’s Corporate Internationalisation Fund and COFIDES financing facilities was explored in the context of Zambia’s infrastructure and energy development priorities,” it said

In an engagement with Xcalibur Smart Mapping, Zambia explored cooperation in airborne geophysical surveys, mineral mapping, and digital resource intelligence.

Advanced geospatial technologies were identified as a tool for supporting Zambia’s mineral exploration drive, attracting investment in critical minerals, and strengthening sustainable resource governance.

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