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Zambia African Development Bank Infrastructure Project Opportunities

African Development Bank Country Strategy Paper 2024 – 2029 for Zambia outlines new infrastructure development opportunities in transportation, environment and agribusiness. 

The Zambia Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for 2024-2029, prepared by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), outlines a comprehensive plan to support Zambia’s socio-economic transformation in alignment with the country’s Development Vision 2030 and the Eighth National Development Plan (2022-2026). The overarching objective of this CSP is to foster improved livelihoods through accelerated socio-economic transformation, focusing on two main priority areas: boosting private sector development through infrastructure investments and enhancing agricultural value chain development, particularly for job creation targeting women and youth.

The first pillar area emphasizes on enhancing productivity, trade competitiveness, economic diversification, and overall quality of life through substantial infrastructure development. Key sectors include transport, water and sanitation, and energy. These investments aim to bridge the infrastructure gap by leveraging private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

As for the second one, it focuses on stimulating job creation and economic diversification by improving agricultural value chains. This includes initiatives to support women and youth, enhance productivity, and integrate value-added activities within the agriculture sector.

Zambia has seen a positive economic outlook due to agreements on debt restructuring and favorable conditions for engaging with commercial creditors. This backdrop provides a conducive environment for companies willing to engage with the AfDB in this country.

Zambia’s CSP also indicates potential projects to be implemented from 2024 to 2026:

   Water & Sanitation

  • Improving Access and Strengthening Innovations for WASH in Kabwe town and Bauleni township         (USD 13.3 million).
  • Lusaka City Water Supply Improvement (USD 66.5 million).

    Agriculture

  •  Nansanga Commodity Value Chain Transformation Project (USD 13.3 million).
  • Support to Tech and Digital Enabled Start-ups in Agriculture Creative Industries (USD 40 million.
  • Cashew Infrastructure Development Project – Phase 2 (USD 66.5 million). 

     Transport

  • Lobito Transport Corridor Development (USD 308 million).

The AfDB’s CSP for Zambia 2024-2029 is designed to support the country’s vision of becoming a prosperous middle-income nation by 2030. By focusing on critical infrastructure development and agricultural value chain enhancement, the strategy aims to catalyze private sector growth, create jobs, and improve the livelihoods of Zambians.

Companies with expertise in transport, water and sanitation, energy, and agriculture, which are the selected sectors for AfDB support services, can reach out to our CS AfDB office to learn more about opportunities to do business with the African Development Bank in Zambia. Also note that U.S. businesses in these key sectors are well-regarded for their engineering, innovation, quality, and after-sale service, making them competitive in Zambia’s market. For further information please contact Senior Commercial Officer Ashley Ndir at Ashley.Ndir@trade.gov and Commercial Specialist Elvire Kodio at Elvire.Kodio@trade.gov.