This article was created with the support of the International Conference of Zambia
Lusaka – Zambia has shown its global economic ambitions by holding its first investment at the International Conference of Zambia (IZIC) held at the Mulgushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The three-day event, which spans July 16-18, attracted government officials, international investors and business leaders under the theme of “Promoting intergenerational transformational investment through joint ventures and partnerships.”
For President Hakainde Hichilema, the message was clear. Zambia is not only open for business purposes, but is actively dismantling barriers that have historically reduced investment.
“We have realized that government officials can put pressure on businesses,” President Hichilema told delegates. “So we set up the Presidential Delivery Division… to accelerate the resolution of issues that hinder business operations.”
He explained that the new unit will directly address investor concerns and streamline decision-making. His remarks set the tone for the meeting, focusing on implementation as much as ambition.
Big numbers, strategic sector
The numbers in the headline continued quickly. The Zambian Development Agency (ZDA) has promoted a memorandum of understanding (Mous) worth ZMW 46.6 billion (approximately $2 billion). The agreement extends to key sectors such as energy, agriculture and mining, and aligns with a broader vision of Zambia's economic diversification and resilience.
Among the highlights were the US-based joint venture between Anzana Electric Group and State Electricity Utility Zesco, which targeted the expansion of energy infrastructure. Other Mous-covered renewable energy, transportation corridors and agricultural processing are all aimed at reducing Zambia's dependence on copper alone.
ZDA Director Albert Halwampa described the meeting as a turning point. “Our goal is not only to attract investment, but to lock it in a special economic zone, improve investor services and ensure long-term returns,” he said. “We are actively working on challenges related to electricity, land access and logistics to build trust among real investors.”
British additional pitch
British trade envoy Calvin Bailey brought a regional perspective and announced a UK £2.5 billion mobilization plan to promote value-added mining and important presidential development.
He emphasized that Zambia's mining sector must evolve beyond extraction into a processing and technology-driven supply chain. “UK companies investing in Africa must help ensure taxes are paid, skills are transferred, local jobs are created, the environment is protected and the community is effectively involved,” Bailey said.
He described this “new additional approach” as key to linking Zambian resources to the global green technology market.
China will deepen its footprint
The Chinese presence was equally prominent. Chinese ambassador Han Jin has encouraged businesses to translate conference networking into concrete transactions, celebrating Zambia's central location, business-friendly reforms and regulatory frameworks. “Chinese companies are rooted in Zambia and are actively contributing to the development of the country,” he pointed out.
Chinese companies donated more than $124,000 to support the conference, and the trade seminar in Zambia in China was held in parallel, highlighting the success of the co-venture of copper, steel and fertilizer.
Reform as an engine for growth
Beyond trading, the conference emphasized policy as Zambia's true competitiveness. Presidential delivery forces, improvements to the land till system, and power concessions within the Economic Belt (SEZ) have been repeatedly highlighted as signals of a more agile state. President Hichilema's goal is to double the size of Zambia's economy by 2031, an ambitious yet achievable goal, he argued that if reforms are consistent and investors' confidence continues to rise.
A diverse investor base
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from IZIC 2025 was the range of investor interest. African companies in the US, UK, China and regionally all expressed optimism about Zambia's trajectory. The locations of countries that provide direct access to eight nearby markets were often cited as unique assets.
Halwampa highlighted ZDA's role in transforming its interest into tangible projects through enhanced investor services, economic zones and targeted public partnerships.
Outlook: From Promises to Projects
As the meeting approached the end, the representatives reminded me that Mous was just the starting line. The real challenge is delivery – turning signatures into construction, production, and job creation.
However, there was a wide consensus that Zambia now has both a vision and institutional momentum to make it happen. Coupled with billions of dollars of commitment and global partnership, President Hichilema's reform agenda positions the country as one of Africa's most promising emerging investment destinations.
IZIC 2025 provided more optimism than meetings. It laid out a roadmap for Zambia's economic transformation, built on public synergies, target reforms, and public synergies to move from mining exporters to value-added manufacturing hubs. Zambia's bold investment bets could be rewarded if momentum continues. Restructuring the economy for a new generation.
