The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has recorded significant uptake of the Zambia Investment Deal Room (ZIDR), with 202 fund seekers, 187 investment projects, and 28 registered funders now participating on the digital investment matchmaking platform.
ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa revealed that two investment projects are currently under active discussions between fund seekers and funders, signalling early success in connecting investment-ready businesses with potential financiers.
Mr. Halwampa said ZIDR is an initiative of the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and serves as a centralised marketplace that connects entrepreneurs, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), project developers, and businesses seeking equity or debt financing with local and international investors.
“ZIDR was established to strengthen Zambia’s investment ecosystem by addressing the financing challenges faced by businesses with bankable projects. The platform improves access to capital while making it easier for investors to identify credible investment opportunities. It also enhances transparency, reduces the time and cost involved in sourcing investment partners, and helps accelerate project implementation,” he said.
Mr. Halwampa explained that both fund seekers and funders register on the platform, after which investment proposals undergo a screening and assessment process before being matched with suitable investors based on sector interests and investment ticket sizes.
He added that the Zambia Development Agency then facilitates engagement between the parties to support negotiations and advance projects towards financial closure.
He noted that agriculture, manufacturing, and mining account for the highest number of project submissions, underscoring Zambia’s competitive advantages and investment potential in these priority sectors.
Mr. Halwampa said ZIDR forms part of the Government’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at improving investment facilitation, expanding businesses’ access to finance, and promoting private sector-led economic growth.
“By connecting investment-ready projects with domestic and international capital, the platform is expected to stimulate enterprise growth, create jobs, and contribute to Zambia’s long-term economic transformation,” he said.
The Zambia Investment Deal Room was developed by the Zambia Development Agency in collaboration with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI), and the Smart Zambia Institute under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.
