The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) hosted a business forum with a delegation of Swiss companies and business leaders to explore strategic partnerships in mining, commodity trading, energy, logistics, and agribusiness.
The forum provided a platform for engagement between Swiss and Zambian businesses, focusing on opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic relations and contribute to Zambia’s industrialisation, job creation, and economic diversification agenda under the Government’s Grow Zambia strategy.
ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa said the visit presented a significant opportunity for Zambia to deepen its participation in the global mineral value chain, particularly through commodity trading and value addition initiatives.
Mr. Halwampa noted that Switzerland is home to some of the world’s leading commodity trading firms, including Glencore, Trafigura, and Mercuria, whose expertise and experience could support Zambia’s ambition to move beyond mineral extraction and become a more active player in mineral trading and value-added processing.
He further highlighted the potential role of ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) in strengthening Zambia’s participation in mineral commodity trading, thereby enhancing the country’s share of value derived from its natural resources.
The Director General also observed that Zambia’s target of producing three (3) million tonnes of copper annually by 2031 would require substantial investment in reliable energy infrastructure and efficient transport networks to support increased production and facilitate exports.
Meanwhile, the head of the Swiss delegation, Her Excellency Ms. Budliger Artieda, said the delegation had been carefully curated to align with Zambia’s economic priorities, bringing together companies operating in commodity trading, energy, logistics, and industrial manufacturing, as well as representatives from the African Swiss Business Circle, an organisation that promotes commercial linkages between Switzerland and African countries.
Ms. Artieda explained that evolving Swiss trade and investment priorities, combined with Zambia’s abundant copper resources and strong economic potential, positioned the country as a strategic partner for deeper collaboration.
She emphasised that the mission was not solely aimed at securing access to Zambia’s commodities but at fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.
“We are here to create a win-win situation for both the Zambian people and the Swiss people,” she said.
Ms. Artieda added that successful partnerships should generate local value, create employment opportunities, and contribute to skills development, particularly for Zambia’s growing youthful population.
