Lusaka, Zambia – Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited, an Eritrean owned company is constructing a US$60 Million luxury five star hotel that will create up to 250 direct jobs and 700 indirect jobs for Zambians during the construction phase.

Once construction of the hotel, which, will be called the Pyramid Continental Hotel is completed, an additional 223 jobs is projected to be created for Zambians. The hotel also hopes to expand its operations and continue investing in Zambia.

The investment was facilitated by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), in a bid to foster economic recovery of the country and ultimately steer Zambia to accelerated growth and diversification.

Construction of the hotel, which, is expected to be completed in 2024 is already underway. The hotel will have 88 king-sized bedrooms, 69 twin bedrooms, 35 executive suite bedrooms, 18 one bedroom suites and one presidential suite. Other amenities are an event hall, restaurant, a night club, a casino, a gym, a conference room, four board meeting rooms, a semi-olympic size swimming pool, a tennis court, office and staff facilities, landscape, a parking lot, water treatment and electricity provision and a water park.

As part of the local economic development program, Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited has pledged to work with ZDA and the Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Business Associations (ZCSMBA) to identify viable local Zambian farmers and MSMEs to supply the hotel goods and services.

Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited also pledged to work with the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) to identify suppliers and contractors for construction materials, diesel, lubricants, cement, transport services and security services.

In addition, the investor also pledged to work with hospitality colleges in Zambia to provide paid internships for students studying hotel management and catering. Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited also committed to developing the skills of their employees through annual sponsorships.

Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited plans to work with the Lusaka City Council to collect garbage in selected townships and help support health facilities.

Further, the investor plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to identify growth oriented Zambian small scale farmers through well-organized cooperatives for the supply of vegetables, poultry and beef products to the hotel once operational.

Commenting on the venture during the Investment Promotion Protection Agreement (IPPA) Signing Ceremony between the ZDA and Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited, ZDA Board Chairperson Bishop David Masupa said: “For the ZDA and the Zambian government at large, witnessing the commencement of a project of such magnitude is a very welcome development under the present circumstances when the Covid-19 pandemic has hit the economy badly and the tourism sector has been hit the most. The agreement represents a major step forward in investment promotion for Zambia and serves as an assurance to the investors of the safety of this multi-million dollar investment.”

And at the same event, ZDA Director General Mukula Makasa welcomed the multi-million dollar investment reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to handholding the investor till the project is fully implemented.

Meanwhile, Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited Managing Director Mr. Merhawi Mesfun Tesfasilassie expressed gratitude to the ZDA for helping to facilitate the investment and assuring his company of the safety of their investment through the signing of the IPPA.

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Issued by:

Laura Mushaukwa

Communications and Public Relations Manager

Zambia Development Agency

Privatization House, Nasser Rd

Lusaka

Telephone: +260-211-220177/222858 Email: laura.mushaukwa.hamusute@zda.org.zm