The inaugural Invest in Zambia International Conference, held in Lusaka in July, demonstrated the breadth of investor interest in the country.

Lusaka – Zambia showcased its economic ambition to the world with the hosting of the inaugural Invest in Zambia International Conference (IZIC) at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre. Spanning three days from 16–18 July, the event gathered government officials, international investors and business leaders under the theme “Driving Generational Transformative Investments Through Joint Ventures and Partnerships”.

For President Hakainde Hichilema, the message was clear: Zambia is not just open for business – it is actively dismantling barriers that historically stifled investment.

“We have realised that government bureaucracies can weigh businesses down,” President Hichilema told delegates. “So, we have established a Presidential Delivery Unit… to accelerate the resolution of issues that hinder business operations.” 

This new unit, he explained, will directly address investor concerns and streamline decision‑making. His remarks set the tone for a conference focused as much on implementation as ambition.

Big numbers, strategic sectors

The headline figures quickly followed: by mid‑conference, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) had facilitated Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth roughly ZMW 46.6bn (around $2bn). The agreements span critical sectors – energy, agriculture and mining – aligning with Zambia’s broader vision for economic diversification and resilience.

Among the highlights was a joint venture between US-based Anzana Electric Group and state electricity utility ZESCO, targeting energy infrastructure expansion. Other MoUs covered renewable energy, transport corridors and agro‑processing, all aimed at reducing Zambia’s dependency on copper alone.

Albert Halwampa, Director‑General of the ZDA, described the conference as a turning point: “Our goal is not just to attract investment but to anchor it in special economic zones, improve investor services and ensure long‑term returns,” he said. “We are actively addressing challenges around power, land access and logistics to build real investor confidence.”