The International Finance Corporation (IFC) delegation, led by Ms. Paramita Dasgupta, Manager, Country Advisory and Economics for Eastern and Southern Africa, met with Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga MP, to discuss potential areas of investment and collaboration.

The meeting followed the successful hosting of the Inaugural Invest Zambia International Conference 2025.

The IFC highlighted key sectors of interest for investment, and Hon. Mulenga provided valuable insights on areas that require investment in Zambia. The IFC also provided an update on the progress of initiatives aimed at supporting the Government of Zambia’s key strategic goals.

These initiatives include the next phase of support for private-public sector dialogue, a targeted project to support the implementation of sector-specific recommendations in Agriculture, Mining, Energy, and Tourism, and a project concept focused on enhancing SME capabilities.

“We believe empowering SMEs will significantly contribute to job creation, skills development, and inclusive economic growth. IFC remains committed to supporting Zambia’s development goals and fostering a partnership that unlocks new opportunities for private sector-led growth,” said Ms. Dasgupta.

In response, Hon. Mulenga outlined Zambia’s economic vision, emphasizing production targets such as 10 million tons of grain, 3 million tons of copper, 1 million tons of soybeans, and 1 million tons of wheat.

He stressed the importance of unlocking opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, and emphasized the need for local content in the mining sector.

“Government is ready to partner and work with the IFC in areas of development,” said Hon. Mulenga. “We look forward to exploring opportunities for collaboration with the IFC and advancing Zambia’s economic development agenda.”

This meeting underscores the government’s commitment to fostering private sector-led growth and development, and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry looks forward to exploring opportunities for collaboration with the IFC.