Yesterday marked the official opening of the Southern Province Investment and Trade Exhibition, South Expo 2025, a landmark event aimed at strengthening provincial economies as key drivers of national development. The expo serves as a platform for businesses, investors, and communities to explore opportunities across multiple sectors, positioning Southern Province as a hub of growth and innovation.
The Southern Province is rich in resources with the potential to transform the rural economy. Key sectors such as livestock, agriculture, energy, tourism, water, and human capital present strategic opportunities for investment and development. The government envisions a collaborative approach that unites local communities, traditional leaders, the private sector, and both local and international investors as committed partners in this growth journey.
A cornerstone initiative emerging from this vision is the establishment of Special Beef Economic Zones, targeting the export of 1 million tonnes of beef annually. This model is expected to drive the province’s economic momentum, create sustainable jobs, and stimulate enterprise development along the full value chain.
South Expo 2025 reflects Zambia’s broader ambition for inclusive growth. By leveraging local expertise, private sector innovation, and traditional leadership, Southern Province aims to build an economy that is competitive, sustainable, and benefits all citizens. The expo reinforces the message that provincial development is central to the nation’s economic future and sets a clear path for investment and enterprise expansion.
President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the importance of working together to unlock the province’s full potential, noting that collaboration and strategic investment will position Southern Province as a powerhouse within Zambia’s integrated national economy.
South Expo 2025 signals a bold step forward, showcasing the province’s readiness to attract investment, promote sustainable development, and create opportunities that uplift communities while strengthening the national economic framework.