The Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Mr. Ivan Zyuulu, has intensified efforts to attract foreign investment through a strategic visit to Jiangnan Cable Company Limited in Jiangsu Province. The investment promotion engagement focused on strengthening economic cooperation between Zambia and China while exploring opportunities in key industrial sectors. Ambassador Zyuulu was accompanied by Counsellor-Economic Mr. Lordwell Kalubankwa and other officials from the Zambian Embassy as part of the mission to promote Zambia as an attractive destination for international investors. The visit highlights Zambia’s continued commitment to expanding partnerships that support industrial development, job creation and economic diversification. It also demonstrates the country’s efforts to attract investments that contribute to value addition and strengthen local manufacturing capacity.
During the engagement, Ambassador Zyuulu invited Jiangnan Cable Company Limited to participate in the 2026 Mining Conference scheduled to take place in Lusaka. The invitation is aimed at creating a platform where the company can engage directly with Government institutions, mining companies and potential business partners in Zambia. The Ambassador explained that the participation would be coordinated through the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities, providing an opportunity for stronger collaboration between Chinese businesses and Zambian stakeholders. Such engagements are expected to promote knowledge exchange, identify investment opportunities and encourage partnerships that support Zambia’s economic development priorities. The Mining Conference will serve as an important avenue for showcasing Zambia’s investment potential and connecting international companies with opportunities in the country’s growing industrial sectors.
In response to the invitation, Jiangnan Cable Company Limited Chairman Mr. Chu Hui welcomed the opportunity and confirmed that the company would send a delegation to Zambia to explore potential investment opportunities. The company’s decision reflects growing interest among Chinese enterprises in Zambia’s industrial and infrastructure development agenda. Increased cooperation between the two countries continues to create opportunities for businesses seeking new markets and strategic partnerships. By engaging with established international companies such as Jiangnan Cable, Zambia aims to attract expertise, technology and capital that can accelerate industrial growth. The planned visit by the company delegation could open discussions around future investments in manufacturing, energy infrastructure and related sectors.
Ambassador Zyuulu emphasized Zambia’s ambition to increase annual copper production to 3 million metric tonnes by 2030, highlighting the importance of developing industries that support value addition. He explained that expanding mining output must be accompanied by growth in downstream industries that process resources and create additional economic benefits within Zambia. The Ambassador identified mining, energy, manufacturing and infrastructure as key investment areas where international companies can contribute to the country’s transformation agenda. He noted that cable manufacturing has an important role to play in Zambia’s industrialisation strategy because reliable electrical infrastructure is essential for economic growth. Developing local cable production capacity would help support sectors such as mining, manufacturing, agriculture, telecommunications and transport while reducing reliance on imported products.
Speaking about the importance of cable manufacturing, Ambassador Zyuulu stated that the industry is critical to Zambia’s industrial transformation efforts. He explained that cables are essential components of electricity transmission systems and support nearly every modern productive sector. As Zambia expands its energy generation capacity and strengthens its industrial base, the demand for high-quality cable products is expected to increase significantly. Establishing world-class cable manufacturing facilities within Zambia would create opportunities for local production, skills development and employment creation. The development of this industry would also support the country’s broader goal of building a more diversified economy driven by manufacturing and value-added production.
The Zambian delegation was received by Jiangnan Cable Company Limited Chairman Mr. Chu Hui, who provided a guided tour of the company’s manufacturing facilities. The visit allowed the delegation to gain insights into the company’s production capabilities and advanced manufacturing processes. Jiangnan Cable produces a wide range of products, including aluminium and copper conductors, bare cables, electrical cables and specialised cable solutions for different industries. The company’s extensive experience in cable production demonstrates the type of industrial expertise Zambia seeks to attract through international partnerships. Such exchanges allow Zambian officials and investors to better understand successful manufacturing models that can be adapted to support domestic industrial development.
Established in 1985, Jiangnan Cable Company Limited has grown into one of China’s leading cable manufacturers with a strong presence in the global market. The company recorded annual sales exceeding RMB 30 billion in 2025, reflecting its significant scale and competitiveness within the cable manufacturing sector. Its experience in producing advanced cable solutions positions it as a potential partner in Zambia’s plans to strengthen energy and industrial infrastructure. Partnerships with companies of this scale could support technology transfer, improve local manufacturing capabilities and contribute to Zambia’s economic transformation objectives. The engagement with Jiangnan Cable demonstrates the value of targeted investment promotion efforts aimed at attracting companies with the expertise needed to support national development priorities.
Zambia’s investment promotion activities in China continue to focus on building partnerships that support industrial growth, economic diversification and sustainable development. The engagement between Ambassador Zyuulu and Jiangnan Cable Company Limited represents a step toward strengthening cooperation between Zambia and Chinese businesses. By encouraging investment in cable manufacturing and related industries, Zambia aims to develop stronger domestic production capacity while supporting key sectors such as mining, energy and infrastructure. The potential involvement of Jiangnan Cable in Zambia’s market could contribute to job creation, technology development and increased industrial competitiveness. As the country works toward its 2030 economic targets, strategic partnerships with global companies will remain essential in driving investment and transforming Zambia into a stronger manufacturing and trade hub.