Zambia is increasingly relying on private capital to accelerate infrastructure development as the Government expands its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme to support economic growth and improve public services. The initiative has become one of the country’s most important strategies for delivering large-scale infrastructure projects while preserving public finances. According to the PPP Office, the programme is currently managing a portfolio of approximately 70 projects valued at more than US$14.2 billion. These investments cover critical sectors such as transport, border infrastructure, education, housing, tourism, logistics and real estate development. The growing scale of the programme reflects the Government’s commitment to leveraging private sector expertise and investment to build a stronger and more competitive economy.
Speaking during an information exchange session at the Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola, PPP Office Principal Business Development and Promotions Officer Stephen Chanda outlined the significant progress that has been made under the programme since 2022. He revealed that the Government has signed 19 PPP concession agreements worth approximately US$9.1 billion over the past four years, with most of these projects already under implementation. This represents a remarkable increase in infrastructure investment through partnerships between the public and private sectors. The agreements demonstrate growing investor confidence in Zambia’s economic reforms and its commitment to creating an enabling environment for long term investment. As implementation continues, these projects are expected to deliver lasting economic and social benefits across the country.
Among the flagship projects currently transforming Zambia’s infrastructure landscape is the Ndola-Lusaka Dual Carriageway, which is nearing 80 percent completion. The project is expected to improve road safety, reduce travel times and enhance the efficient movement of goods and people between two of Zambia’s most important economic centres. Other major developments include the Kasumbalesa Border Infrastructure Project, the Sakanya Border Infrastructure Project and the already operational Chingola-Chililabombwe Road. Construction and development activities are also progressing at Nakonde, Katima Mulilo and several other strategic border facilities. These projects are designed to strengthen regional trade, improve logistics and enhance Zambia’s connectivity with neighboring countries.
The PPP programme continues to expand beyond projects that have already secured concession agreements. Stephen Chanda explained that the national PPP pipeline currently consists of 51 projects with an estimated value of about US$5.1 billion. When combined with the 19 signed projects, the Government is managing an overall investment portfolio exceeding US$14.2 billion. Of the total portfolio, 19 projects representing 36 percent are currently under implementation, while the remaining 51 projects, accounting for 64 percent, remain in the development pipeline. This extensive pipeline provides a strong indication that infrastructure investment will continue expanding over the coming years.
The rapid growth of Zambia’s PPP programme is reflected in the significant increase in investment commitments recorded since 2022. Stephen Chanda noted that signed PPP investments have grown from approximately US$35 million in 2022 to cumulative signed investments of about US$9.1 billion by 2026. This remarkable growth illustrates the increasing confidence of private investors in Zambia’s infrastructure development agenda. Projects valued at more than US$780 million have already been signed during 2026 alone, highlighting continued momentum within the programme. The sustained increase in investment is expected to support economic expansion while improving infrastructure across multiple sectors.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the PPP programme is generating measurable economic benefits through employment creation and skills development. According to the PPP Office, more than 15,000 direct jobs and over 30,000 indirect jobs have already been created through projects in roads, border infrastructure, housing, logistics, tourism and real estate development. These employment opportunities contribute to household incomes while supporting local businesses that provide goods and services to ongoing projects. Infrastructure investments also create long term economic opportunities by improving transportation networks and increasing business efficiency. As more projects move into the construction and operational phases, additional employment opportunities are expected to emerge.
The Government is also taking deliberate steps to ensure that local businesses benefit from PPP investments. Stephen Chanda explained that mandatory subcontracting requirements now require at least 10 percent participation by local companies in qualifying projects. In addition, Small and Medium PPP Projects valued at US$10 million and below have been reserved specifically for Zambian investors. These measures are designed to strengthen local entrepreneurship while enabling domestic companies to gain valuable experience in delivering major infrastructure projects. Increased local participation also ensures that more of the economic benefits generated by PPP investments remain within Zambia’s economy.
One of the key advantages of the PPP model is its ability to finance infrastructure development without placing excessive pressure on public finances. Under these arrangements, private investors finance, construct and operate strategic infrastructure before transferring ownership to the Government at the end of agreed concession periods. This approach enables Zambia to expand essential infrastructure while preserving valuable fiscal space for other national priorities. In addition, the Government earns revenue throughout concession periods through revenue sharing arrangements that range from five percent to 25 percent depending on individual project structures. These financial arrangements create sustainable partnerships that benefit both investors and the public sector.
The education sector has also become a major beneficiary of Zambia’s expanding PPP programme. Mulungushi University has signed a US$249 million concession agreement that will provide more than 19,000 student bed spaces together with supporting facilities, making it the largest higher education PPP investment in the country’s history. At the University of Zambia, an additional 6,480 student bed spaces are being developed through similar partnership arrangements. Concession agreements are also being finalized for Copperbelt University, while similar projects continue advancing at Mukuba University and other public institutions. These investments are expected to improve student welfare, expand access to higher education and reduce accommodation shortages that have affected many institutions for years.
The Government views these higher education projects as an important part of its broader strategy to modernize public infrastructure while encouraging greater private sector participation. Improved student accommodation and campus facilities will create a better learning environment while supporting increased university enrollment. Construction activities associated with these projects will also generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities. By leveraging private capital, the Government can accelerate development without relying entirely on public funding. This balanced approach allows resources to be distributed across multiple national priorities while maintaining steady progress in education infrastructure.
Zambia’s Public-Private Partnership programme continues to demonstrate how strategic collaboration between government and private investors can drive sustainable national development. The growing portfolio of more than US$14.2 billion reflects increasing confidence in the country’s investment climate and its long term economic prospects. Ongoing investments in transport infrastructure, border facilities, higher education and other key sectors are improving national competitiveness while creating thousands of jobs and expanding opportunities for local businesses. At the same time, policies promoting local participation ensure that Zambian companies play an active role in delivering these transformative projects. As Zambia continues implementing reforms and attracting private capital, the PPP programme is positioned to remain a cornerstone of infrastructure development, economic transformation and long term national growth.