The World Bank Group has welcomed Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda, describing its approach to economic transformation as clear and compelling. The initiative aims to move the country beyond economic stabilisation towards stronger production, increased exports, job creation and improved living standards. Discussions between the World Bank Group’s Vice President for the East and Southern Africa Region and Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, have focused on investments that can deliver practical benefits for businesses and ordinary citizens. The engagement took place during international meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, where Zambia is seeking partnerships to support its development priorities. At the centre of the discussions is a straightforward objective: to build an economy that produces more, attracts investment, creates employment and generates better opportunities for its people.
Zambia has made economic stabilisation an important part of its development strategy, but maintaining stability alone cannot meet the country’s long-term ambitions. Sustainable economic growth requires businesses to expand, farmers to increase production, industries to process more raw materials and exporters to reach new markets. The Grow Zambia Agenda reflects this need to connect economic recovery with productive activity across key sectors of the economy. When companies invest in new equipment, expand their operations and hire more workers, the benefits can extend to households and communities. The challenge for Zambia is to ensure that economic progress translates into higher incomes, stronger local businesses and more opportunities for people seeking employment.
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in Zambia’s economic transformation plans because it supports rural livelihoods, provides food and supplies raw materials to industries. Increasing the production of maize, soybeans, sugar and other agricultural products can create opportunities for farmers and businesses throughout the agricultural value chain. However, producing more crops does not automatically guarantee higher incomes for farmers. Producers also need affordable transport, reliable buyers, adequate storage facilities, access to finance and dependable markets where they can sell their harvests at competitive prices. Without these essential services, farmers may struggle to expand their businesses even when demand for agricultural products exists.
The World Bank’s AgriConnect initiative could help address some of the challenges facing agricultural producers by supporting stronger connections between farmers, markets, financial services and private businesses. Improving these connections can help farmers access the resources they need to increase productivity and manage their operations more effectively. Better access to finance can allow producers to purchase seeds, fertiliser, machinery and other essential inputs, while improved storage can reduce post-harvest losses. Stronger market relationships can also help farmers plan production according to demand and reduce uncertainty about where to sell their crops. For Zambia, the success of agricultural development will depend not only on increasing output but also on building an efficient system that allows producers to earn sustainable returns from their work.
Smallholder farmers must remain central to Zambia’s agricultural transformation if the country wants economic growth to benefit a broad section of the population. Large commercial farms can contribute investment, technology, production capacity and access to established markets, while medium-scale producers can help connect smaller farms with larger agricultural businesses. Smallholder farmers can benefit from these relationships when they receive reliable market access, technical support and opportunities to supply larger buyers. Such partnerships can encourage local businesses to provide transport, storage, equipment maintenance, processing and other services that support agricultural production. By linking different types of producers, Zambia can develop a more inclusive agricultural economy that creates employment and improves rural incomes.
Transport infrastructure is another important part of the Grow Zambia Agenda because the cost of moving goods can influence the competitiveness of almost every productive sector. Poor feeder roads can delay the delivery of agricultural produce, increase transport expenses and make it difficult for farmers to reach buyers. Reliable road and rail connections can help businesses move goods more efficiently between production areas, processing facilities, border crossings and export markets. Zambia’s focus on the Lobito Corridor, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority, commonly known as TAZARA, and Zambia Railways reflects the importance of regional connectivity to the country’s economic ambitions. Improvements in these transport links could help reduce logistics costs, strengthen trade and make Zambian agricultural products and minerals more competitive in domestic and international markets.
The Lobito Corridor offers a potential route for strengthening trade connections between Zambia and regional and international markets through Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. TAZARA provides an important railway connection between Zambia and Tanzania, while Zambia Railways supports the movement of goods within the country and towards regional trading networks. These transport systems can play complementary roles in moving minerals, agricultural products and manufactured goods. Their economic contribution will depend on reliable services, sufficient capacity, effective management and investment in maintenance and modernisation. Better transport infrastructure can also encourage private companies to establish processing facilities closer to production areas, creating additional employment and economic activity.
Young entrepreneurs also have an important role to play in Zambia’s economic transformation, particularly in agriculture and related industries. Young business owners often identify commercial opportunities in crop production, food processing, logistics, agricultural technology and the supply of farming inputs. However, their businesses may face barriers such as limited access to affordable finance, high operating costs, inadequate infrastructure and difficulty reaching established markets. Engagement between the World Bank and young Zambian agricultural entrepreneurs provides an opportunity to understand these challenges before development projects are finalised. Incorporating their experiences into project preparation can help ensure that proposed investments respond to real business needs rather than relying only on broad policy objectives.
Supporting young entrepreneurs requires more than encouraging them to establish businesses. They need an environment where they can access finance, develop practical skills, comply with business regulations and compete fairly in the marketplace. Agricultural enterprises may also need access to modern equipment, digital services, reliable electricity and technical knowledge to improve productivity. When these conditions are in place, young entrepreneurs can create jobs for other people and provide services that help farmers and larger businesses operate more efficiently. Zambia’s ability to involve young people in productive economic activity will therefore be an important measure of whether the Grow Zambia Agenda delivers broad-based benefits.
Mining remains another major pillar of Zambia’s economic development strategy, with copper playing a particularly important role in exports, investment and government revenue. The country is targeting annual copper production of three million metric tons by 2031, an ambition that will require substantial investment and improvements across the mining value chain. Achieving this target will depend on reliable electricity, efficient transport infrastructure, access to capital, skilled workers and policies that support responsible investment. Mining companies also need predictable operating conditions and effective public institutions to plan projects that may require significant funding over many years. Progress towards the production target will depend on how successfully Zambia addresses these practical requirements.
Increasing copper production can create economic opportunities beyond the mines themselves. Mining operations purchase goods and services from transport companies, engineering firms, equipment suppliers, construction businesses and other local enterprises. Greater production can expand demand for these services and create employment for people with different skills and qualifications. Zambia can increase the wider benefits of mining by encouraging competitive local suppliers, supporting technical training and improving opportunities for domestic businesses to participate in supply chains. The country can also gain more value from its mineral resources by developing appropriate processing and industrial capabilities where commercially viable. These opportunities require careful planning because higher mineral production alone does not guarantee that the benefits will reach households and local communities.
Energy security is essential to the success of Zambia’s plans for agriculture, mining, manufacturing and other productive sectors. Businesses need reliable and affordable electricity to operate machinery, process goods, preserve food and maintain consistent production schedules. Electricity shortages or disruptions can increase costs, reduce output and discourage new investment. Discussions about preparedness for possible El Niño-related disruptions also highlight the need to protect the economy against climate and weather risks. Strengthening energy infrastructure, improving water management and developing more resilient production systems can help Zambia reduce the impact of future shocks on businesses and households.
Climate resilience is particularly important for agriculture because rainfall patterns can affect crop yields, livestock production, water availability and rural incomes. Droughts and other weather disruptions can reduce food production while increasing pressure on household budgets and public finances. Farmers can become more resilient through improved water management, suitable irrigation systems, access to climate information and farming practices adapted to local conditions. Businesses and public institutions also need contingency plans to maintain essential services when disruptions occur. By including resilience in economic planning, Zambia can protect productive capacity and reduce the risk that temporary shocks will undermine progress towards long-term development goals.
Attracting private investment is another priority for the Zambian government as it seeks to expand production without placing unnecessary pressure on public finances. Public resources must support essential services and infrastructure while maintaining fiscal discipline and protecting the gains made through economic stabilisation. Private investors can contribute capital, technical expertise, equipment and management experience to projects that support economic growth. However, attracting investment requires a clear policy environment, transparent rules, predictable regulation and confidence that businesses can operate under fair conditions. The challenge is to secure investment that creates lasting economic value while managing financial risks and safeguarding the country’s fiscal position.
Public and private investment can work together when their responsibilities are clearly defined and projects offer sound economic benefits. Government can support the conditions needed for business growth through infrastructure, skills development, effective regulation and reliable public services. Private companies can invest in production, processing, distribution and other commercial activities that expand the economy’s capacity. Well-designed partnerships may help deliver projects that would otherwise face financing or implementation constraints. However, each investment needs careful assessment to ensure that its costs, risks and expected benefits are understood before commitments are made.
International partnerships are also important to Zambia’s efforts to mobilise finance, technical knowledge and private investment. Meetings in Bangkok provide an opportunity for government representatives to engage international financial institutions, development partners and potential investors on the country’s economic priorities. Diplomatic missions can support these efforts by communicating investment opportunities and helping businesses understand the conditions for operating in Zambia. The planned December 2026 IZIC Conference is among the opportunities being promoted to encourage engagement around investment and economic development. The value of these engagements will ultimately depend on whether they lead to viable projects, new productive capacity, increased exports and sustainable employment.
International interest must translate into practical results if it is to make a meaningful difference to the lives of Zambians. Announcements of investment opportunities can generate attention, but businesses still need to assess commercial risks, financing arrangements, infrastructure requirements and expected returns before committing resources. Projects must also move from discussions and agreements to implementation, with clear responsibilities and measurable outcomes. Zambia can strengthen investor confidence by maintaining transparent processes, providing reliable information and ensuring that approved projects receive consistent attention. Monitoring investment outcomes will help the government and its partners determine whether their efforts are delivering the intended economic benefits.
The World Bank Group’s engagement with Zambia reflects the importance of aligning development finance with the country’s productive priorities. Investments in agriculture, transport, energy, mining and entrepreneurship can reinforce one another when they form part of a coordinated economic strategy. For example, better roads can help farmers reach processing facilities, reliable electricity can support manufacturing and mineral processing, and improved access to finance can help local businesses supply expanding industries. These connections can increase the economic return from individual projects and support more sustainable growth. The central task is to ensure that investment decisions address the constraints preventing businesses and producers from expanding their activities.
For ordinary citizens, the success of the Grow Zambia Agenda should be measured by changes they can experience in their daily lives. Farmers should have better opportunities to sell their produce and earn reliable incomes, while young people should have more pathways into employment and entrepreneurship. Workers should benefit from expanding businesses, and consumers should gain from more efficient production and distribution systems. Stronger economic activity can also improve the government’s ability to collect sustainable revenue for schools, hospitals, roads and other essential public services. These outcomes will depend on effective implementation, responsible financial management and a continued focus on the needs of households and businesses.
The agenda also requires realistic expectations because economic transformation takes time and depends on many factors beyond government policy. Infrastructure projects need financing and careful implementation, businesses require confidence before investing, and agricultural production remains exposed to weather and market conditions. Higher copper production targets must be supported by investment and operational capacity, while new jobs depend on whether expanding industries can compete and grow. Regular assessment of progress can help identify obstacles early and allow policymakers to adjust their approach when necessary. Clear performance measures, transparent reporting and cooperation between government, the private sector and development partners can help turn long-term ambitions into practical results.
The World Bank Group’s support for Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda highlights a key priority for the country’s economic future: moving from stabilisation towards sustained production, investment and job creation. Stronger agricultural markets, better transport connections, reliable energy, competitive businesses and responsible mining development can all contribute to this objective. Private investment and international partnerships can help accelerate progress, provided they support viable projects and protect the country’s financial stability. The ultimate measure of success will not be the number of meetings held or commitments announced, but the extent to which investment creates productive businesses, increases exports, expands employment and improves household incomes. Zambia’s next stage of economic development will depend on its ability to produce more, sell more, earn more and ensure that the benefits of growth reach citizens across the country.