The African Development Bank (AfDB) reinforced its commitment to Zambia’s private sector-led growth by hosting a strategic side event during the inaugural Invest in Zambia International Conference. Themed “Catalyzing Private Sector Growth: Unlocking AfDB’s Financing Toolkit in Zambia,” the session brought together private companies, financial institutions, development partners, and government officials to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment.
AfDB’s Country Manager for Zambia, Raubil Olaniyi Durowoju, highlighted the Bank’s increasing focus on private sector development as a driver of economic transformation. He noted that the Zambia Country Strategy Paper (2024–2029) aligns closely with the government’s Eighth National Development Plan, prioritizing catalytic investments in infrastructure and agricultural value chains.
The event showcased AfDB’s financing tools, with the Financial Solutions Department outlining options such as loans, equity participation, trade finance, guarantees, and blended finance mechanisms. Sector specialists from agriculture, transport, and industry presented intervention priorities and opportunities for private sector involvement.
Regional Head for Private Sector Operations in Southern Africa, Bleming Nekati, emphasized that the Bank is building a strong pipeline of private sector projects in Zambia for delivery in the coming year. He described this as a defining moment to drive innovation, create opportunities, and foster inclusive growth.
The session ended with an interactive Q&A, allowing participants to raise sector-specific challenges and financing needs. Alongside the main event, AfDB also conducted bilateral meetings with companies and financial institutions to strengthen partnerships and advance investment pipelines, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Zambia’s economic transformation.
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