AfDB Pledges Support for Zambia’s Private Sector at Investment Conference
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zambia’s private sector-led growth by hosting a high-level side event at the inaugural Invest in Zambia International Conference (IZIC).
The session, themed “Catalysing Private Sector Growth: Unlocking AfDB’s Financing Toolkit in Zambia”, brought together private companies, financial institutions, development partners and government representatives.
AfDB Country Manager for Zambia, Raubil Olaniyi Durowoju, said the Bank was increasingly prioritising private sector operations in line with Zambia’s strategic development goals.
He noted that the Bank’s Zambia Country Strategy Paper (2024–2029) aligns with the Government’s Eighth National Development Plan, with a key focus on infrastructure and agricultural value chains.
The Bank’s Financial Solutions Department outlined its range of non-sovereign financing instruments, including loans, equity participation, trade finance, guarantees, risk participation agreements and blended finance options. Sector specialists from agriculture, transport infrastructure, industry and services highlighted opportunities for private sector involvement.
Regional Head for Private Sector Operations in Southern Africa, Bleming Nekati, who moderated the session, said the Bank was building “a strong, diversified, and impactful pipeline of private sector operations in Zambia for delivery over the next 12 months and beyond.”
The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to discuss sector-specific challenges and financing needs. AfDB representatives also held bilateral meetings with companies and financial institutions to explore collaboration opportunities and advance project development.
