Zambia Seeks French Investors for $131.5m Lusaka PPP Project
Zambia is seeking to attract French and international investors with a US$131.5 million flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project in Lusaka, the capital, officials announced during a high-level investment engagement in Paris.
The meeting, organised by the Zambian Embassy in France in partnership with the Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF) International, provided an overview of strategic opportunities under Zambia’s PPP framework.
Dr. Stephen Chanda, Senior Business Development Officer at the PPP Office, highlighted a pipeline of bankable hospitality and mixed-use infrastructure projects driven by tourism, mining, and regional trade growth.
He also emphasised Zambia’s strategic location bordering eight countries and outlined key investor incentives, including tax exemptions during the construction phase.
The Lusaka flagship project, to be implemented under a 25-year Finance-Build-Operate-Maintain-Transfer (FBOMT) concession, will feature over 350 hotel rooms, serviced apartments, conference facilities, office space, and banking infrastructure. Construction is expected to take three years.
Ms. Mary Mumba, Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme, said the development will position Lusaka as a regional business and conference hub.
She noted its financial viability, diversified revenue streams, job creation potential, contribution to tourism growth, and incorporation of sustainable infrastructure.
Zambia’s Ambassador to France, Judith Mulenga, thanked MEDEF for mobilising investors and described the organisation as a key partner in advancing Zambia’s economic diplomacy in Europe.
Investors present expressed strong interest, citing experience in sustainable infrastructure, hospitality, urban planning, and project financing across Europe and Africa, and indicated readiness to participate in project design, financing, and construction.
Additional projects presented included an eco-tourism destination at Kundalila Falls and a mixed-use development in the Northwestern Province, aimed at leveraging growth in the mining sector.
The delegation also emphasised Zambia’s strengthened legal, institutional, and policy framework for PPPs, including recent reforms to enhance transparency, efficiency, and investor protection. Investors were invited to follow-up engagements and site visits to further explore investment opportunities.
The engagement reinforces Zambia’s position as an emerging investment destination in Africa, highlighting opportunities for long-term growth and sustainable infrastructure development.
