AfDB Reinforces Commitment to Zambia’s Private Sector Growth at Invest in Zambia Conference
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its strong support for Zambia’s private sector-led transformation by hosting a strategic side event during the inaugural Invest in Zambia International Conference (IZIC).
The session, titled “Catalyzing Private Sector Growth: Unlocking AfDB’s Financing Toolkit in Zambia,” brought together private companies, financial institutions, development partners, and government officials to explore how the Bank’s resources can accelerate investment and economic development.
Raubil Olaniyi Durowoju, AfDB Country Manager for Zambia, highlighted the Bank’s growing emphasis on private sector operations.
“There is a deliberate shift within the Bank towards private sector development as the engine for economic transformation. Our Zambia Country Strategy Paper (2024–2029) aligns closely with the Government’s Eighth National Development Plan, focusing on catalytic investments in infrastructure and agricultural value chains,” he said.
Experts from the Bank’s Financial Solutions Department showcased a broad range of non-sovereign instruments, including loans, equity, trade finance, guarantees, and innovative blended finance options designed to meet diverse private sector needs.
Sector specialists from agriculture, transport infrastructure, industry, and services outlined the Bank’s intervention priorities and highlighted opportunities for private sector engagement in these key areas.
Bleming Nekati, Regional Head for Private Sector Operations in Southern Africa, who moderated the event, expressed optimism about the growing pipeline of private sector projects in Zambia.
“We are well on our way to building a strong, diversified, and impactful portfolio of private sector operations for delivery in the next 12 months and beyond,” he said.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to discuss specific sector challenges and financing needs directly with Bank experts.
Alongside the side event, the AfDB team held bilateral meetings with companies and financial institutions to explore collaboration opportunities, reaffirming its commitment to fostering inclusive and transformative private sector growth in Zambia.
