ZDA Records $9.89 Billion in Actualised Investments, Over 40,000 Jobs

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has recorded $9.83 billion of the $58.78 billion in committed investments into actualised projects. These investments are derived from 497 projects spanning multiple sectors, with committed investments of $18.74 billion. The projects have generated 40,395 jobs, surpassing the initial target of 38,119 jobs.

ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa emphasized the Agency's enhanced efforts to support investment projects aimed at driving job creation and fostering economic growth.

In 2024, ZDA intensified its trade, investment, and business development initiatives. These efforts included targeted trade and investment missions and the provision of business development services to enhance competitiveness in key economic sectors.

The Agency recorded $6.91 billion in committed investments from 486 licensed projects during the year.

“The energy sector led with $2.63 billion in investments, followed by manufacturing with $2.33 billion, transport with $558.96 million, and mining with $481.56 million,” Mr. Halwampa noted.

He said the 486 projects committed to creating 233,098 jobs, marking a 45% increase compared to the 160,280 jobs pledged from 379 projects in 2023.

Mr. Halwampa further explained that ZDA offers business development services to support the competitiveness of growth-oriented businesses.

He said by leveraging both Local Direct Investment (LDI) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the Agency aims to promote firm growth, job creation, and wealth generation.

Mr. Halwampa attributed the Agency's 2024 success to robust political leadership, successful debt restructuring that has improved investor confidence, and intensified investment promotion activities.

“Looking ahead, the ZDA is preparing to host the inaugural Invest in Zambia International Conference (IZIC) in the second quarter of 2025, aiming to attract over $1 billion in committed investments during the event,” he revealed.

The Director General reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to transitioning committed investments into tangible projects and job creation.