THE ZambiaDevelopment Agency (ZDA) has secured a strategic partnership with the Jiangsu Industrial Cooperation Association, a body representing over 5,000 enterprises, in a move expected to significantly boost investment inflows from China.
The partnership, signed in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, underscores growing investor confidence in Zambia and strengthens the country’s position as a leading investment destination in Africa.
Under the agreement, the association has offered ZDA complimentary office space to establish a representative office in Nanjing, along with support to employ a staff member at no cost to the Zambian Government.
The initiative is expected to enhance Zambia’s on-the-ground presence in one of China’s most economically vibrant regions, with a GDP exceeding US$2 trillion.
ZDA director general Albert Halwampa described the development as a transformative milestone in Zambia’s investment promotion strategy.
“Establishing ZDA’s presence in Jiangsu Province will enhance investor engagement, improve information flow, and position Zambia to attract high-quality investments,” Mr Halwampa said.
He added that Zambia is targeting to attract investment of up to US$2 billion, a move expected to accelerate industrialisation and economic transformation.
Mr Halwampa attributed the development to the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema, citing stable and predictable policies and strong macroeconomic fundamentals that have boosted investor confidence.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Ambassador to China, Ivan Zyuulu, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a significant gesture that requires government support.
Jiangsu Industrial Cooperation Association director Chen Weimin said the initiative responds to strong interest from Chinese investors seeking opportunities in Zambia, particularly across multiple sectors.
The development comes as ZDA and the Zambian embassy in Beijing conduct a joint investment promotion roadshow in China to position Zambia as a prime destination for foreign direct investment.
Speaking at the Shanghai Metals Market Copper Industry Conference and Expo, Mr Halwampa highlighted Zambia’s strong policy framework, abundant mineral resources, and stable political environment as key drivers of competitiveness.
He said Zambia aims to increase copper production to three million metric tons annually by 2031, from about 890,000 tonnes, supported by policies such as the National Mineral Resource Development Policy and the National Critical Minerals Strategy.
Zambia currently contributes about five percent of global
copper supply and is Africa's second-largest producer, while accounting for roughly 38 percent of the continent's manganese output.
Mr Halwampa also pointed to opportunities in the energy sector, with Government targeting an increase in power generation from about 3,800MW to 10,000MW by 2031 through diversification into solar, wind, geothermal and other sources.
He further noted that Zambia's strategic location provides access to a market of over 1.3 billion people under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Mr Halwampa invited investors to participate in the Invest-Zambia International Conference 2026 and reaffirmed ZDA's support for the first Shanghai Metals Market Critical Minerals Conference to be held in Lusaka in October 2026.
“Zambia offers stability, opportunity and a clear vision for sustainable growth. Now is the time to invest,” he said.
