UKABC Advances UK–Zambia Business and Investment Dialogue

Connecting UK businesses with Zambia's investment priorities

Following meetings with representatives of the High Commission of the Republic of Zambia in London, the UK Asian Business Council is exploring opportunities to connect British businesses with Zambia's investment and trade priorities.

The High Commission has welcomed discussions covering agriculture, technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and community-led initiatives. UKABC has also raised opportunities for dialogue involving Northern Ireland. These conversations remain exploratory rather than signed commitments.

Proposed business roundtable in London

UKABC President Taha Coburn-Kutay has proposed 12 or 13 November 2026 for a roundtable at the Zambian High Commission, with a target of 20–30 interested companies. The dates and detailed arrangements are awaiting confirmation.

The proposed roundtable would enable targeted dialogue on market opportunities, business participation and possible next steps before the December investment conference.

Invest-Zambia International Conference: 9–11 December

The Zambia Development Agency has confirmed IZIC 2026 for 9–11 December at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, KK Wing, in Lusaka. Its theme is ‘Deepening Capital Flows and Building Mutually Beneficial Partnerships: Leveraging Stability and Reform Momentum to Deliver Shared Prosperity’.

The tentative conference programme covers investment facilitation, business partnerships, sector deep-dives and meetings across trade, energy, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism and SMEs. Details may change as the ZDA finalises its programme.

Grow Zambia Agenda: eight stated development targets

The Grow Zambia Agenda information shared by the High Commission sets out eight targets: 3 million tonnes of copper, 3 million tonnes of soya beans, 1 million tonnes of wheat, 1 million tonnes of sugar, US$1 billion in beef export revenue, 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000 MW of electricity generation and 5 million tourists annually.

These are policy ambitions and targets in the supplied programme material, not reported results or guaranteed investment opportunities. Their value for business dialogue lies in identifying the sectors, supply chains, infrastructure and capabilities that Zambia wishes to develop.

Priority opportunities and next steps

Zambia's development agency identifies agriculture and agri-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, mineral value addition, infrastructure, tourism and the green economy among areas for investment engagement. Businesses should assess individual opportunities and incentives against current official guidance.

UKABC's objective is to build useful connections and facilitate future business conversations, while leaving official conference registration and programme confirmation with the Zambia Development Agency.