Zambian suppliers and contractors could gain greater financial muscle to chase and execute major contracts under a new partnership between FNB Zambia and Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC).

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate access to finance for suppliers and vendors within CEC’s value chain, targeting one of the biggest constraints facing local businesses: access to timely working capital.

Under the partnership, FNB Zambia will provide tailored financing solutions, including working-capital and trade-finance facilities, to help suppliers fund procurement orders, strengthen operations and fulfil contracts in Zambia’s growing energy sector.

The initiative combines CEC’s supplier-development drive with FNB Zambia’s business-financing expertise, potentially giving local enterprises the capacity to take on larger opportunities without being crippled by upfront costs.

FNB Zambia Business and Commercial Banking Executive Kabanda Lilanda said access to finance was critical to turning business opportunities into sustainable growth.

“Through this partnership with Copperbelt Energy Corporation, we are creating opportunities for suppliers and vendors to access the capital they need to fulfil contracts, expand their operations and contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s economic growth,” he said.

Lilanda described the agreement as “more than a formal agreement”, saying it was intended to create an ecosystem where businesses could access opportunities with greater confidence and build stronger enterprises.

CEC Chief Financial Officer Mutale Mukuka said the partnership would address a financing gap that could constrain otherwise capable local suppliers.

“One of the challenges that can constrain otherwise capable local businesses is access to timely and competitively priced financing, particularly where significant working capital is required to execute contracts,” Mukuka said.

He said stronger suppliers would ultimately translate into a stronger CEC supply chain, adding that the company wanted Zambian businesses to grow alongside its operations and contribute to the expansion of the energy sector.

The partnership comes as Zambia seeks to deepen local participation in major economic sectors and build stronger domestic enterprises.

For suppliers, the opportunity is straightforward: more access to finance could mean more capacity to win contracts, deliver them and scale their businesses.

For CEC and FNB Zambia, the bigger bet is on a more competitive, resilient and locally driven business ecosystem.