The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) are expected to play complementary roles in advancing Zambia’s Grow Zambia economic agenda through increased investment, industrialisation and job creation.

Speaking during a visit to the Zambian pavilion at the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Zambia’s Chargé d’Affaires in China, Maj. Gen. Arthur Kalaluka, said IDC would drive industrial development as the Government’s investment vehicle, while ZDA would facilitate investment through incentives and investor support services.

He commended IDC for participating in the Expo for the first time, describing the move as an important step towards attracting high-value Chinese investment into Zambia.

IDC Head of Corporate Communications, Namakau Mukelabai, said the corporation’s 36 subsidiaries operating across 12 sectors offered significant opportunities for international partnerships and joint ventures.

She highlighted opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, energy and tourism, citing Kawambwa Tea as one of the Zambian products with potential to access the Chinese market.

Meanwhile, the Expo also opened doors for potential partnerships, with Shanghai Building Decoration Engineering Group expressing interest in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) consultations for hotels at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

ZDA Liaison Officer in China, Mr Chen, disclosed that 10 Chinese companies are expected to participate in the forthcoming Invest-Zambia International Conference scheduled for December 9–11, 2026.

The investors have expressed interest in sectors including fertiliser manufacturing, rice production, textiles, mining, energy and tourism, with some also keen to support Zambia’s US$1 billion beef export target.

The engagements are expected to strengthen Zambia-China investment relations and support the country’s industrialisation and economic diversification ambitions under the Grow Zambia agenda.