Zambia is positioning itself as a prime destination for agricultural investment following a series of far-reaching reforms aimed at boosting economic growth, strengthening food security and transforming the country’s agrifood sector.

Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Mr. John Mulongoti, says the country is ready to attract investors and unlock the vast potential of its agricultural sector under the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda.

Mr. Mulongoti said Government has prioritised four high-potential agricultural value chains—soybeans, honey, common beans and beef—as key areas for investment, with the goal of promoting inclusive growth, creating jobs and increasing agricultural productivity.

The priority areas were identified through data-driven analysis supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under its Hand-in-Hand Initiative.

Speaking at a strategic meeting in Rome, Italy, ahead of Zambia’s presentation at the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, Mr. Mulongoti said the country had undertaken significant reforms that had created opportunities for investors to participate in its economic transformation.

“We have undertaken far-reaching reforms across various sectors of the economy. This is the right time for investors to come to Zambia and become part of the country’s growth and transformation journey,” he said.

He reaffirmed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call to protect the progress already made while accelerating agricultural production in line with the country’s ambitious targets under the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Mr. Mulongoti said the agenda seeks to transform agriculture from a way of life into a profitable and commercially viable business, while improving food security, creating employment and promoting value addition.

He added that Government was working towards positioning Zambia as a regional food basket and a major hub for agro-processing by strengthening agricultural value chains, unlocking production potential and expanding access to markets.

The Permanent Secretary also commended FAO for its coordination and resource mobilisation efforts in supporting the development of sustainable, investment-driven agrifood systems.

Zambia’s participation in the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum is expected to provide an important platform for showcasing the country’s agricultural investment opportunities to potential investors and development partners.

The country is scheduled to present its Country Investment Plan on 14 October 2026 at FAO Headquarters in Rome, during the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum running from 13 to 17 October 2026 on the sidelines of the World Food Forum.

The presentation will place Zambia’s priority agricultural value chains in the spotlight as the country seeks to attract investment, strengthen agro-processing and drive sustainable growth through agriculture.