By Derrick Silimina

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has joined a high-level Government delegation in Germany for bilateral negotiations on development cooperation in the Federal Republic of Germany.

In a statement, the negotiations on Development Cooperation between the Zambian government and the government of the Federal Republic of Germany is focused on cooperation for the period from 2027 to 2028, centered on three key priority areas, namely Good Governance, Food and Nutrition Security, Agriculture, and Water.

“Zambia has stable and predictable policies, which are key and matter most to investors. We also encourage investors to prioritise the employment of Zambians, ensuring that investments translate into local economic benefits,” said ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa.

Halwampa highlighted opportunities in critical minerals, energy, agriculture, and water and sanitation.

He encouraged German investors to take advantage of Zambia’s favourable business environment.

On the sidelines of the negotiations, a high-level business forum was organised in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Germany, the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein der deutschen Wirtschaft), the German Agribusiness Alliance, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Southern Africa, GIZ, and KfW Development Bank to market Zambia investment opportunities to German and European investors.

Speaking during the forum on behalf of the Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa, Ministry of Finance and National Planning Permanent Secretary Economic Management and Finance Mulele Mulele highlighted Zambia’s improving economic fundamentals and investment climate, citing policy consistency, fiscal discipline, mineral wealth, and the recently concluded Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as key drivers of enhanced macroeconomic stability.

Speaking at the same event, Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany Winnie Chibesakunda called for strengthened investment partnerships between the two countries.

Chibesakunda noted that Germany is globally recognised for precision, reliability, and industrial excellence, adding that Zambia, on the other hand, stands as one of Africa’s most peaceful and politically stable democracies, committed to reform, open markets, and inclusive growth.

“When these strengths meet, the result is not merely investment, but transformation,” she said.

The forum also featured testimonials from existing investors, reinforcing Zambia’s attractiveness, namely, Global Public Policy and Positioning Lead for Bayer, Anna Rainer, and Level Build Zambia Chief Executive Officer, Michael Woitag.

The business forum underscored Zambia’s growing reputation as a destination with stable policies, good leadership, strong macro fundamentals, and a strategic gateway to regional markets in Southern Africa.