Government Expands Economic Empowerment with 24 New CEEC Products for 2026

The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has unveiled an ambitious portfolio of 24 new loan and grant products for 2026, marking a significant step forward in the government's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth across Zambia.

Speaking at the launch ceremony in Lusaka, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Elias Mubanga emphasized that these carefully designed products represent the government's vision of creating an inclusive economy where every Zambian citizen has meaningful opportunities to prosper.

Minister Mubanga highlighted that the new offerings strategically target critical sectors including agriculture production and irrigation, agro-processing, fishing and cold storage facilities—all carefully aligned with the priorities outlined in the 2026 National Budget. Additional products address essential infrastructure needs such as borehole drilling and block making, demonstrating the government's comprehensive approach to economic development.

In a move to ensure transparency and efficiency, the Minister announced a reset of the application process, with all previous applications from 2021 onwards being cleared due to administrative inconsistencies in processing conditions. This fresh start will allow for a more streamlined and equitable application process, with the new window opening from 29th December 2025 to 13th February 2026.

The announcement comes as CEEC demonstrates improved financial management, with Director General Charles Mungule reporting impressive recovery of over K94 million in loans. The Commission's loan recovery rate has risen to 75 percent, reflecting stronger fiscal discipline and better support systems for borrowers—a testament to the government's enhanced oversight and capacity building within the institution.