ZDA Records $1.65 Billion in Q1 Investments, Creates 9,500 Jobs

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has recorded a conservative estimate of $1.65 billion in investments and over 9,500 jobs in the first quarter of 2026, with the manufacturing and energy sectors accounting for 70 percent of the realised inflows.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa announced that the country has now logged $16.4 billion in actualised investments and 109,488 jobs between 2021 and the first quarter of this year, against total committed investments of $92.01 billion.

Mr Halwampa however noted that actualised investments remain highly concentrated in Lusaka Province, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of total realised investment and close to 90 percent of jobs created. He said ZDA would continue supporting provincial expos and other targeted interventions to unlock opportunities in underserved regions.

The Director General attributed the strong performance to the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, citing consistent policy direction and stable macroeconomic fundamentals. He further assured investors that Zambia would remain a peaceful and reliable investment hub, including through the forthcoming August polls, reinforcing the country's standing as a natural destination for capital.