PPP Portfolio Reaches US$14.2 Billion as Infrastructure Projects Gain Momentum

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Office says Zambia's PPP investment portfolio has grown to more than US$14.2 billion, reflecting government's continued efforts to attract private sector investment into key infrastructure projects.

Speaking during an information exchange session at the Zambia International Trade Fair, PPP Office Principal Business Development and Promotions Officer Dr Stephen Chanda said 19 concession agreements worth approximately US$9.1 billion have been signed since 2022. He noted that the majority of these projects have now entered the implementation stage.

Dr Chanda said several major infrastructure developments are making significant progress, including the Ndola–Lusaka Dual Carriageway, which is nearing 80 per cent completion. Other notable projects include the Kasumbalesa Border Infrastructure Project, the Sakanya Border Infrastructure Project and the Chingola–Chililabombwe Road, which is already operational.

He added that further PPP-backed developments are advancing at Nakonde, Katima Mulilo and other strategic border posts, with the aim of improving regional trade, easing the movement of goods and enhancing cross-border connectivity.

According to Dr Chanda, the national PPP pipeline currently consists of 51 proposed projects valued at around US$5.1 billion. Combined with the 19 projects already under implementation, the overall portfolio now comprises approximately 70 projects with a total investment value exceeding US$14.2 billion.

He said the PPP programme is delivering broad economic benefits through improved infrastructure, job creation and skills development. To date, the projects have generated more than 15,000 direct jobs and an estimated 30,000 indirect employment opportunities.

Dr Chanda also reaffirmed government's commitment to increasing local participation in PPP initiatives. He said all qualifying projects include a mandatory minimum local subcontracting requirement of 10 per cent, while Small and Medium PPP Projects valued at US$10 million or less have been set aside specifically for Zambian investors.

The details were contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning in Lusaka.