Speech by Freud Musanu, President of the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC)

Delivered at the International Business Exchange (IBEx) Hybrid Conference Taj Pamodzi Hotel, Lusaka | March 3-4, 2025

Distinguished Guests, Honorable Ministers, Esteemed Investors, Members of the Diaspora, Global Stakeholders, and Friends of Zambia,

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to the International Business Exchange (IBEx) 2025. This year’s theme, “Redefining Diaspora: Connecting Businesses & Unlocking Zambia’s Economic Potential,” is not just a slogan—it is a mission. A mission to transform Zambia into a dynamic hub of economic growth, innovation, and global influence.

At the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC), we see a Zambia that thrives on strategic partnerships, foreign investments, and the vast expertise of our people abroad. We are not just talking about potential—we are here to act, to connect, and to create opportunities that will make Zambia a leader in African economic transformation.

Laying the Foundation for Zambia’s Economic Takeoff

Zambia is at a transformative crossroads with enormous opportunities in:

 Infrastructure and Logistics – Strengthening our transport networks to enhance trade connectivity.
 Renewable Energy – Utilizing Zambia’s abundant resources to power industries and homes.
 Digital Transformation – Creating a globally competitive, tech-driven economy.
 Agriculture and Agro-Processing – Boosting food security and industrial expansion.
 Manufacturing and Value Addition – Reducing reliance on imports and strengthening local industries.

However, to unlock these opportunities, we must remove the bottlenecks holding us back. One critical challenge is the long and inefficient travel times to Zambia.

Cutting Down Layovers & Travel Bottlenecks for Investors

Currently, most investors and tourists traveling to Zambia spend an average of 45 hours in transit, with layovers lasting up to 14 hours. This inefficiency is costing our economy millions of dollars, as potential investors divert their spending to other markets.

To solve this:
 ZDCC will work with government agencies, airlines, and tourism bodies to improve flight routes and cut down on layovers.
 We will engage stakeholders at the highest level to ensure that Zambia becomes more accessible, reducing travel time and boosting foreign direct investment (FDI).
 We will integrate machine learning and artificial intelligence to streamline customs, immigration, and investment processes, making Zambia a fast, efficient, and business-friendly destination.

Fulfilling Our $1 Billion Investment Target by 2030

ZDCC has committed to facilitating $1 billion in investments by 2030. To achieve this:

 We have engaged leading global consultants to develop a strategic roadmap.
 We are building a 24-hour working economy, ensuring that businesses operate round the clock with improved customer service and response mechanisms.
 We are expanding access to tax incremental financing (TIF) to fund large-scale infrastructure and business projects, reinvesting tax revenue into Zambia’s growth.
 We are advocating for a balanced, inclusive workforce, ensuring women and minority groups have equal opportunities in business and leadership roles.

We stand ready to partner with the government, private sector, and global stakeholders to make this a reality. Zambia cannot afford to lag behind—we must act NOW.

Recognizing Leadership & Commitment to Economic Growth

Tonight, we honor extraordinary leadership and commitment to Zambia’s progress.

 Grand Patron and Life Membership Award:
His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, for his visionary leadership in transforming Zambia’s economy.

 Life Membership Awards:
Key representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for their dedication to fostering international trade and investment.

Your contributions are priceless, and your work is shaping Zambia’s future.

Sustaining Development: Zambia’s Resilience Beyond USAID

As Zambia continues its march towards economic self-sufficiency, we must recognize the evolving landscape of international aid and development support. The recent decision to scrap USAID funding for Zambia presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It is a call for us to redefine our self-reliance and take charge of our developmental agenda.

In response, the Zambia Charity Fund (ZCF) is being positioned as a locally-driven, impact-focused initiative to fill the gap left by USAID, ensuring that critical sectors such as healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and community development do not suffer setbacks.

With support from both Zambians in the diaspora and local stakeholders, the Zambia Charity Fund will:

 Empower local businesses to create jobs and sustain community development.
 Fund grassroots initiatives that directly uplift vulnerable communities.
 Foster entrepreneurship by providing micro-financing for SMEs.
 Encourage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from Zambian businesses and international investors.
 Collaborate with global partners who believe in Zambia’s potential beyond aid dependency.

Zambia must continue to look out for itself. The future of our economy and social progress cannot rest on external aid alone. We have the talent, the resources, and the resilience to drive our own development agenda.

As we move forward, the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) will actively champion this vision, ensuring that every dollar invested in Zambia yields sustainable growth and a lasting impact. We call upon the private sector, international partners, and the Zambian government to join hands in making Zambia Charity Fund a transformative force for national development.

Together, we can prove that Zambia’s prosperity is built from within and that our greatest resource is not external funding—but our people, our vision, and our unwavering determination.

IBEx 2026 – Global Expansion in Kansas City, USA

As we conclude IBEx 2025, I am thrilled to announce that IBEx 2026 will take place in Kansas City, USA, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup.

This presents an unmatched opportunity to showcase Zambia on the global stage, attracting high-value investors, businesses, and government collaborations to drive our nation’s development.

A Call to Action – The Ball is in Our Court

To my fellow Zambians in the diaspora:

The theme “Redefining Diaspora: Connecting Businesses & Unlocking Zambia’s Economic Potential” is not just a call—it is our responsibility.

We hold the key to Zambia’s success. Our expertise, networks, and financial contributions can transform our homeland.

Today, I present a football—a symbol of our collective responsibility. Just as a team works together to score a goal, we must unite to build a stronger Zambia.

ZDCC is here to support every investor, entrepreneur, and stakeholder ready to be part of this transformation. Let’s seize this opportunity and make history together.

Closing Remarks – Zambia’s Bright Future Starts Now

Ladies and gentlemen, Zambia is not just another African country.

 Zambia is a nation of opportunity, innovation, and resilience.
 Zambia is a country with a future brighter than ever before.
 Zambia has the people, the resources, and the vision to lead Africa’s economic transformation.

ZDCC stands unwavering in its commitment to Zambia’s success. Together, we will redefine the role of the diaspora, strengthen global partnerships, and propel Zambia into a new era of growth.

 The time is now. The opportunity is ours. Let’s build a prosperous Zambia together!

 ZDCC: United in Vision, Anchored in Commitment, Advancing Zambia Together.

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