Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) Pioneers Economic Growth Through Global Partnerships at IBEx 2025

By Francis John, Editor & Publisher, TipsNews, Kansas City & Francis Maingaila, Editor, Zambia24 Community

Lusaka, Zambia – The Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) is driving a transformative agenda to boost Zambia’s economy by connecting Zambians abroad with local businesses, fostering international investment, and advancing sustainable economic development.

Established in 2023, the ZDCC prioritizes empowering young entrepreneurs, leveraging diaspora investments to create employment, and fortifying local enterprises. The chamber’s innovative approach is reshaping Zambia’s economic landscape, ensuring grassroots businesses and SMEs become key players in national development.

At the International Business Exchange (IBEx) Hybrid Conference held at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel, Lusaka, ZDCC President Freud Musanu emphasized the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—market vendors, grocery store owners, informal traders, and emerging businesses—as Zambia’s economic backbone.

Unlike many chambers of commerce that primarily cater to large corporations, ZDCC uniquely focuses on grassroots businesses, acknowledging their indispensable contribution to national growth.

Four Key Strategies to Strengthen Zambia’s Economy

Musanu outlined four strategic pillars essential for economic transformation:

1. Policymaker Collaboration – Working closely with the government to ensure economic strategies align with Zambia’s national development goals.
2. Diaspora Financial Integration – Actively engaging Zambia’s diaspora community in the country’s financial ecosystem through structured investments, remittances, and direct business ownership.
3. Global Investment Confidence – Connecting international investors with local entrepreneurs to drive business growth, ensuring Zambia remains a competitive and lucrative investment destination.
4. Business Engagement Platforms – Hosting frequent business forums and investment roundtables to encourage meaningful economic discussions and collaborations.

Recently, ZDCC successfully hosted a high-impact investment forum attended by 102 delegates, sparking conversations around new business ventures and potential partnerships.

The Untapped Economic Power of Zambia’s Diaspora

Speaking at IBEx 2025, Keisha Livermore, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), emphasized the untapped economic potential of Zambia’s global diaspora.

While remittances serve as a lifeline for many families, she stressed that diaspora contributions could go beyond financial support, creating a direct economic impact through investments, partnerships, and skill transfers.

The chamber believes that knowledge transfer from the diaspora can revolutionize key sectors in Zambia.

• Agriculture: Zambians abroad specializing in agribusiness and climate-smart farming techniques could help modernize Zambia’s agriculture sector, increasing food security and export potential.
• Education & Healthcare: Professionals in education and medicine can enhance curricula, address skills gaps, and improve Zambia’s healthcare system, particularly in rural areas.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Despite world-renowned assets like Victoria Falls and Kafue National Park, Zambia lags behind regional competitors like Kenya and South Africa in attracting global tourists. Engaging the diaspora to promote Zambia’s tourism sector could unlock new revenue streams and elevate the country’s global presence.

Government’s Commitment to Diaspora Engagement

Hon. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering economic diplomacy and investment facilitation.

“The National Diaspora Policy, introduced in 2019, is transitioning from theory to practice with ongoing projects engaging Zambians abroad,” she stated.

She also noted that the 2022 Diaspora Conference resolution is being actively implemented, integrating diaspora representatives into Zambia’s national development plans.

Zambia’s peaceful political environment and economic reforms continue to make it a favorable destination for investments, particularly in high-growth sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, technology, and mining.

“Our ambassadors worldwide are actively engaging with the diaspora to boost trade and mobilize resources,” Gundersen added.

AGOA, Local Content Development & Innovation-Driven Growth

The Zambian government is also encouraging African investors to take advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and prioritize local content development.

• AGOA provides Zambia with duty-free access to U.S. markets, creating unparalleled opportunities for Zambian businesses to expand exports and attract global partners.
• Innovation and creativity remain key drivers of Zambia’s long-term economic sustainability. The government is keen on supporting diaspora-led initiatives, inventive startups, and cutting-edge technological advancements.
• A Zambia Diaspora Investment Fund (ZDIF) is also under consideration to complement USAID assistance and reduce dependency on external aid.

Strategic Partnerships & Investment Opportunities

Through the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce, Zambia is increasingly strengthening partnerships between local businesses and global investors.

Key investment opportunities include:

Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Development – Expanding solar and hydroelectric power to rural and urban areas, increasing employment opportunities.
Technology & Digital Transformation – Creating an enabling environment for fintech startups, e-commerce, and tech-driven businesses.
Real Estate & Commercial Property – Investing in smart housing projects to accommodate Zambia’s expanding urban population.
Agro-Processing & Export Growth – Supporting value addition in agriculture to boost exports and foreign exchange earnings.
Healthcare & Medical Investments – Establishing modern health facilities to improve accessibility and healthcare services.

A Call to Action: The Future of Zambia’s Economy Lies in the Diaspora

The IBEx 2025 Hybrid Conference marks the beginning of a new chapter in Zambia’s economic transformation. With strategic diaspora engagement, private sector involvement, and government backing, Zambia is poised to achieve its $1 billion investment goal by 2030.

What remains is a collective challenge:

📢 How can Zambia fully harness the economic power of its global citizens?

The answer lies in action— increasing investment participation, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring continued collaboration between Zambians at home and abroad.

ZDCC’s Call to Zambians at Home & Abroad

Join forces with ZDCC to scale investment opportunities and drive inclusive economic development.
Team up with fellow Zambians to establish micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises that can reshape Zambia’s economy.
Support rural development projects to ensure balanced national growth and job creation.
Take advantage of government-backed initiatives designed to make investing in Zambia seamless and rewarding.

The time to act is now. Let’s position Zambia as Africa’s next investment frontier!

📌 Read more: Zambia24 Community
📌 Follow IBEx 2025 updates: ZDCC Website
📌 Contact ZDCC for investment inquiries: 📧 contact@zdcc.org

“Strengthening Zambia’s Economic investment” – Zambia 24