Zambia has renewed its appeal for greater private sector involvement and foreign investment in its agriculture sector as the country aims to establish itself as a regional food hub.
Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Engineer Peter Kapala, made this announcement during a bilateral meeting with Bayer at the Hand in Hand Initiative Investment Forum 2025, held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy. He stated that Zambia is keen to collaborate with investors to ramp up production, in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s ambitious goal to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize, one million metric tonnes of soya beans, and one million metric tonnes of wheat annually by 2030.
“Zambia is open for business. We are eager to partner with private investors and development organizations to tap into the vast potential of our agricultural sector through increased investment in irrigation, mechanization, and agro-processing,” Eng. Kapala said. He noted that Zambia’s strategic location in Southern Africa, sharing borders with eight other countries, grants it access to a regional market of over 400 million people. With extensive arable land, ample water resources, and a favorable investment climate, Zambia serves as an ideal base for agribusiness growth and regional trade.
Eng. Kapala explained that the government has taken significant steps to attract investors, including reforms in the seed and livestock sectors, the establishment of mechanization hubs, and improved access to agricultural financing. These initiatives aim to boost productivity and enhance competitiveness in both crop and livestock production.
He further highlighted government-led initiatives like the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF), which enables farmers, particularly smallholders, to secure affordable loans for investments in solar-powered irrigation systems. Such measures are vital for facilitating year-round production, lessening reliance on rainfall, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.
Additionally, the government is investing in rural road infrastructure, storage facilities, and digital platforms to improve farmers’ access to market opportunities, ultimately supporting both domestic and regional supply chains more effectively.
Swedish Minister Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative to the FAO, Marija Milivojevic, praised Zambia for cultivating a favorable environment for investment, pointing out Bayer’s Itaba Project in Kabwe as a key driver of agricultural progress in the country. She mentioned Bayer’s newly commissioned €32 million maize seed facility in Kabwe, which triples the company’s production capacity for high-quality maize seed. This facility is expected to support maize consumption for around 30 million people in the region.
Ms. Milivojevic also noted that the Itaba Project aims to reach 6.4 million smallholder farmers in Zambia and other Sub-Saharan African nations this year, with plans to serve 10 million farmers by 2030. This investment is the second largest from a European company in Zambia and underscores the growing international confidence in the nation’s agriculture sector.
Eng. Kapala emphasized the Zambian government’s strong commitment to attracting further investments that showcase the country’s readiness to accommodate large-scale agricultural projects, create jobs, boost exports, and enhance food security. “We want to see more investments like Bayer’s projects that transfer technology, empower farmers, and help us build resilient agricultural systems,” he stated.
He urged donor agencies and international financial institutions (IFIs) to capitalize on Zambia’s advancements by directing more funding to critical areas such as irrigation, mechanization, and agricultural research. With its geographical advantages and rich resources, Zambia is poised to be a prime destination for sustainable agricultural investments that can meet both local and regional food demands.
