Zambia Seeks Increased Chinese Investment as ZDA Hosts Hunan Province Delegation
ZDA Engages Hunan Province Delegation to Boost Investment and Trade Cooperation
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has hosted an investment delegation from Hunan Province in the People’s Republic of China, as part of ongoing efforts to attract increased foreign direct investment into Zambia’s priority economic sectors.
Welcoming the delegation, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa highlighted Zambia’s vast investment potential in mining, agriculture and energy, noting that these sectors are central to the country’s economic transformation and industrialisation agenda.
Mr Halwampa underscored the strategic importance of energy in driving industrial growth and called for increased investment in renewable and alternative energy sources.
“Investment in solar, wind, thermal and waste-to-energy solutions is critical. We are seeking partners who can help Zambia achieve 10,000 megawatts of installed capacity in the shortest possible time,” he said.
He assured the delegation of ZDA’s full support once investments are established and outlined incentives available under Zambia’s investment licensing framework.
These include zero customs duty on qualifying imports, accelerated capital allowances, and zero per cent income tax for eligible businesses operating within Multi-Facility Economic Zones (MFEZs).
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Jiang Jun, Deputy Director of the Hunan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, said the group had identified strong business opportunities in Zambia, particularly in the mining and tourism sectors.
Mr Jiang noted that Hunan Province is among China’s top-performing regional economies, recording a Gross Domestic Product of RMB 5.53 trillion in 2025, and is currently the largest trading partner with Africa among western Chinese provinces.
He revealed that in 2025 alone, Hunan Province established 22 enterprises in Zambia, 10 of which are already operational, with a combined investment value of US$52.4 million.
“I believe that through this engagement with the ZDA, cooperation between Hunan Province and Zambia will be further strengthened,” Mr Jiang said.
He called for increased trade volumes between Zambia and Hunan, urging both sides to continue improving the business environment to support enterprise growth, investment and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Mr Jiang further encouraged Zambia to export more products to the Hunan market, particularly minerals and agricultural commodities.
In return, he highlighted Hunan Province’s capacity to supply a wide range of products and services, including construction machinery, agricultural equipment, mining technologies, and healthcare and pharmaceutical products.
He added that Hunan Province has strong capabilities in modern agriculture, infrastructure development, construction machinery, non-ferrous mineral processing and new energy technologies sectors that closely align with Zambia’s development priorities.
Mr Jiang also invited Zambian entrepreneurs to visit Hunan Province to explore business opportunities and participate in major international platforms for trade and investment promotion.
These include the China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo, the Machinery Engineering Expo, the Transit Export General Aviation Expo, the Computer Conference, and the International Tourism Festival.
