ZDA Approves US$600,000 Export Fund to Boost Youth Businesses and Local Mining Supply Chains

Zambia Launches US$600,000 Export Development Fund to Support Youth Entrepreneurs, SMEs, and Mining Supply Chains

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has approved a new US$600,000 loan facility under the Zambia Export Development Fund (ZEDF) to support businesses engaged in exporting Zambian products.

The funding is designed to accelerate the growth of Zambia’s non-traditional exports, create employment opportunities, and strengthen local industries.

Notably, US$400,000 has been specifically allocated to youth-led export enterprises, underscoring the Fund’s strong commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and improving their access to regional and international markets.

The remaining US$200,000 has been earmarked for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) supplying goods and services to the mining sector.

This targeted support is expected to enhance local manufacturing capacity, reduce reliance on imports, and increase Zambian participation in the mining supply value chain.

This financing initiative is being implemented through the Zambia Export Development Fund, which is managed by the Zambia Development Agency under a Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

The Fund focuses on supporting businesses with strong export potential and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s economic development.

The US$400,000 allocation for youth-led enterprises represents a significant step toward ensuring that young Zambians play an active role in export-driven growth. The funding is expected to:

• Improve access to affordable finance for youth entrepreneurs, who often face barriers when seeking loans from traditional financial institutions
• Support innovative and modern export businesses, including those leveraging digital trade platforms, improved logistics systems, and advanced supply chain solutions

In addition to youth-focused financing, the Zambia Export Development Fund continues to support high-impact non-traditional export sectors that are critical to economic diversification, including:

• Apiculture: Enhancing honey processing capacity, promoting value addition, and supporting organic certification to meet international market standards
• Livestock: Strengthening cold-chain infrastructure, improving supply chain efficiency, and ensuring compliance with disease-free zone requirements to facilitate meat exports
• Supplies to the Mining Sector: Expanding the capacity of local manufacturers and suppliers of industrial consumables, reducing import dependence, and strengthening local content participation

Commenting on the approval, ZEDF Fund Manager Dr. David Chewe stated that the targeted investment in youth-led enterprises reflects a forward-looking trade strategy that will enable young entrepreneurs to compete effectively at both regional and global levels.

Approved Funding Allocation