Zambia courts Spanish investment in agriculture, energy and infrastructure

Zambia courts Spanish investment in agriculture, energy and infrastructure

Zambia has set out its investment case to Spanish businesses, calling for increased access to development financing in key sectors including agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.

The outreach formed part of a series of high-level engagements held in Madrid, Spain, on 11 May 2026, as Zambia advanced its economic diplomacy agenda through discussions on trade, investment, climate action, education exchange, and multilateral cooperation.

The delegation was led by Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, according to a statement issued in Lusaka by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

She was accompanied by Zambia’s Ambassador to France and Spain, Judith Mulenga, along with other government officials.

During a meeting with the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations, Zambia outlined its investment opportunities, highlighting priority sectors such as mining value addition and critical minerals, renewable energy, agro-processing, tourism infrastructure, electric vehicle assembly, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

According to the statement, discussions also explored potential Spanish investment in Zambia’s farm block development programme, particularly in irrigation systems, mechanisation, and post-harvest processing technologies.

Zambia further proposed strengthening collaboration under the Alianza África Avanza framework, alongside plans to co-host a Zambia–Spain Business Forum and trade mission.

The country’s strategic geographic location was presented as a major advantage, with emphasis placed on the Lobito Corridor and Nacala Corridor as critical routes for regional integration, mineral exports, and improved access to international markets.

Access to development financing remained a central theme of the discussions, particularly across agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. Climate finance also featured prominently, with talks focusing on technical support for green bond issuance and public finance reforms aimed at strengthening climate resilience.

Spain’s role in international debt restructuring efforts was acknowledged, while both countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in multilateral forums and on global issues of shared interest.

Zambia’s role within the Southern African Development Community and the Great Lakes Region in promoting peace, security, and stability was also highlighted.

The Ministry said Zambia had requested Spain to consider opening a resident embassy in Lusaka as part of efforts to deepen diplomatic ties.

The engagements concluded with an agreement to strengthen bilateral relations through a planned Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations. Both sides also committed to exploring Zambia’s eligibility for Spanish development financing instruments and broader European Union opportunities under initiatives such as Global Gateway.

Access to Spain’s Corporate Internationalisation Fund and COFIDES financing facilities was also discussed in relation to Zambia’s infrastructure and energy priorities.

In a separate meeting with Xcalibur Smart Mapping, Zambia explored cooperation in airborne geophysical surveys, mineral mapping, and digital resource intelligence.

The use of advanced geospatial technologies was identified as key to supporting Zambia’s mineral exploration efforts, attracting investment in critical minerals, and strengthening sustainable resource governance.

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