‘Chibombo economic zone taking shape’
By Tony Nkhoma
ZAMBIA Jiangxi Economic Cooperation Zone (ZXECZ) in Chibombo district of Central Province is expected to reach the full stage of industry and city integration by the year 2036.
ZXECZ business development manager Yuki Yang said the zone was China’s only recognised first provincial-level overseas economic and trade cooperation zone of Jiangxi Province.
“In April, 2024, it was officially recognised as the first provincial-level overseas economic and trade cooperation zone of Jiangxi Province. We are committed to explore new platforms for overseas investment and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and to promote Jiangxi Province on the global stage,” Yuki said.
She told The Mast in an interview through extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, the zone was hoping to attract more investors to join its growing family.
“It is expected to reach the stage of industry and city integration by 2036. The zone aims to develop into a modern industrial new town that integrates agriculture, industry, commerce, leisure and residential functions,” Yuki said.
She said the Jiangxi MFEX had so far invested US$80 million and had so far created more than 3,000 jobs for local people.
Yuki said by fully leveraging Zambia’s local resource advantages, her company’s investment targeted five key major industries.
“Agricultural and forestry product processing, mechanical and electrical equipment, green energy and expanding the three major industries including medical, food processing and garment, developing the supporting services like logistics, warehousing and other,” she said.
“At present, we have attracted industries such as tobacco planting and production, electric power equipment manufacturing,” Yuki said.
She said by June 2025, 17 investment agreements had been signed with a total investment of US$190 million.
“One leading enterprise is Jiangxi Copper [Zambia] Optoelectronics, a wire and cable processing company backed by Jiangxi Copper, one of the Fortune Global 500 and the largest copper producers in China,” Yuki said.
She said with over US$13 million investment, the company had so far created over 200 local jobs, and strengthened Zambia’s copper value chain and regional export capacity.
Yuki named other companies under the Jiangxi MEFEZ investment as Airumi New Energy which is the first battery manufacturing plant in Zambia with an initial USD $13 million investment.
