Zambia wins UK confidence at InvestFest 2026
By Ludia Ngwadzai
ZAMBIA’S position as a rising investment destination has received a major endorsement after the United Kingdom (UK) expressed long-term commitment to the country’s economic growth at the ICA InvestFest 2026 conference.
Speaking at the event yesterday, British High Commissioner to Zambia Rebecca Terzeon said Zambia had become a priority frontier market.
Terzeon said the nation had grown its international confidence in the its economic direction and investment potential.
She said Zambia represented a significant opportunity for sustainable and inclusive growth, noting that the UK’s continued support reflects confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.
“Central to this partnership is the Growth Investment Partners Zambia (GIPZ) initiative, a locally driven financing platform backed by BII, Swedfund, and Zambia’s National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA). The initiative is designed to provide long-term, flexible capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), widely regarded as the backbone of Zambia’s economy,” Terzeon said.
Terzeon also announced that GIPZ had already begun deploying capital.
“Its first investment, a US$5 million, seven-year funding deal with Box Pack Zambia will enable the company to expand production capacity significantly,” she said.
She explained that the investment was expected to boost local manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports and create jobs.
Terzeon said SMEs should be encouraged, as that was where innovation happens and communities thrive.
“But they require the right kind of finance to scale. GIPZ is designed to meet that need,” she said.
She said the UK-backed Zambia Investment Support Project was helping local businesses become investment-ready by strengthening their operational and financial capabilities.
InvestFest 2026 is expected to catalyze new deals and partnerships over its two-day programme, reinforcing Zambia’s appeal as a hub for impact investment in Africa.
As global investors continue seeking opportunities in emerging markets, Zambia’s growing ecosystem of support, capital and entrepreneurship may position it as one of the continent’s most promising destinations for sustainable investment.
Speaking at the same event, Impact Capital Africa representative Jeffrey Scheidgier emphasised the importance of creating a dynamic platform that fosters connection, innovation and real investment outcomes.
Scheidgier said the 2026 InvestFest format was designed to encourage interaction, learning and deal-making, with various activities including pitch sessions, business clinics and networking opportunities.
Presidential Advisor for Finance and Investment Jito Kayumba said the government would continue supporting the private sector growth.
