Led by the Zambia Embassy, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Meets with Los Angeles Mayor's Office, Business Community and Chamber of Commerce

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), led by the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, Washington DC, had meetings with the Office of the Mayor, Los Angeles, the business community and the LA Chamber of Commerce on 27 and 28 September 2023.

The meeting at the Mayor's office which was led by the Deputy Mayor International Affairs, Erin Bromaghim brought together stakeholders from the U.S. Department of Commerce, a Venture Capital firm, the Chairperson of the LA Lusaka sister company committee, and officials from the LA city department of International Affairs, amongst others.

Ambassador Chibamba Kanyama joined the meeting virtually. The Deputy Chief of Mission, Margaret Kapihya, attended the meeting in person as leader of the delegation comprising Ms. Chama Chilambwe and Mr. Dennis Sikaulu, Directors at Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and Ms. Banji Mayiya and Mrs. Tabitha Malwila, A/Assistant Director- Investment Support and Investment Support Services Officer, respectively.

The meetings were part of the Investment and Trade Promotion Mission undertaken by ZDA on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly.

Key to the investment mission were discussions on potential U.S. investments in Zambia's strategic priority economic areas, which include: agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing (with emphasis on value addition), fintech and financial services, ICT, infrastructure (including lodges and affordable housing) and tourism.

Zambia's location as a landlocked country with 8 neighbors was highlighted with benefits arising from regional cooperation, including the AfCFTA, in relation to the markets that Zambia would extend its products to on the continent.

Key insights into the Zambian economy, the existing stable political and economic environment, and profiled projects in the key priority strategic economic areas for Zambia were shared. The team also shared information on the existing agreements and/or Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed between Zambia and the U.S. which include a Commercial Agreement and an MoU between the U.S., Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia on the establishment of a Battery Council for EV battery production.

The U.S. Commerce Department confirmed the setting up of a Commercial Office at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka in the coming fiscal year.

The meeting generated a lot of interest in Zambia and potential areas of collaboration.

Networks and areas for follow-up in terms of future partnership and collaboration were established.

To ensure no one is left behind, the team included some Zambians living in the diaspora, namely: Dr. Gershom Sikaala (who organized a business dinner), and Dr. Mulenga (Vice Chairperson of the LA - Lusaka sister committee).

The team of ZDA officials led by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Zambia, Washington DC has since proceeded to Houston, Texas for further engagements with government and the business community.

Issued by
Charles Tembo
First Secretary Press and Public Relations