On 6 May 2026, Pretoria will host the highly anticipated Zambia Trade & Investment Forum, a premier platform aimed at advancing economic cooperation between South Africa and Zambia while unlocking new investment opportunities across key sectors.
Hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in partnership with the Zambia High Commission in Pretoria, the forum represents a strategic milestone in deepening bilateral relations and promoting intra-African trade and investment.
A Collaborative Effort Between South Africa and Zambia
Preparations for the forum have been marked by close coordination between South African and Zambian stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to delivering a high-impact, results-driven event. Both countries have worked collaboratively to ensure that the platform not only facilitates dialogue, but also drives tangible investment outcomes and long-term partnerships.
This joint effort underscores the growing strength of relations between the two nations, aligned with regional frameworks such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A High-Level Programme Featuring Key Decision-Makers
The forum will feature remarks from senior government officials and diplomatic representatives from both South Africa and Zambia, setting the tone for strategic engagement and cooperation.
A central highlight of the programme will be a key presentation by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), offering a comprehensive overview of Zambia’s investment landscape, policy environment, and incentives available to investors.
In addition, sector-focused presentations will provide deeper insights into specific opportunities, ensuring that participants gain practical, actionable knowledge aligned with Zambia’s economic priorities.
Key Sectors Driving Investment Opportunities
The Zambia Trade & Investment Forum will spotlight a diverse range of sectors critical to economic growth and industrial development, including:
- Energy
- Mining
- Agriculture & Agro-processing
- Tourism & MICE Development
- Financial Services
- Infrastructure
- Rail and Logistics
These sectors reflect Zambia’s strategic focus on diversification, value addition, and regional connectivity, positioning the country as a competitive investment destination within Southern Africa.
Panel Discussions to Foster Insightful Dialogue
The programme will also include panel discussions, bringing together industry experts, policymakers, and investors to exchange perspectives on key opportunities and challenges.
Panel discussions offer a unique advantage by enabling dynamic, multi-perspective dialogue, allowing participants to gain deeper insights, ask critical questions, and explore practical solutions in real time. This interactive format enhances understanding and encourages meaningful engagement between stakeholders.
Building Momentum Towards the Invest Zambia International Conference 2026
Importantly, the Zambia Trade & Investment Forum serves as a strategic lead-up to the Invest Zambia International Conference (IZIC) scheduled for July 2026.
The conference is expected to be a flagship event that will bring together global investors, development finance institutions, and industry leaders to explore large-scale investment opportunities in Zambia. It will showcase bankable projects, policy reforms, and strategic sectors, while facilitating high-level engagements aimed at securing significant investment commitments.
By laying the groundwork through targeted discussions, networking, and project presentations, the May forum will play a critical role in ensuring strong participation and meaningful outcomes at the July summit.
A Platform for Action and Partnership
As Zambia continues to position itself as a hub for industrial growth and investment, and South Africa strengthens its role as a regional economic leader, the Zambia Trade & Investment Forum stands as a key platform for action-oriented engagement.
With a focus on connecting capital to opportunity, fostering partnerships, and driving regional integration, the forum is set to make a lasting contribution to the economic relationship between the two nations—and to the broader African investment landscape.
