Backed by British International Investment (BII), Zambia’s National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), and Sweden’s Swedfund, the initiative targets $300 million in SME funding over 15 years.

President Hakainde Hichilema attended the launch, underscoring government support for private-sector growth.

GIP Zambia will provide long-term, local-currency financing of $500,000–$5 million to established SMEs in manufacturing, agriculture, and financial services.

The platform addresses critical gaps in traditional lending, including high interest rates, collateral constraints, and foreign-exchange mismatches.

“SMEs represent 90% of Zambia’s businesses and 88% of employment but remain starved of patient capital,” stated BII CEO Leslie Maasdorp, noting BII’s 75-year history in Zambia.

Swedfund committed $15 million, with CIO Marie Aglert highlighting alignment with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the Eighth National Development Plan.

The model, adapted from GIP Ghana, combines financing with technical assistance in governance and sustainability. NAPSA’s participation signals growing domestic institutional investment in SMEs.

British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon linked the launch to the UK-Zambia Green Growth Compact, targeting £2.5 billion in UK private investment for Zambian mining and renewable energy.

GIP Zambia Chair Joseph Chikolwa emphasized local leadership: “Our Zambian team will be true partners to SMEs, driving job creation and economic diversification.”