By Abbas Nazil
Concessional financing from the African Development Fund (ADF) has brought sweeping changes to Zambia’s agriculture and education landscapes, driving self-sufficiency, creating jobs, and fostering peace and prosperity.
During the ADF’s 17th replenishment meeting held in Lusaka from October 7 to 9, 2025, delegates visited key project sites, including the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) fertilizer blending plant in Kafue and upgraded facilities at the University of Zambia.
These initiatives, backed by ADF financing, were hailed by Zambian ministers for their transformative impacts on national development.
Zambia’s Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo Phiri, described the African Development Bank Group as a “critical ally” in the country’s journey from drought-induced food shortages to agricultural surplus.
He emphasized that the new blending and granulating plant at NCZ represented more than financial assistance—it was an investment in farmers and the nation’s future.
He noted that the project has significantly enhanced the country’s capacity to meet domestic fertilizer demands and positioned Zambia to enter export markets between 2025 and 2030.
The $1.3 million injection from the ADF is expected to reduce fertilizer costs by 40%, providing much-needed relief for smallholder farmers.
The Fund’s support also provided the initial raw materials necessary for the plant’s operations.
African Development Bank Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade highlighted the results of the Zambia Emergency Food Production initiative, which has supported nearly 5,900 farmers—over half women—with certified seeds and fertilizers distributed through the digital platform ZIAMIS.
She reported that the 2024/25 farming season saw a production of over 3.7 million metric tons of food, surpassing the national requirement of 2.5 million metric tons and ensuring food surplus for the country.
At the University of Zambia, the ADF-funded Support to Science and Technology Education Project has modernized lecture halls and laboratories, creating a more conducive environment for learning and research.
Vice Chancellor Professor Mundia Muya praised the Fund’s contribution, noting that the improvements have revitalized the institution’s academic environment.
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Chipota Mutati emphasized the broader social impact of the investments, revealing that the project has expanded access to tertiary and technical education to over 250,000 students.
He stated that providing a comfortable learning environment not only enhances students’ intellectual capacity but also promotes peace and harmony within society.
Akin-Olugbade further framed the Zambian experience within the context of the Africa-wide Emergency Food Production Facility, which aims to support 20 million farmers and produce 37 million tons of food.
She explained that while the initiative began as a crisis response, it now serves as the foundation for a more resilient, private sector–driven agricultural system that empowers farmers and reduces reliance on imports.
The ADF-17 replenishment meeting will conclude in December 2025 with a final pledging session in the United Kingdom, as global partners reaffirm their commitment to bridging Africa’s critical financing gaps and supporting sustainable growth across the continent.
