ZDCC's Strategic Push

... Will Government Match Its Commitment to Economic Transformation?

By Francis Maingaila (Zambia) and Francis John, Editor & Publisher, TipsNews Kansas City

Lusaka, Zambia –(14-03-2023) - The Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) has positioned itself as a key player in Zambia’s economic transformation, submitting a landmark communiqué from the 2025 International Business Exchange (IBEx) Hybrid Conference to key government ministries.

This move signals the diaspora’s readiness to contribute to national development, but the real question remains: will the Zambian government fully embrace and implement these proposals, or will they become another set of policy recommendations lost in bureaucratic inertia?

The communiqué, officially received by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), outlines a bold vision for leveraging diaspora investments, enhancing trade partnerships, and driving sustainable economic initiatives.

Notably, the government’s formal acknowledgment and recording of the document suggest a willingness to engage. However, history has shown that engagement without action yields little progress.

Diaspora: The Missing Link in Zambia’s Economic Strategy?

For years, economic analysts and diaspora groups have argued that Zambia underutilizes its diaspora community—a vast network of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors with the potential to inject financial capital, expertise, and global market connections into the economy.

The IBEx 2025 conference, themed “Redefining Diaspora: Connecting Businesses & Unlocking Zambia’s Economic Potential,” underscored this point, bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, and Zambian expatriates eager to contribute.

Among the communiqué’s key proposals are:

✔ Diaspora Investment & Economic Participation – Formal structures to channel remittances into productive investments.
✔ Trade & Investment Facilitation – Clear frameworks for partnerships that stimulate job creation and industrial expansion.
✔ Infrastructure, Energy & Digital Transformation – Prioritizing investment in renewable energy, smart cities, and digital economies.
✔ Tourism, Education & Cultural Exchange – Strengthening Zambia’s global brand to attract business and educational collaborations.
✔ Policy Reforms & Governance Improvements – Enhancing business regulations to foster investor confidence.

These recommendations align with Zambia’s broader economic goals, yet a persistent challenge remains: implementation.

Will the government translate this communiqué into actionable policies, or will it be another well-intentioned document gathering dust?

ZDCC’s Challenge to Government: Action, Not Just Acknowledgment

ZDCC’s leadership has made it clear that they are not merely presenting ideas but are ready to collaborate on execution.

Freud Musanu, President of ZDCC, emphasized the need for immediate action:

“This is a defining moment for Zambia’s economic trajectory. The Zambian diaspora holds vast potential in financial capital, expertise, and global networks. Our commitment at ZDCC is to transform these resources into tangible development for Zambia.”

The organization’s proactive stance—securing commitments from ministries, coordinating with local businesses, and engaging international stakeholders—demonstrates serious intent.

However, the onus now lies on the Zambian government to demonstrate the same level of commitment.

The Next Test: Will State House Take the Lead?

In the coming days, ZDCC is set to submit the communiqué to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and, crucially, to President Hakainde Hichilema.

The outcome of this submission will be a critical indicator of the government’s seriousness about diaspora engagement.

A mere ceremonial reception will not suffice—concrete policy shifts, incentives for diaspora investors, and tangible infrastructure projects must follow.

A Call to Action: Stakeholders Must Hold Leaders Accountable

ZDCC’s initiative is a bold step forward, but it cannot succeed in isolation. Policymakers, local businesses, and diaspora Zambians must apply sustained pressure to ensure these proposals translate into reality.

The Zambian economy cannot afford to overlook a resource as valuable as its global diaspora.

If Zambia is to move toward true economic self-reliance, this communiqué must not be another footnote in policy discussions—it must be the catalyst for a long-overdue economic revolution. Will the government rise to the occasion? The coming months will tell.