Turning Ideas into Impact

Zambia’s K500K Engineering Fund Launched to Support Projects in Research, Industrial Growth, and Sustainable Development

Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – 5 September 2025 – The Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) has unveiled a K500,000 Engineering Fund to help engineers, students, and professionals convert innovative concepts into practical solutions that strengthen research, boost industrial growth, and advance sustainable development.

The Fund is intended to unlock Zambia’s engineering potential to address national challenges, encourage entrepreneurship, and create jobs.

EIZ President Wesley Kaluba said the initiative comes at a crucial time for the country. 

“Engineering drives progress—from roads and bridges that connect communities to technologies that power industries. This Fund gives engineers the means to bring their ideas to life,” Kaluba said.

He noted that the support would cover sectors such as energy, water, sanitation, climate adaptation, and industrial efficiency. Projects are expected to reduce waste, raise productivity, and establish businesses that generate employment. 

Kaluba pointed to student innovations in recycling as examples of projects that could be scaled into viable enterprises. 

He urged Zambia to build its own technological capacity to remain competitive, citing the role of research investments in countries like China, the United States, and South Africa.

The Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB), the only wholly Zambian-owned bank, has pledged its backing. 

Chibotu Chiyasa, ZICB’s Chief Retail Banking Officer, described engineering as “the backbone of national development” and said the Fund would help the country industrialise. 

“Zambia cannot move forward without strong engineering input,” he said. 

“This initiative gives us a chance to produce local solutions that add value to our natural resources.”

Chiyasa said ZICB would have a representative on the Fund’s management committee to ensure transparency and impact. 

He cited agriculture as an area of opportunity, highlighting Zambia’s failure to meet domestic demand for avocados while other nations, like Malaysia with palm oil, have turned agricultural products into export industries.

Engineering Fund Chairperson Bernard Chiwala said the initiative would provide loans, grants, and project financing to support research, product development, and enterprise creation. 

“This is about enabling engineers to take on projects that address Zambia’s needs in infrastructure and climate resilience,” Chiwala said. 

He confirmed that the Fund would be overseen by a dedicated committee under the Engineering Council to ensure accountability. 

He also urged private companies and international partners to contribute, stressing that long-term development requires collective effort.

EIZ Registrar David Kamungu described the Fund as a landmark for the engineering profession. 

“It addresses gaps such as limited financing, few opportunities for young engineers, and inadequate resources for research and development. It is a commitment to invest in professionals who can shape Zambia’s future,” Kamungu said.

The launch of the Fund coincides with the construction of EIZ’s Centre of Excellence, which will serve as a hub for training, research, and innovation. Together, the Fund and Centre aim to equip Zambia to tackle national priorities, strengthen its industrial base, and contribute to long-term economic growth.