In a landmark moment for Zambian agribusiness, Zambeef Products PLC has been honored as the Best Agriculture Investor at the Invest in Zambia International Conference (IZIC), hosted by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA). This prestigious accolade recognizes Zambeef’s unwavering commitment to transforming Zambia’s agriculture sector through bold investments, innovative infrastructure, and deep community partnerships.
A Bold US$100 Million Expansion Initiative
Zambeef’s award follows the announcement of a US$100 million (ZMW 2.64 billion) capital expansion drive in 2022. That initiative has already yielded tangible results across three core areas:
- Livestock Growth: Upgraded operations at Mpongwe and Chisamba farms boost breeding capacity and animal health protocols.
- Retail Networks: Enhanced distribution channels and new outlets bring Zambeef’s protein products closer to urban and rural consumers alike.
- Meat Processing Infrastructure: State‑of‑the‑art facilities streamline slaughter, processing, and packaging, ensuring consistent quality and food safety.
With new processing lines and a beefed‑up transport fleet, Zambeef is meeting rising domestic demand for protein while reducing spoilage and logistical bottlenecks.
Impact on Jobs and GDP
By the end of 2024, Zambeef’s expansion drive had:
- Supported over 8,000 direct jobs across farming, processing, logistics, and retail.
- Generated an estimated 260,000 indirect opportunities through supplier linkages, from veterinary services to packaging suppliers.
- Integrated more than 100,000 small‑scale farmers into formal off‑take agreements, securing market access and fair prices.
These efforts have propelled Zambeef’s overall contribution to over 1 percent of Zambia’s GDP, positioning the company as a driving force in the nation’s economic growth and food security landscape.
New Poultry Infrastructure at Huntley Farm
While beef and dairy operations expand, Zambeef is also scaling up its poultry division. In June 2024, the company commissioned an Environmentally Controlled House (ECH) at Huntley farm, Chisamba, as part of a targeted US$15 million (ZMW 396 million) poultry investment.
- Capacity for 45,000 birds per cycle: Each ECH unit ensures optimal climate control, ventilation, and biosecurity.
- Reduced environmental impact: Modern waste management and energy‑efficient systems cut down on emissions and runoff.
- Training and market linkages: CEO Faith Mukutu met with outgrowers at the launch to outline technical training, production best practices, and guaranteed purchase agreements.
This facility exemplifies how Zambeef combines technology and sustainability to empower micro and small‑scale poultry producers. By aligning production with formal value chains, the project stabilizes incomes and fosters resilient rural communities.
Anchoring ESG Commitments
Zambeef’s poultry expansion sits at the heart of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy. Key pillars include:
- Environmental Stewardship: Energy‑efficient housing, responsible waste handling, and water recycling initiatives.
- Social Impact: Robust smallholder integration, skills development workshops, and community health programs.
- Governance Excellence: Transparent reporting, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with both Zambian regulations and global sustainability frameworks.
By weaving ESG principles into every facet of its operations, Zambeef not only meets investor expectations but also contributes to broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, from zero hunger to decent work and economic growth.
What This Award Means for Zambia
Being crowned Best Agriculture Investor at IZIC 2025 underscores Zambeef’s role as a catalyst for agro‑industrial transformation. It sends a clear message to potential investors that Zambia’s agriculture sector is ripe for growth, innovation, and meaningful partnerships.
- Investor Confidence: Zambeef’s success story attracts attention from regional and international funds.
- Sectoral Spillover: Improved logistics, technology transfer, and farm‑to‑fork models benefit other producers.
- Rural Upliftment: Thousands of farmers gain stable incomes, empowering families and rural economies.
Looking Ahead
As Zambeef continues to roll out its expansion projects, stakeholders can expect further growth in dairy, crop diversification, and export markets. The company’s blend of cutting‑edge infrastructure, community empowerment, and strong governance positions it to lead Zambia’s agriculture into a new era of productivity and sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- Zambeef’s US$100 million expansion drives livestock, retail, and processing growth.
- The initiative supports over 8,000 direct jobs and 260,000 indirect opportunities.
- New Environmentally Controlled House boosts poultry capacity to 45,000 birds per cycle.
- ESG commitments anchor long‑term environmental stewardship and social impact.
- Award recognition at IZIC 2025 elevates Zambia’s profile as an agriculture investment destination.
By earning the Best Agriculture Investor Award, Zambeef Products PLC reaffirms its mission to feed Zambia while fueling economic development. The company’s journey offers a blueprint for sustainable agribusiness success across Africa.
Stay updated with the latest farming tips and agriculture industry news from Africa by subscribing to our newsletter. Don’t miss out on valuable insights and updates. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to join our farming community and stay connected with us.
