# US and Zambia Launch Strategic Commercial Projects

The Governments of the United States and the Republic of Zambia have established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote U.S. private sector participation in strategic commercial projects across multiple priority sectors in Zambia, including agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, and information and communications technology (ICT). This five-year framework, effective from 2023 through 2028, involves cooperation and investment facilitation supported by several U.S. federal agencies such as the Department of Commerce, USTDA, USAID, and the DFC. The initiative aims to enhance project development, financing, and capacity building, creating significant procurement and investment opportunities for U.S. contractors and businesses in Zambia's evolving market.

- The Department of Commerce’s Global Markets unit and the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service will actively facilitate U.S. business engagement in Zambia’s commercial projects, signaling increased demand for contractors with expertise in agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, and ICT sectors.
- Procurement professionals should note the multi-agency involvement providing technical assistance and financing, which may streamline project execution and reduce investment risks.
- U.S. companies interested in international development and emerging markets can leverage this MOU to access new contracts and partnerships in Zambia, aligning with U.S. government support mechanisms.
- This framework underscores the importance of cross-agency collaboration in international procurement and investment facilitation, highlighting opportunities for contractors to engage in multi-sector projects with government backing.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Information Technology
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 27, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry
- Department of Commerce
- United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

### Key Quotes
> The Department of Commerce’s Global Markets unit, including the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is expected to work to facilitate and promote opportunities for U.S. businesses to participate in commercial projects developed by the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
> — Gina M. Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce

### Sources
- [MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PRIORITY COMMERCIAL PROJECTS IN ZAMBIA](https://www.trade.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/zambia%20mou%20033023.pdf?v=1790514837541) - ITA