# 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 and promote U.S. business engagement in these projects, signaling a coordinated federal effort to support international commercial ventures.
- Procurement professionals should note the broad sectoral scope, including agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, and ICT, which opens diverse contracting opportunities for U.S. firms.
- This MOU indicates a strategic push to leverage U.S. government resources and technical assistance to reduce investment risks and enhance project viability, benefiting contractors with expertise in international development and infrastructure.
- Companies interested in expanding into African markets should evaluate how this framework aligns with their business development strategies and consider engaging with the involved U.S. agencies for partnership and financing support.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Information Technology
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Contracting Vehicles
**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=1790514685822) - ITA