# U.S. and Zambia Promote Commercial Projects

The United States and Zambia signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding on March 30, 2023, to promote U.S. private-sector participation in strategic commercial projects in Zambia. The framework spans agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, healthcare, digital services, tourism, education, and transportation, and identifies potential U.S. agency support and financing channels. It does not commit either government to funding or procurement, guarantee contract awards, or replace project-specific negotiations between businesses and the Zambian government. Activities are intended to continue for five years from signature, through approximately March 2028.

- U.S. companies can use the MOU as a framework for exploring Zambian projects, but should treat each opportunity as subject to separate commercial negotiations—not as an open solicitation or assured award.
- The MOU points to possible U.S. agency support and financing, while related programs include a $350 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact and USTDA project-preparation support; these are distinct from any funding commitment under the MOU.
- Procurement and business teams should identify specific projects, counterparties, and financing pathways in their target sectors and evaluate project terms directly with relevant Zambian counterparts.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Information Technology
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry of the Republic of Zambia
- U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)
- U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
- U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

### 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=1794665784327) - ITA