Unlocking Prosperity Together: UN Zambia and Private Sector Unite for Zambia’s Sustainable Development

In continued efforts to enhance collaboration towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations (UN) System in Zambia in partnership with the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), brought together Zambia’s key business leaders from the private sector and UN agencies for a momentous first-ever engagement meeting, aimed at strengthening partnerships to support economic growth and sustainable development. 

The private sector, responsible for nearly 90% of employment in developing countries, plays a pivotal role not just in job creation and revenue generation, but also in driving innovation, infrastructure development, and investment—elements essential to achieving Zambia’s national development goals and the SDGs. 

Speaking at the event, UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali said that the UN was happy to engage with the private sector and explore potential areas for future partnerships.

“We see the private sector as a key partner for the UN in several areas, including the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, through its roles such as job creation, building skills, spurring innovation, providing essential infrastructure, and supplying affordable goods and services. These speak directly to some the 17 SDGs and are fundamental to the attainment of the SDGs by the target date of 2030. Private sector will further play a key role in promoting trade, particularly in the landlocked developing countries, like Zambia, where trade is more competitive due to their geographic isolation,” she said. 

This inaugural meeting came at a crucial time with initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Lobito Corridor presenting enormous opportunities for private sector involvement in regional trade and infrastructure. “One good area where the private sector could get the low hanging fruits is the on-going initiative of the Lobito Corridor,” Ms Mutali noted. The project, already drawing interest and funding from global partners, promises to transform regional connectivity and economic growth.

And ZACCI President Anthony Kabaghe said the SDGs are not just a global blueprint but a local imperative. He noted that Zambia like many nations faces pressing challenges that require actions beyond the government and the innovation, resources and agility of the private sector aligned with the UN expertise and reach. 

“ZACCI believes that businesses are catalysts for sustainable growth and pledges its full support to the alliance with the UN. Let this engagement mark the start of a bold action-oriented partnership, one where businesses thrive by lifting communities and the planet.  Today we can turn the SDGs from aspirations into achievements,” said Mr Kabaghe. 

This historic meeting marked the beginning of a new chapter in public-private cooperation, laying a solid foundation for long-term collaboration and collective impact and a reminder that the future of Zambia’s sustainable development is one of shared responsibility.