By Ayomide Otitoju
Access Holdings PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting Zambia’s energy and agriculture sectors, following a high-level meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House, Lusaka.
President Hichilema acknowledged the country’s current shortfall in power generation and transmission, stressing the need for greater investment following recent open access reforms. He also identified agriculture and digital transformation as critical growth drivers, urging stronger private-sector participation.
Access Holdings Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, praised the Zambian government’s economic reforms, particularly in the energy sector, which he said had created a favourable climate for strategic investment. He announced that the group was prepared to finance up to $100 million in transformative projects to expand Zambia’s power generation, transmission, and distribution capacity.
Lishala Situmbeko, CEO of Access Bank Zambia, disclosed that the bank was already working with Industrial Development Corporation subsidiaries and considering an investment of 450 million kwacha in key infrastructure projects. With energy seen as vital to industrial growth — particularly in mining, where copper output is expected to reach 1 million metric tonnes by year-end — the group’s investments aim to strengthen supply reliability and spur economic expansion.
Beyond energy, Access Holdings pledged continued support for Zambia’s agricultural sector and digital transformation agenda. Senior presidential aides, including Special Assistant for Finance and Investments, Jito Kayumba, and Economic Advisor, Pamela Nakamba, commended the group’s proactive alignment with national priorities.
As one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, Access Holdings said it will continue partnering with the Zambian government and private sector to deliver sustainable economic impact.
