Lusaka – Zambia has received global recognition following the release of the G20 Leaders’ Declaration in South Africa, which highlighted the country’s status as one of the newest members of the Compact with Africa (CwA). The declaration commended reforms undertaken by Compact partners to strengthen the investment climate and enhance private-sector engagement.
The declaration also praised the South African G20 Presidency for launching the second phase of the Compact with Africa (2025–2033), supported by a World Bank multi-donor fund, aimed at further boosting sustainable investment in Africa.
Zambia joins Chad, Ghana, and Ethiopia as one of the four countries that have benefited from debt treatment under the Common Framework, a move designed to provide fiscal relief and enable strategic economic planning. The G20 declaration welcomed the progress achieved under the framework since its establishment five years ago, highlighting its role in enhancing debt sustainability and investment confidence.
However, the declaration also noted ongoing challenges for many low- and middle-income countries, including high financing costs, significant external refinancing needs, and outflows of private capital, which continue to constrain fiscal space and development capacity.
For Zambia, recognition under the Compact with Africa and the Common Framework reinforces the country’s commitment to investment-friendly reforms, fiscal responsibility, and economic resilience, while signaling opportunities for increased private-sector participation and long-term sustainable growth.
Experts say that these developments position Zambia to attract more foreign direct investment, strengthen investor confidence, and leverage international partnerships for economic transformation in the coming decade.
