Access Holdings Pledges Support for Zambia’s Energy, Agric Sectors

Access Holdings Plc, has pledged its continued support for Zambia’s energy and agriculture sectors.

The Bank stated this during a courtesy visit and high-level discussion with Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, in Lusaka.

During the meeting, Hichilema noted that Zambia currently faces a power generation and transmission shortage, emphasising the need for increased investment following the recent open access reforms.

The President also highlighted the potential for banks to support other key sectors such as agriculture and digital transformation, which are central to Zambia’s growth strategy.

The chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, commended the Zambian government for its bold economic reforms, particularly in the energy sector.

He noted that these measures had created a conducive environment for strategic investments, unlocking new opportunities for growth. He said that “Access Holdings stands ready to finance transformative projects that will strengthen Zambia’s power generation, transmission, and distribution capacity. Our financing arrangements of up to $100 million are designed to catalyse development in sectors that matter most to the economy.”

The CEO of Access Bank Zambia, Lishala Situmbeko, revealed that the Bank was already partnering with IDC subsidiaries and is evaluating an investment of 450 million kwacha in critical infrastructure projects.

“With energy playing a pivotal role in enabling industrial growth, particularly in mining, where copper production is projected to hit one million metric tonnes by year-end, Access Holdings’ investments will help ensure a reliable power supply and drive broader economic expansion.

“Beyond energy, the group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zambia’s agriculture sector and advancing digital transformation, in line with the country’s growth agenda,” he stated.

The special assistant to the president for Finance and Investments, Jito Kayumba, and the president’s economic advisor, Pamela Nakamba, lauded Access Holdings’ proactive approach to expanding services and aligning investments with national priorities.

As a leading African financial services group, Access Holdings remains dedicated to supporting the Zambian government and private sector stakeholders in delivering sustainable economic impact.