IFC Commends Zambia’s Strategic Economic Positioning

By Sharon Siame Public Private Dialogue Forum PPDF Health Technical Working Group Co-Chair Shalein Desai has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for his visionary leadership in transforming the country's national development through the establishment of the Forum. Dr. DESAI notes that this is the first time the Private sector has been given its rightful place as the primary engine of economic development in Zambia. He says the setting up of the PPDF by President Hichilema has given the private sector a front-roll seat in Zambia's economic agenda. Speaking during the 2026 Mid-year Private Sector Day in Lusaka today, Dr. DESAI said the government cannot employ every citizen or fund every industry and that the true responsibility of the Government is to act as an enabler. And, International Finance Corporation IFC Country Manager Madalo Minofu commended the Government for conveying the Dialogue platform at a time of significant economic opportunity and strategic positioning in the region. Meanwhile, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said that the public service has a central role in enabling private sector-driven government. Speaking during the same event, Zambia Sugar Chief Executive Officer Oswald Mangwenzi said the Company sees great opportunities in Zambia and attributed its success to the enabling economic environment created by President Hichilema's leadership. And Globeleq Zambia Chief Executive Officer Edouard Wenselaers stressed the critical role of reliable, affordable and sustainable power in driving Zambia's economic growth. #PPDF #ShaleinDesai #PatrickKangwa #MadaloMinofu #OswaldMangwenzi #EdouardWenselaers #PrivateSectorDay #EconomicGrowth #ZNBCNews