Zambia is a multi-party democracy and provides a free market liberalized economic environment in a stable strife-free and multicultural society. The Zambian Government welcomes investors across sectors and the laws relating to investment provide investment incentives and protection, in order to attract increased investment and international trade, as well as increased domestic economic growth. The country's land-linked and central location in the region, as well as a combination of the following key strengths, makes it an ideal investment location: 1 Abundance of natural resources and manpower, which are highly under-utilized. 2 No Controls on prices, foreign exchange rates, free repatriation of debt repayments 3 Guarantees and security to investors 4 Duty Free Access to Regional, wider African and the USA markets under SADC, COMESA/FTA and AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) This session will present the economic overview of Zambia and opportunities it offers for foreign investors in various sectors

Southern Africa is rapidly emerging as a beacon of economic dynamism, enterprise and innovation. Southern African countries are increasingly identified with an appetite for reform and concrete steps for liberalising their economy and improving governance. Investment eco-systems and requirements vary across countries, but the potential for investment is huge in areas of mining, manufacturing, energy and power, agriculture & agro-processing, energy, including hydrocarbons & renewables, and transport & construction, among others. The emergence of the services sector is an unfolding story, offering huge opportunities in areas of financial services, management consultancy, education, skill development, health and tourism. In recent years, the region is getting top-level diplomatic attention from India with many two-way high-level visits and has seen increased investment by Indian companies. This session will take a big-picture view of multi-dimensional India-Southern Africa economic relations, identify opportunities for enhancing Indian engagement and investment and focus on addressing challenges and constraints

Southern Africa region is now seen as the next investment frontier, with many economies of the region, recording continuing high economic growth. The region is showing tangible results in improving its risk-reward performance, but despite the enormous investment potential. Against this backdrop, promoting sustainable and innovative financing is a prerequisite for changing the narrative to spur the economic transformation of the region. There are a host of structural and political reasons that account for the current financing gap in the region. Drawing on their larger experience of operating successfully in the continent, the Indian private sector and EXIM Bank can collaborate closely to address the financing gap. There is also a compelling case for enhanced coordination between pan-African DFIs like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and regional DFIs and agencies like Southern Africa Development Cooperation (SADC) and Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Infrastructure funding deficit in Africa is estimated to be between $87 billion to $112 billion annually, according to AfDB estimates. Southern Africa, despite its improving economic indicators, suffers from a massive infrastructure crunch, which also accounts for low foreign investment in this crucial sector. Bridging infrastructure gap is, therefore, central to enhanced economic growth, greater investment, job creation and inclusive prosperity. Infrastructure development is organically linked to strengthening the manufacturing sector. “Light up and Power Africa,” – achieving universal energy access and sustainable energy security have been identified by the African Development Bank as one of High 5s to unlock the potential of Africa’s economic transformation. The challenges are huge, but so are the opportunities as the region has massive potential in all forms of renewable energy, including hydropower, solar, wind and bio-fuels. With improving macro-economic fundamentals in most Southern African companies, there are more opportunities for Indian companies in providing cost-effective quality infrastructure to the region and spur manufacturing through value-addition.

Session Focus:   Dovetailing business promotion strategies with developmental goals of the region   Mapping framework for win-win business partnership between India & Southern Africa   Convergence of India’s Southern Africa Opportunity and Southern Africa’s India Opportunity   Sharing of business practices and development experiences   Harnessing trade and investment for promoting inclusive growth and people-centric development

Agriculture is one of the main drivers of Southern Africa’s economy. Raising agricultural productivity and boosting food-processing are, therefore, crucial to achieving food and nutrition security in the region. Transformation of agricultural eco-system is also a critical component of poverty reduction and promoting inclusive economic growth. Modernisation of the agriculture sector is sometimes inhibited due lack of information about new agricultural technologies and best practices, inadequate water management and under-developed linkages between farmers and markets. The improving macroeconomic environment, combined with growing demand and higher agricultural prices, are generating new opportunities for potential investors. This session will explore how Indian companies and technical institutions, with their proven strengths and experience in agriculture and upgrading food processing sector, can partner Southern African countries in enhancing productivity and transforming agricultural landscape in the region.

Africa’s population is set to increase to around 1.8 billion by 2035, with a marked increase in the Southern Africa region. The overwhelmingly young population in the region is also set to register a sharp increase. This will be a great potential to unlock economic growth and opens new opportunities for investment in interrelated areas of education, skill development and healthcare. The increasing share of services in the economy of Sub-Saharan Africa is an unfolding story, with robust projections for growth of services trade in the Southern Africa region. The services trade in the region, especially in transportation and logistics, travel, financial services, business and consultancy, is projected to increase dramatically in months and years to come. The rise in services trade in the region offers a spate of opportunities for trade diversification, growth, job creation and poverty reduction. Against this backdrop, this session will explore prospects of increasing Indian engagement and investment in a broad spectrum of services trade in education, skill development, ICT and healthcare.