World Bank Commits 45 Million Dollars to Fund 900 Zambian Cooperatives for Agribusiness Expansion

Discover how the World Bank’s 45 million dollar pledge is transforming 900 Zambian cooperatives through the ZATP II project for sustainable growth.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 10:36 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Lusaka Times

A Major Financial Lifeline for Local Production

The World Bank has solidified a significant commitment to the Zambian economy by pledging 45 million dollars to bolster 900 cooperatives through the Alliance Productive Programme. This initiative, managed under the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project II, aims to provide a substantial capital injection to small scale producers across the nation. According to Keith Kancheya, the ZATP Region Four Regional Facilitator, the project is designed to span five years and is scheduled to conclude in 2028. This move represents a strategic effort to formalize and scale up local production units into competitive market entities.

Strict Eligibility Requirements and Funding Timelines

Accessing the newly announced funds requires a disciplined financial commitment from the local cooperatives themselves. Mr. Kancheya noted that each successful applicant is eligible for a 50,000 dollar loan, which represents 60 percent of their total project budget. To qualify, the cooperatives are mandated to contribute the remaining 40 percent of the costs from their own resources. The window for these financial applications is narrow, with a strict deadline set for March 31, 2026. The administration has emphasized that the selection process is meritocratic rather than geographic, ensuring that districts with the most viable proposals receive the bulk of the funding.

Bridging the Gap Between Subsistence and Commercial Viability

The strategic intent behind the 45 million dollar fund extends beyond simple lending to include comprehensive technical support for participants. By targeting sectors ranging from traditional agriculture to specialized livestock production, the project seeks to ensure that these 900 cooperatives do not just survive but thrive in a competitive trade environment. Successful applicants will be guided through modern business practices to ensure their operations are consistently profitable. This approach suggests a shift toward more sustainable, business oriented cooperative models that can withstand shifts in the regional economy.