The once-sleepy district of Chibombo in Zambia, historically reliant on subsistence agriculture and small-scale trade, is undergoing a transformative evolution. The establishment of the Zambia Jiangxi Multi-Facility Economic Zone (ZJMFEZ) in 2018 has catalysed an economic renaissance, positioning Chibombo as an emerging centre of commercial activity and attracting significant interest from both local and foreign investors.
Situated strategically along the Great North Road, a key artery of Zambia’s infrastructure, the economic zone offers exceptional accessibility for trade and logistics, a feature that has proven pivotal in its appeal to investors. Managed by Jiangxi United Industrial Investment Limited, ZJMFEZ has successfully attracted substantial investments and launched various projects within its boundaries. To date, the zone has drawn in $70 million in investment across 11 projects, supported by both Zambian and Chinese capital, with four enterprises now operational and employing a local workforce of 280 people.
The economic uplift brought by ZJMFEZ has cascaded into Chibombo’s local economy, expanding opportunities for small traders who previously struggled to eke out a living in the region. The zone’s bustling activity has generated higher foot traffic, enabling these vendors to significantly enhance their income. For traders like Lydia Mboloma, a fruit and vegetable seller, the arrival of ZJMFEZ has been transformative. “Before the economic zone was set up, we struggled to make ends meet,” said Mboloma, who now reports her profits have tripled due to increased demand. Likewise, Mwape Mulenga, a maize vendor, notes that her daily sales have more than doubled since the zone’s inception, with employees from the economic zone providing a steady stream of customers.
While the zone’s primary focus lies in building an industrial value chain, ZJMFEZ’s management emphasises a commitment to community engagement. Ye Ji, the managing director of the zone, expressed intentions to invest in social initiatives to benefit Chibombo’s surrounding communities, underscoring the zone’s dedication to corporate social responsibility. “We aim to make Chibombo a prosperous district, not solely through economic growth but also by supporting its communities,” Ye stated, outlining plans for future social programmes in the district.
The ZJMFEZ represents a unique instance of how targeted investment and strategic geographic positioning can alter the economic landscape of a traditionally agrarian community. As the zone continues to expand, its impact on Chibombo’s economy and its residents’ livelihoods is likely to deepen, offering a sustainable blueprint for regional economic growth in Zambia.
