The construction industry in Zambia is expected to grow by 3.9% in real terms this year, supported by the government’s investment in transport, energy, and manufacturing projects, coupled with investments as part of the latest Budget. Growth will also be driven by the government’s objective to raise copper production capacity to three million tonnes annually by 2031, compared to 825,000 metric tons in 2024. Achieving this would increase the mining sector’s GDP contribution from 12% in 2024 to 20% by 2031. In a positive development, copper production rose by 8%, increasing from 825,000 metric tonnes in 2024 to over 890,000 metric tonnes in 2025. The country is projected to produce over one million tonnes of copper in 2026, according to a government announcement in February 2026. Among the recent developments, in March 2026, Vedanta, an Indian mining company, announced their plans to invest ZMK37.2 billion ($1.5 billion) to increase the copper production capacity across the country. This plan aligns with the government’s target of reaching three million tons of copper production by 2031.
Over the remainder of the forecast period, the construction industry is expected to expand at an average annual rate of 4.5% during 2027-30, supported by investments in the development of transport, renewable energy, and mining construction projects coupled with National Energy Advancement and Transformation Program (NEAT), which targets to improve Zambia's electricity sector by 2033. In early April 2026, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has handed over 13 Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) permits valued at ZMK4.8 billion ($195 million), with the projects expected to create about 7,800 jobs as part of investment development in the Golden Baobab Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Kafue District. The investments span multiple sectors, including manufacturing, energy, transport, construction, and agro processing, forming an integrated industrial ecosystem aimed at boosting industrialisation and export competitiveness. The development is expected to positively impact the construction industry by increasing demand for industrial buildings, factories, transport infrastructure, utilities, and worker housing within and around the economic zone.
Over the remainder of the forecast period, the construction industry is expected to expand at an average annual rate of 4.5% during 2027-30, supported by investments in the development of transport, renewable energy, and mining construction projects coupled with National Energy Advancement and Transformation Program (NEAT), which targets to improve Zambia's electricity sector by 2033. In early April 2026, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has handed over 13 Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) permits valued at ZMK4.8 billion ($195 million), with the projects expected to create about 7,800 jobs as part of investment development in the Golden Baobab Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Kafue District. The investments span multiple sectors, including manufacturing, energy, transport, construction, and agro processing, forming an integrated industrial ecosystem aimed at boosting industrialisation and export competitiveness. The development is expected to positively impact the construction industry by increasing demand for industrial buildings, factories, transport infrastructure, utilities, and worker housing within and around the economic zone.
The Construction in Zambia - Country Briefing (H1 2026) report provides detailed market analysis, information, and insights into Zambia's construction industry, including:
- Zambia's construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity
- Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, as well as an analysis of key risks and opportunities in Zambia's construction industry
- Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, focusing on development stages and participants, in addition to listings of major projects in the pipeline.
Scope
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in Zambia. It provides:
- Historical (2021-2025) and forecast (2026-2030) valuations of the construction industry in Zambia, featuring details of key growth drivers.
- Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector
- Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline.
- Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants
Reasons to Buy
- Identify and evaluate market opportunities using our standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies
- Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts
- Understand the latest industry and market trends
- Formulate and validate business strategies using the analyst's critical and actionable insight
- Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures
- Evaluate competitive risk and success factors
