• EIB and ZICB to mobilize €30M for Zambian agribusiness SMEs
• 30% of funds reserved for women-led enterprises; €4M risk-sharing included
• Initiative expands EIB’s €1B investment in Zambia since 1978

EIB Global, the international arm of the European Investment Bank, has partnered with the Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB). The two institutions plan to mobilize €30 million ($35 million) for small and medium-sized enterprises in the agricultural sector, the EIB said in a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025.

The funding aims to expand access to finance for agribusiness SMEs, especially those working with smallholder farmers. At least 30 percent of the facility will be allocated to women-owned or women-led businesses, an important measure in a country where nearly half of female entrepreneurs say access to finance is a major constraint.

The package includes a €4 million risk-sharing facility funded by the European Commission. The tool is intended to encourage ZICB to increase lending to SMEs while limiting the bank’s exposure to climate-related and economic risks.

“Supporting the growth of agribusiness SMEs and smallholder farmers through this financing mechanism will enable Zambia to consolidate progress in the agriculture sector,” said ZICB CEO Ngenda Nyambe.

The new facility builds on the EIB’s support for Zambia’s agricultural sector. Previous commitments include a $110 million credit line extended to ETC Group for logistics and infrastructure development.

Since 1978, the EIB has invested more than €1 billion in Zambia, supporting projects in energy, transport, water and SME development.

SG