We are very happy to report that the SSACC Business Delegation to Zambia April 16th - 19th was a great success!

Global companies such as ABB, Scania and Voith Hydro AB participated, also Confidere AB, Okapi Finance International AB, Safeman AB and Watersprint AB. In addition, Swedfund participated with a representative to investigate investment opportunities in Zambia, particularly in renewable energy, manufacturing and food processing. We were also happy to welcome Ambassador Bengt Carlsson from the Swedish MFA who joined the delegation.

The Delegation arrived at various times between the 15th and 16th of April. For those that had a full day in Lusaka on the 16th, B2B meetings were organized, and the official program began on the evening of the 16th with a welcome dinner at the Swedish Residence with invited guests from Zambian Industry.

On the 17th the Embassy of Sweden hosted a Business Seminar organized by SSACC in partnership with ZACCI. Nearly one hundred people attending the event, including Vice-Trade Minister Kayula Siame, Chairman of the Zambian Bankers Association, ZRA, ZDA, Standardization Office (ZBS), ICT Authority (ZICTA), other key Government officials, institutions and members of Zambian Industry, as well as media (TV / radio / newspapers). Two dinners were organized at the Swedish residence to further provide opportunities for strategic contact creation, exchange of knowledge and experience of doing business in Zambia and the opportunity to market Swedish solutions.

On the 18th, the Delegation had individualized full day programs of B2B meetings held at The Latitude 15, organized in partnership with ZACCI. During the course of the day each company had a total of 9 meetings, one every hour from 10:30 am to 18:30. The feedback we have received from the Delegates is that this kind of individualized program with concentration on B2B's/O's/G's is most valuable for them. In addition to the B2B's ABB and Voith Hydro met the Ministry of Energy and ABB also had the opportunity to meet the Ministry of Finance to look into the financing availabilities for power infrastructure projects.

The Delegation received national wide coverage, not only about the Swedish Businesses exploring opportunities in Zambia but also the long-term bilateral relationship between Sweden and Zambia. ZNBC, QTV and radio attended the Business Seminar on the 17th. 

In conclusion the business delegation's visit to Lusaka was undoubtedly successful. The companies have expressed satisfaction in the program layout and implementation, the relationships developed with Zambian business contacts as well as within the delegation. Several companies found potential Zambian partners and / or local representatives and significantly broadened their network of contacts in the country. They also gained insight into the political and economic situation that forms the basis of the complex business climate.

We are very grateful for the collaboration we have had with the Embassy of Zambia in Sweden, the Embassy of Sweden in Zambia and ZACCI. We look forward to deepening this collaboration with more activities in promoting trade and investment between Sweden and Zambia.

​Short but a great success! with many of the delegates looking forward to another trip to Zimbabwe with a longer program.

The Delegation consisted of ABB, Voith Hydro, Okapi Finance, Swedfund, Hand in Hand, Confidere AB and Ambassador Bengt Carlsson from the Africa Department at the Swedish MFA, lead by President of SSACC Åsa Jarskog.

The Delegation arrived in Harare on the 19th of April and went straight into B2B meetings at The Bronte Hotel organized by our partner ZNCC. A Business Seminar was then held in the afternoon at the Embassy of Sweden. More than 40 people participated in the seminar, including Honorable Mike Bimha, Secretary of State of the Treasury, Francis Gondo, representatives of the Zimbabwe Investment Authority, Zimtrade, Chamber of Mines and other key industry representatives.

The Business Seminar was followed by a welcome cocktail, hosted by the Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe at the Swedish Residence, over 88 people attained the cocktail, with great networking opportunities for the Delegation.

During the trip, the Delegation explored business and investment opportunities including sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, IT (payment solutions), social entrepreneurship and agriculture.

On the 20th of April, the Delegates participated in a full day of B2B's/O's/G's which SSACC organized in partnership with ZNCC based on the individual companies wishlists. We have received great feedback from the delegation on the program which was heavily individualized and B2B centers. 

The delegation's visit generated great attention in the Zimbabwean media. ZBC was present during the seminar, and features of the visit were reported in the nationwide news that evening. The visit also drew attention of the country's largest newspapers.


The key take away from the Delegation is the clear Swedish business interest in opportunities in Zimbabwe. From the organizers side, SSACC, ZNCC and the Swedish Embassy, the prospects of the follow up delegation are great, with the possibility of another delegation as early as October 2018.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the collaboration we have had with the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Sweden, the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe and ZNCC