The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) will hold the 2025 National Economic Summit and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Livingstone from 11th to 12th September 2025.
The two-day event will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel under the theme “Repositioning Zambia’s Economy: Driving Resilient Growth through SMEs, Sustainable Financing, and Debt Sustainability.”
The summit will bring together government officials, private sector representatives, academia, civil society, and international development partners to discuss strategies for unlocking Zambia’s economic potential.
The agenda will focus on strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), improving access to sustainable financing, and ensuring long-term debt sustainability.
According to the organisers, MSMEs employ over 70% of Zambia’s workforce and contribute about 30% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making them central to job creation, innovation, and poverty reduction.
However, the sector continues to face challenges including limited financing, weak market linkages, and inadequate policy coordination.
EAZ emphasises that the summit will provide a platform for dialogue on policy reforms and the development of innovative financing models that can promote inclusive and resilient growth.
MSMEs and Zambia’s Economic Outlook
MSMEs are regarded as the backbone of Zambia’s economy but remain constrained by structural challenges. Strengthening the sector is seen as key to ensuring sustainable and equitable development.
At the same time, debt sustainability and access to sustainable financing remain critical priorities following the country’s debt restructuring efforts and macroeconomic stabilisation measures supported under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Credit Facility.
The summit will therefore focus on balancing fiscal stability with inclusive growth policies, while also addressing global economic uncertainties and climate-related risks.
