By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Southern Province is rapidly positioning itself as one of Zambia’s most attractive investment destinations, driven largely by the strength and potential of its agricultural sector to spur growth, create jobs, and transform the economy.
Situated along Zambia’s southern corridor, the Province is richly endowed with major water bodies, including the Zambezi and Kafue Rivers and the Kariba Dam. These resources are vital for sustaining both crop and livestock production, offering year-round irrigation for high-value crops such as coffee, wheat, maize, and sugarcane. This capacity supports consistent output and reinforces national food security.
Data from the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) shows that Southern Province accounts for about 18 percent of Zambia’s total maize production, highlighting its critical role in the country’s food supply chain.
Beyond crop farming, the Province’s extensive swamps and natural pastures provide ideal conditions for livestock production, particularly cattle rearing and dairy farming. Its strategic location—bordering Namibia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa—also gives it direct access to both domestic and regional markets, enhancing trade prospects and strengthening Zambia’s position within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) agricultural trade network.
Speaking in an interview, Agricultural Economist Jerevas Tembo underscored the Province’s competitive advantages and encouraged both local and foreign investors to tap into its natural resource base and favorable climate.
Mr. Tembo noted that the availability of water and vast grazing land supports sustainable livestock development, helping to meet Zambia’s rising demand for meat and milk while opening opportunities for beef and dairy exports.
He further pointed out that Southern Province holds strong prospects for agro-processing, particularly in maize milling, oilseed processing, dairy, and meat production.
With ample raw materials and reliable access to water for industrial use, the region presents a conducive environment for value addition. Such investments are expected to stimulate employment, strengthen rural economies, and contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In addition to agriculture and industry, the Province’s scenic landscapes and deep-rooted farming traditions offer growing opportunities for agro-tourism. This emerging sector is expected to attract foreign visitors interested in rural experiences, farm tours, and sustainable farming practices, generating foreign exchange and government revenue.
“The Southern Province is more than just Zambia’s breadbasket. It is a region with untapped potential to drive national development through sustainable agriculture, agro-processing, and tourism,” Mr. Tembo noted.
With government policies prioritizing agricultural development and food security, Southern Province is increasingly viewed as a key engine of Zambia’s future economic growth.
From the perspective of the Buy Zambia (BuyZed) Campaign, the Province’s blend of agricultural productivity and energy generation further reinforces its national importance.
Campaign Founder Evans Ng’oma described Southern Province as a hub of economic activity.
“Two key sectors that stand out in the province are agriculture, particularly beef production, and energy generation.
The province is renowned for it’s high-quality beef, which is supplied to various parts of Zambia and beyond,” Mr. Ng’oma stated.
He said the Province’s climate and grazing land make it ideal for cattle ranching, sustaining a vibrant livestock industry, adding that beef from the region is not only a household staple but also a crucial source of income for farmers and communities.
“In addition to its agricultural prowess, Southern Province is also home to critical energy infrastructure that drives Zambia’s industries. The Kariba North Bank and Maamba Energy power generation points are significant contributors to the country’s energy mix, providing electricity that powers industries, businesses, and homes.”
“These power generation facilities play a vital role in supporting Zambia’s economic growth, enabling the country to harness it’s natural resources and promote industrial development,” he said.
Agriculture Climate Action Foundation (ACAF) Executive Director Dr. Oliver Bulaya also emphasized the Province’s resilience and potential, particularly amid climate change challenges.
“We have seen a number of livestock in that region. Due to the challenges of climate change, this is why you have seen some people migrating to other regions with good rainfall. I believe that Southern Province still stands out with appropriate farming technologies that can encourage farmers to invest in the region,” Dr. Bulaya added.
Overall, Southern Province remains central to Zambia’s agricultural landscape, making substantial contributions to food security, economic growth, and rural development.
Its opportunities across agriculture, agro-processing, energy, and tourism position it as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term prosperity.
For local farmers like Abigail Mwiinga of Choma, the transformation is already tangible. “With irrigation support and better markets, we are now harvesting twice a year. Investors coming here are not just building industries — they are changing lives,” she shared.
With fertile land, renewable energy resources, strategic access to regional markets, and strong government backing, Southern Province is poised to drive Zambia’s next phase of inclusive and sustainable growth, emerging as a true beacon of opportunity in Southern Africa.
