THE Zambian government has launched a rural and agricultural finance and strategy aimed at unlocking investment, strengthening food security and inclusive growth across the country. The Rural and Agricultural Finance Strategy (RAFS) 2025–2030, is a national framework aimed at expanding access to finance in rural communities, strengthening agricultural productivity, enhancing climate resilience, and accelerating inclusive economic growth.
Launching the Strategy in Lusaka on Thursday, June 19, 2026, the Secretary to the Treasury Mr. Felix Nkulukusa described the initiative as a major milestone in Zambia’s development agenda and a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to reducing poverty, strengthening food security, promoting financial inclusion, and creating opportunities for farmers, rural entrepreneurs, women, and young people.
Mr. Nkulukusa said the Strategy represents more than the launch of a policy document, “rather, it establishes a national platform for transforming access to finance in rural Zambia through stronger partnerships, innovation, and coordinated implementation.”
He noted that agriculture remains one of the most important pillars of Zambia’s economy, providing livelihoods for the majority of citizens while contributing significantly to employment, food security, and economic growth. However, limited access to affordable and sustainable financial services continues to constrain investment, productivity, commercialisation, and wealth creation across the sector.
The Secretary to the Treasury emphasised that expanding access to rural and agricultural finance is both an economic and social imperative. He explained that increased access to finance enables investment, boosts productivity, raises incomes, stimulates business growth, creates jobs, and contributes to poverty reduction.
Mr. Nkulukusa said the Rural and Agricultural Finance Strategy seeks to address longstanding structural barriers through innovative financial products tailored to farmers and rural enterprises, expanded digital financial services, strengthened agricultural value-chain financing, improved agricultural insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms, and enhanced financial literacy and consumer protection.
He further stressed that inclusion remains central to the Strategy, particularly for women, youth, and underserved populations. He noted that Zambia’s future agricultural competitiveness will depend significantly on attracting and supporting a new generation of entrepreneurs who view agriculture as a viable business and pathway to prosperity.