Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) is a Development Finance Institution (DFI) that was established in 1972 by an Act of Parliament, as a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Public Sector Financial Institutions, local private sector and foreign bilateral and multilateral institutions. At inception, the Zambian Government and Public Sector financial Institutions constituted the class ‘A’ shareholders and held 90 percent of the shares while the balance of 10 percent was held by the class ‘B’ shareholders.

According to the enabling Legislation, the mandate of DBZ is as follows:

a) to make available long, medium and short-term finance and equity investment for economic development;

b) to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the purpose of promoting economic development and, at the discretion of the Board, to charge fees for such services;

c) to assist in obtaining and placing foreign investment for the purpose of promoting economic development;

d) to administer on such terms and conditions as may be approved by the Board such special funds as may from time to time be placed at the disposal of the Bank;

e) to borrow funds in Zambia and elsewhere;

f) to buy and sell securities, including securities which the Bank has issued or guaranteed;

g) to study and promote investment opportunities; and

h) to do all other matters and things incidental to or connected with the foregoing.

2. To deliver on its mandate, according to the enabling Legislation, the Bank may, in accordance with its business and development plans, provide borrowers with capital and other resources for investment in economic undertakings and activities for, or relating to (a) the creation of infrastructure; (b) the production of goods or services; (c) the creation of employment; or (d) such other economic undertakings or activities as the Board may determine from time to time. The law empowers the Bank to borrow money or other assets required by it for the purpose of meeting any of its obligations or discharging its functions.

3. The Mission of the Bank is to provide to the industrial and commercial sectors of the economy efficient and cost-effective financial products and services to enhance economic activities and foster positive development outcomes for the country. The Bank’s products and services have, over the years, included Project Finance; Trade Finance; Leasing Finance; Bonds and Guarantees; Business Advisory Services; Working Capital Loans; and Equity Financing. The Bank has undergone three significant strategic reorganizations in 2002, 2011 and 2014, which aimed to improve its operational efficiency. In spite of these efforts, the Bank’s performance has remained weak.