NCC CALLS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS TO BUILD LOCAL CAPACITY

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA, September 24, 2026 — The National Council for Construction (NCC) has called for Zambia’s infrastructure investments to deliver more than physical projects by creating local businesses, jobs, skills and technological capacity.

NCC Board Chairperson QS Collins Sitali says major infrastructure projects should leave the country with stronger Zambian contractors, engineers, artisans, suppliers and manufacturers capable of undertaking increasingly complex projects.

Speaking at the opening of the BuildZambia Conference and Expo 2026 in Lusaka, Mr Sitali said the construction industry should not merely execute projects but also contribute to building the wider economy.

He said inclusive infrastructure development must be reflected in who receives business opportunities, develops skills, supplies materials, owns construction companies and participates in major projects.

Mr Sitali, who spoke under the theme “Driving Inclusive Infrastructure Development for an Equitable Zambia,” said local participation should, however, be supported by competitiveness and professionalism.

“A Zambian contractor must be able to compete on quality, price, safety, delivery, technology, financial management and professionalism,” he said.

He said the long-term objective should not simply be to give local contractors projects, but to develop companies capable of winning and successfully delivering projects because of their capacity and expertise.

Mr Sitali called for improved access to affordable finance, equipment, predictable opportunities, timely payment, continuous training and genuine transfer of knowledge and technology.

He also urged construction companies to develop sustainable enterprises rather than businesses established only to pursue individual tenders.

Meanwhile, NCC Executive Director Prof. Paul L. K. Makasa said the Council's mandate goes beyond registering contractors.

Prof. Makasa said the NCC is responsible for regulating, promoting and building capacity within the construction industry.

He said the success of the Council should ultimately be measured by the number of capable, compliant and competitive Zambian construction enterprises developed.

“Registration must be the beginning of the journey, not its destination,” Prof. Makasa said.

He challenged participants at the conference to turn discussions into practical partnerships involving contractors, financiers, manufacturers, developers, suppliers and investors.

“Countries are not transformed by conferences. They are transformed by what people do after the conference,” he said.

And Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary Prof. Albert Malama said infrastructure development should be viewed as a tool for economic and social transformation.

Prof. Malama said roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, housing, energy, water and communication infrastructure should improve access to opportunities and contribute to better livelihoods.

He said inclusive infrastructure must benefit citizens across the country while creating opportunities for Zambian professionals and businesses to participate in the infrastructure value chain.

“A road must leave behind more than a road. It must leave behind skills, businesses, jobs, technology, stronger communities and, ultimately, a stronger Zambian construction industry,” Prof. Malama said.

He further called for infrastructure to be designed and constructed with climate resilience, accessibility and long-term maintenance in mind.

Meanwhile, Engineering Institution of Zambia Vice President for Policy, Public Relations and National Development Eng. Dr Chilala Kakoma Bowa said quality infrastructure begins with quality engineering.

Dr Bowa said professional competence, ethical practice, standards, continuous professional development and innovation were essential to delivering safe and durable infrastructure.

He said the engineering profession must also respond to climate change, rapid urbanisation, population growth and technological advancement.

The BuildZambia Conference and Expo 2026 has brought together Government, regulators, contractors, financiers, manufacturers, professional bodies, academics and other stakeholders to discuss infrastructure financing, local participation, technology, housing, climate resilience, safety and job creation.

The stakeholders are expected to use the conference to strengthen partnerships aimed at ensuring that Zambia's infrastructure development contributes to long-term economic growth and domestic construction industry capacity.