By JAMES MUYANWA –

INVESTOR confidence in the Zambian economy has continued soaring as evidenced by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) recording rise in investment prospects and inquiries.
This is despite some challenges, like load-shedding and the poor performance of the local currency which the country has recorded in the last few months.
Amid the apparent grumbles from some local people, the foreign investors are seemingly viewing the current challenges as a transitory setback which will change in no time.
ZDA director general, Patrick Chisanga said the investor confidence in Zambia remained robust and growing, despite the economic impediments the country was currently facing.
Mr Chisanga said this in Lusaka on Tuesday evening when he officiated at the launch of PKF Zambia Chartered Accountants, formerly Moores Rowland Zambia.
The investor community is seemingly upbeat about the future economic outlook of the southern African country.
“Since the beginning of the second quarter of this year, we at  ZDA are continuously receiving a flood of new investment prospects and enquiries in various sectors of the economy including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, tourism and mining,” he said.
This year alone, the agency has received business delegations from France, South Korea, Italy, Germany, Japan, and South Africa.
The Zambian Government has, over the last 15 years, created an attractive investment climate in the country.
He said Zambia is firmly on a growth path and is setting new standards for Africa as a preferred investment destination.
Mr Chisanga said against all odds, the country’s projected annual growth rate of about five per cent for 2016 was attainable and sustainable but that investors should keep pace with that growth rate.
He said many renowned international organisations, like the World Bank, have ranked the Zambian economy highly, while the foreign investors have continued flocking to Zambia.
“This is clearly a reflection of high investor confidence in our country,” Mr Chisanga said amid applause from the audience.
He challenged PKF Zambia to help emerging Zambian companies to run their business professionally, efficiently and profitably.
This is in the wake of many large and growing startup companies operated by Zambians which after starting well collapse on account of lack of access to professional accounting and financial management services.