CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – IRRIGATION SYSTEM SUPPORT
PROPOSALS TO UNDERTAKE BUSINESS INVESTMENTS WITH FUNDING FROM THE CITIZENS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FUND (CEEF) FOR THE YEAR 2025
In line with the Government agenda to boost production of maize to 10 million metric tons by 2027 and resilience among smallholder and emerging farmers, specifically in RURAL DISTRICTS OF ZAMBIA ONLY, the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) is rolling out a targeted Irrigation System Support Initiative under the Agricultural Mechanisation Empowerment Programme.
The Commission (CEEC) is hereby inviting targeted citizens and business-oriented groups such as cooperatives to apply for the following affordable and easily accessible loan empowerment products:
| S/N | Loan Product | Loan Product Specification | Loan Threshold | Loan Conditions |
| 1 | Irrigation System Support and Inputs | Irrigation System Support | Limits based on Hectarage 1Ha = K50,000 5Ha = K165,000 10Ha = K325,000 20Ha = K550,000 | Maximum 3 years loan tenure at 12% interest rate per annum |
| 2 | Energy Solar Equipment | Load Shedding Mitigation Solutions | Limits based on Hectarage 1Ha = K100,000 5Ha = K250,000 10Ha = k400,000 20 Ha = k500,000 | Maximum 3 years loan tenure at 12% interest rate per annum |
| 3 | Small Hand Tractors | Agricultural Mechanization | Not exceeding K60,000 | Maximum 3 years loan tenure at 12% interest rate per annum |
Crops and Production Focus
The concept is open and flexible for cultivation of using drip irrigation system of:
- Maize
- Cabbage
- Tomato
- Onion
- Other horticultural crops
Support Package
Eligible beneficiaries will receive a comprehensive input package based on need that may include:
- Drip irrigation systems
- Borehole installation (applicable only to areas without direct access to water)
- Seed and fertilisers
- Labour support
- Handheld tractors
- Solar equipment power units (where applicable)
Location, Land and Size
- Supported range from 1 hectare to 20 hectares
- The program is STRICTLY RURAL FOCUSED to address agricultural disparities and unlock untapped production and productivity
- This means that Provincial centres are excluded
ELIGIBILITY AND PRIORITY
The support will be prioritised for:
- Fully Funded Agriculture Mechanisation Projects not in default on their CEEC loan obligations irrespective of location
- Youths (not more than 35 years old) are permitted to use parental land
- Applicants may add quotations for solar equipment and handheld tractors to their applications if need be
- Evidence of experience will be an added advantage
- Farmers with access to perineal water bodies e.g. rivers, dams, lakes
- Know Your Customer (KYC)
- Full KYC will be required
- Including letters of recommendation from parents, traditional and civic leaders
- All loans will require guarantees
- These letters and guarantees will require confirmation by Provincial Team
- Should have experience in farming
- May use Secondary Collateral.
All these projects must have active engagement and demonstrated capacity for productive use of irrigation systems.
- Applicants with defaulting CEEC loans are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply for these advertised Empowerment Products until they repay their loan(s) fully.
- Applicants will be required to provide an active bank account in the applicant’s name.
- Applications from people living with disabilities will be required to submit through the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD).
- Cash Flow Statements for 3 years will be required to be submitted along with the application form.
- All other duly completed application forms may be submitted at the nearest CEEC Provincial Offices for processing by the closing date.
All loans will require security in the form of landed property (third party guarantees will be accepted)
ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
- Download Application forms
here
, or visit our CEEC Provincial Offices and District Commissioners’ Offices countrywide. - Applications that do not follow the stated format will not be accepted.
- Clients who would not have heard from the commission by 4 July 2025 should consider their application unsuccessful.
DEADLINE extended to Friday 27 June 2025
In line with Government’s policy, CEEC prioritises and encourages the participation of the youth, women and persons with disabilities.
For more details, visit www.ceec.org.zm or the CEEC Head Office and CEEC Provincial Offices countrywide.
Charles Muwe Mungule, PhD
Director General
CITIZENS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT COMMISSION
