The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has officially announced the 2026 Call for Applications for funding under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Fund (CEEF). This national initiative is designed to stimulate economic growth, promote entrepreneurship, and advance socioeconomic development across Zambia. Targeted citizens, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, and eligible institutions are invited to submit proposals for business investment projects scheduled for implementation in 2026. The deadline for submission has been extended to 27 February 2026. Purpose of the 2026 Empowerment Products The funding initiative seeks to: Strengthen citizen-led business participation Promote sustainable enterprise development Expand job creation opportunities Encourage inclusive economic growth Enhance productivity across key economic sectors The Commission prioritises youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), in line with government policy on inclusive empowerment. Available Empowerment Loan Products Applicants may apply under the following 24 empowerment product categories: Presidential Irrigation System Support Loan Product Agricultural Mechanisation and Production Loan Product Small Sized Hammer Mills Loan Product Fish Cage Farming Loan Product (Luapula, Western & Southern Provinces) Block Making Loan Product Fish Hatcheries Loan Product (Luapula, Western & Southern Provinces) Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Loan Product Alternative Energy Solutions Loan Product (including Presidential Rooftop Initiative) Manufacturing (including Packaging) Loan Product Azimai – Women’s Loan Product Marketeer Booster Reloaded Cooperative Model Loan Product Busulu Youth Loan Product (via Imisepela Platform once operational) Media and Creative Industries Loan Product Construction and Infrastructure Loan Product Transport Loan Product Horticulture Loan Product (Fruits and Crops through Cooperatives in Lusaka and Ndola) Annual MSME Presidential Awards Trade Finance (Short-term Loan Financing) Agro Processing and Cold Storage Loan Product Loan Product for Higher Education Institutions Graduate Loan Product Borehole Drilling Equipment Loan Product Tourism Loan Product Waste Collection and Recycling Loan Product These products span agriculture, manufacturing, mining, energy, infrastructure, tourism, education, and environmental sustainability sectors. Application Modes The Commission offers two convenient submission options for 2026: Online Applications via www.ceec.org.zm (Empowerment Plus System) Physical (Hard Copy) Applications submitted through: CEEC Provincial Offices District Cooperative Offices under the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Applicants must ensure that proposals are fully completed and submitted according to the designated guidelines. Important Submission Requirements To ensure eligibility and proper processing, applicants must: Follow the correct submission method for the selected loan product Submit complete and accurate documentation Ensure no adverse CRB (Credit Reference Bureau) reports exist in the name of the applicant, enterprise, or directors Provide confirmation of salary deductions (for salaried employees) through respective employers Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered. Eligibility & Prioritisation The CEEC encourages participation from: Youth entrepreneurs Women-led enterprises Persons with disabilities (PWDs) Cooperatives and MSMEs Citizens seeking to scale sustainable businesses This call aligns with Zambia’s national empowerment agenda and supports citizen-driven economic transformation. About the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) is a corporate body established under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act No. 9 of 2006. The Commission’s mandate is to promote broad-based and inclusive economic participation of Zambian citizens. Through structured financial products, capacity-building initiatives, and targeted funding mechanisms, CEEC continues to strengthen local enterprise development nationwide. Applicants are encouraged to visit the official website or consult their nearest provincial office for detailed product guidelines and application specifications. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute submission challenges. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the funding. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.