Adaptive Learning Facilitates Localization in Zambia

The USAID Business Enabling Project (implemented in Zambia) is designed to catalyze inclusive private sector investment and trade in rural Zambia by facilitating evidence-based public-private dialogue, strengthening select public and private sector institutions, and streamlining policies and processes. With a sectoral focus in agriculture, energy, eco-tourism, and trade, the USAID Business Enabling Project champions reforms that enable enterprises in these sectors—especially women-led businesses and those in rural areas—to participate fully in Zambia’s economic development. 

Ingrained in the project’s design is the direct participation and facilitation of local businesses to deliver the Project’s objectives in line with USAID’s localization efforts. Recognizing the significant local expertise available in Zambia, the Project prioritizes awarding subcontracts to Zambian firms with the goal of strengthening their operational capacities to easily take on USAID work in the future. During Project inception, the team recognized through engagements with potential local firms that certain subcontract application requirements inhibited their interest in applying for work under the Project. The team collaborated closely with USAID and local experts to define requirements that upheld procurement principles while opening the door to more local expertise and adapted its application requirements in response to lessons learned. The result is a more flexible process which values local technical expertise and enables increased participation in calls for expertise while maintaining a transparent and compliant procurement process.