Call for Expression of Interest for the Supplier Development Programme — UNDP Zambia

TO PARTICIPATE IN THE UNDP SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TRAINING IN THE COPPERBELT / ZAMBIA

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zambia is inviting consultants and technical experts to express their interest in participating in the Supplier Development Programme (SDP) Training, to be delivered in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces beginning in May 2026.

The programme aims to build a pool of accredited consultants capable of supporting the development and upgrading of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within Zambia’s mining supply chains. Through this initiative, UNDP seeks to strengthen local productive capacities, enhance supplier competitiveness, and expand market opportunities for local enterprises linked to large anchor mining operations.

The Supplier Development Programme is part of UNDP’s broader work to strengthen MSMEs through business development services, skills development, market access and improved linkages with larger buyers. Using UNDP’s Supplier Development Methodology, the programme connects small-scale suppliers to local and regional markets while supporting enterprise upgrading, innovation and job creation.

Following the successful delivery of the first SDP training cohort in 2025, UNDP is expanding the initiative to support a pilot supplier development intervention in the Copperbelt, particularly with Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining operators and Women in Mining suppliers. The programme also responds to growing demand from mining companies and public institutions seeking to strengthen local content participation in mining value chains.

The training will run over approximately five months, combining in-person sessions with field-based learning and virtual mentoring.

The training will combine three in-person sessions with guided field assignments and virtual mentoring through a digital learning platform.

The programme is designed for experienced consultants, business development practitioners and technical spe