Zambia National Public Health Institute conducts Early Market Engagement for Construction and Equipping of Advanced Public Health Laboratory Complex

Wednesday, 18th February 2026 Press Statement

The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) conducted an Early Market Engagement (EME) with industry stakeholders ahead of the procurement process for the construction and equipping of a state-of-the-art Laboratory Complex in Chongwe.

The EME is an opportunity to exchange ideas, understand market capabilities, and refine the strategy before formal procurement begins. Today’s engagement forms part of the US$86 million Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing Project, which aims to strengthen continental and regional infectious disease detection and response systems.

**ZNPHI Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Regional Investment Financing Project (ACDCP) Project Coordinator, Dr Joseph Nikisi.**

Speaking during the engagement, ZNPHI Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Regional Investment Financing Project (ACDCP) Project Coordinator, Dr Joseph Nikisi said the initiative, supported through financing from the World Bank, is a continental effort designed to strengthen infectious disease detection and response systems across Africa.

(From right to left) Zambia National Public Health Institute Senior One Health Officer (Animal Health), Dr. Ricky Chazya, from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, hands over rabies drugs to Chongwe Municipal Authority District Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator, Dr. Francis Mwanza, in Chongwe.

“The project represents more than infrastructure development; it reflects a strategic investment in preparedness, innovation, and collective action to safeguard populations against emerging health threats. Today’s session, therefore, represents an important milestone in our procurement journey. It provides an open platform to share information about the planned Construction and Equipping of the ZNPHI Laboratory Complex, including high-containment biosafety facilities (BSL3), while also allowing us to listen to industry insights that can strengthen our approach,” he said.

The upcoming procurement involves the construction and full equipping of a modern laboratory complex comprising Biosafety Level 1, 2, and 3 laboratories (BSL-1, BSL2, ACL-2, and BSL-3), administrative spaces, a Proficiency Testing Panel Production

**Group Picture: Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) conducted an Early Market Engagement (EME)**

Centre, a Biomedical Equipment Maintenance Centre, as well as a Biobank and Nitrogen Plant. The tender is expected to be published in mid-2026.

Dr. Nikisi explained that EME is a key element of modern procurement under World Bank–financed operations with value more than USD 10 million. The procurement regulations emphasise that engagements with the market, such as meetings, workshops, or structured discussions with potential bidders, allow borrowers to understand industry capacity, refine technical requirements, and promote fair and transparent competition before formal bidding begins.

ZNPHI would like to thank the World Bank, Africa CDC, the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Health, and all stakeholders whose continued support makes this vision possible. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient public health system not only for Zambia, but for Africa as a whole.

About ZNPHI

The Zambia National Public Health Institute is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health responsible for disease surveillance, public health research, and emergency preparedness and response in Zambia.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Doreen Shempela,

Director, Public Health Policy Diplomacy and Communications (PHPDC) Doreen.Shempela@znphi.gov.zm