This project, aimed at boosting agricultural production in Zambia by improving the availability and use of fertilizer, will have a major impact on the Zambian economy both during its development and after its completion in 2027.
The Zambia Fertiliser Project, promoted by the Zambian government through its Ministry of Agriculture, will be a major step forward for the country's economy and employment. Started in 2023, this project is expected to generate between 5000 and 10 000 jobs during its implementation, and increase the country’s crop yields by 30 - 50% over its duration until 2027.
Sarens has been directly involved in this project since November 2024, bringing its market knowledge in the region and its machinery to carry out critical lifting and transport manoeuvres for the project. The company has dedicated a Terex Demag CC2800-1 crane, equipped with an S7 boom system and 300 t of superlift ballast to meet the needs of the project. As work progresses, this crane will be reconfigured to an HSWSL_S7 setup (84 m main boom + 54 m luffing jib).
Sarens will be involved in the hoisting of materials of strategic importance for the development of the project, such as compressors, tanks, columns, furnaces, hoppers, drums, filter presses, and modules, with the longest column reaching 80 m and the heaviest lift at 250 t. All this while considering the demanding requirements in terms of occupational risk prevention and safety, and ensuring maximum coordination between teams working in both English and Chinese.
From its start in 2023 until its completion in 2027, this project will have a significant impact on agriculture, which will allow Zambia to mitigate the challenges related to food security that the country has faced in recent years. In addition, improved access to higher quality fertilizer will be a major step forward for farmers, who will be able to adopt more sustainable and efficient farming practices, which in turn will contribute to a significant improvement in the country's gross domestic product.
Tim Biesemans, Sarens Regional Director-Southern Africa, said: “Sarens has been known throughout its history for its clear support for the communities in which it operates. We are proud to be able to bring our experience gained in Zambia, since our arrival in 2018, to the development of projects that have a real impact on the lives of citizens, such as this Zambia Fertiliser Project. We look forward to continuing to contribute our resources, especially local resources, to the improvement of employment and the economy in Zambia in strategic projects such as this one.”