AgDevCo Injects US$10M into Hybrid for Major Poultry Expansion in Zambia
British impact investor AgDevCo has approved a US$10 million senior loan to Hybrid, one of Zambia’s leading integrated poultry producers, to finance the construction of a modern slaughterhouse aimed at boosting domestic supply and regional exports.
In a statement released on 2 October 2025, AgDevCo said the new facility will expand Hybrid’s processing capacity, helping meet Zambia’s growing poultry demand while supporting the country’s push for greater food self-sufficiency. Though details on plant capacity and construction timelines are yet to be disclosed, the project forms part of Hybrid’s strategy to increase efficiency and reduce reliance on imported poultry products.
Hybrid Chief Executive Officer Richard Keeley said the upcoming plant will be among the largest in the region once completed, positioning the company to serve both local consumers and neighbouring markets. “This state-of-the-art facility represents a major step forward, allowing us to respond to Zambia’s expanding demand and supply customers in Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Keely.
Zambia’s poultry industry has grown steadily in recent years but continues to face supply gaps. Between 2020 and 2024, the country imported an average of 42,520 tonnes of poultry meat annually, worth around US$22.2 million, according to Trade Map. The new plant is expected to cut these imports by enabling Hybrid to process more chicken locally.
Based in Lusaka, Hybrid already operates hatcheries, feed mills and poultry farms supplying major retailers and restaurants nationwide. The new slaughterhouse will further integrate its operations from feed production to meat processing, strengthening its competitiveness across the value chain. For AgDevCo, the investment supports its mission of backing agribusinesses that create sustainable jobs, market opportunities, and inclusive growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
The London-based firm manages about US$340 million in assets and has made more than 88 investments to date, targeting ventures that generate both economic returns and social impact for smallholder farmers and rural communities. By partnering with Hybrid, AgDevCo is reinforcing its presence in Zambia’s agrifood sector and contributing to the growth of a resilient, regionally competitive poultry industry.
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