Growth Investment Partners (GIP) announced US$5 mil investment in Boxpack Zambia Limited

Growth Investment Partners (GIP) Zambia, officially launched by Zambia’s Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema on 15 July 2025, is pleased to announce its first major investment in Boxpack Zambia Limited, marking a significant step in its mission to unlock access to finance for the Zambian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

This inaugural investment is a USD 5 million, seven-year royalty funding which will enable Boxpack, a family-owned manufacturer of corrugated carton boxes and paper-based packaging materials, to acquire a new production line and triple its monthly output from 600 to 1,800 tonnes. This expansion will help meet Zambia’s growing packaging needs while reducing reliance on imported materials.

Founded in 2009, Boxpack Zambia has built a strong reputation as a reliable supplier to fast-moving consumer goods companies in Zambia. Operating out of its Lusaka facility, the company plays a vital role in supporting supply chains in agriculture, food processing, and retail stores.

Zambia’s packaging industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with demand for carton box packaging growing annually. This growth is driven by urbanisation, population growth, the expansion of e-commerce, and new sustainability regulations favouring recyclable paper-based materials over plastic. However, local production capacity remains insufficient to meet the rising demand, forcing many businesses to rely on costly imports.

GIP Zambia’s investment will bridge this supply gap by funding the procurement and installation of a new production line, enabling Boxpack to scale its operations and meet increasing demand. The investment also demonstrates the potential of Zambian manufacturing businesses to serve local market needs.

GIP Zambia’s innovative royalty funding structure partly ties returns to Boxpack’s revenue performance rather than requiring full fixed-debt repayments or equity dilution. This allows the founding family to retain ownership and control while accessing growth capital. The facility includes a 12-month moratorium on principal repayments, giving the company time to implement the expansion before repayments commence.