Deadline: 23-Mar-2026
The UNDP Zambia Supplier Development Programme (SDP) Training 2026 invites consultants, technical experts, and business development practitioners to express interest in a five-month training programme starting in May 2026 in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces. The programme aims to strengthen MSME competitiveness, improve local supplier participation in mining value chains, and build a stronger pool of professionals who can support enterprise upgrading and supplier development in Zambia.
What Is the UNDP Zambia SDP Training 2026?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zambia is inviting experienced professionals to join its Supplier Development Programme (SDP) Training.
This programme is designed to help consultants and technical experts build the skills needed to support MSMEs, improve supplier readiness, and strengthen connections between local businesses and large mining companies in Zambia.
Quick Overview
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Programme Name: Supplier Development Programme (SDP) Training 2026
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Organizer: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zambia
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Location: Copperbelt and North-Western provinces, Zambia
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Start Date: May 2026
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Duration: About 5 months
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Format: In-person training, field learning, and virtual mentoring
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Target Group: Consultants, technical experts, and MSME/business development practitioners
Why This Programme Matters
This programme helps local businesses become more competitive suppliers for Zambia’s mining sector.
Many MSMEs struggle to meet the standards required by large mining companies. Through this training, participants will learn how to support small businesses in areas such as:
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Supplier readiness
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Enterprise diagnostics
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Business upgrading
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Market access
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Procurement linkages
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Value chain participation
It also supports broader goals such as job creation, local economic growth, and stronger local supplier participation in mining value chains.
What Participants Will Learn
The training combines theory and practical application.
Participants will:
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Learn the six stages of the Supplier Development Programme methodology
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Conduct enterprise diagnostics and supplier assessments
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Work directly with pilot MSMEs
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Develop enterprise upgrading strategies
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Gain exposure to international best practices in supplier development
Training Format and Schedule
The programme will run for approximately five months and follows a blended learning format.
Training Includes:
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Three in-person training sessions
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Guided field assignments
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Virtual mentoring
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Online learning through a digital platform
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Final assessment and certification
Indicative Timeline:
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May 2026: First in-person session in the Copperbelt
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June 2026: Second in-person session in the North-Western Province
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July 2026: Third in-person session in the Copperbelt
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July–August 2026: Final assessment and certification
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is meant for professionals with experience in MSME development, supplier development, or value chain strengthening.
Eligible Profiles Include:
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Consultants
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Technical experts
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Business development practitioners
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Supplier development specialists
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Private sector development professionals
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Value chain and MSME support advisors
Preferred Experience:
Priority may be given to candidates with backgrounds in:
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Mining
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Procurement
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Supply chains
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Engineering services
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Manufacturing
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Industrial or enterprise development
Applicants with experience in enterprise diagnostics, supplier assessments, business upgrading, and mining supply chains are especially encouraged to apply.
How It Works
This is a practical training programme, not just a classroom course.
Process:
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Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
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Selected participants join the first in-person session in May 2026
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Complete field assignments and MSME diagnostics
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Attend the second and third in-person sessions
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Work with pilot MSMEs on upgrading strategies
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Receive virtual mentoring and online support
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Complete the final assessment and certification
How to Apply
The original announcement states that UNDP Zambia is inviting expressions of interest from qualified consultants and technical experts.
Although no direct deadline or application link is mentioned in the provided text, interested applicants should prepare a strong professional profile.
What to Prepare:
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Updated CV
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Short statement of interest
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Evidence of work with MSMEs, supplier development, or value chain programmes
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Relevant experience in mining, procurement, supply chains, engineering, or manufacturing
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Examples of enterprise diagnostics or business upgrading support
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To improve your chances, avoid these common mistakes:
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Submitting a generic CV without supplier development experience
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Failing to highlight MSME or value chain work
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Not showing experience in enterprise diagnostics
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Ignoring any relevant mining or industrial sector exposure
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Leaving out familiarity with Copperbelt or North-Western Province business ecosystems
FAQs
What is the UNDP Zambia Supplier Development Programme (SDP) Training 2026?
It is a professional training programme by UNDP Zambia for consultants and technical experts focused on MSME support, supplier development, and mining value chain integration.
Who can apply?
The programme targets consultants, technical specialists, business development practitioners, and MSME/value chain experts. Priority may be given to those with experience in mining, procurement, supply chains, manufacturing, or engineering services.
Where will the training take place?
The training will be delivered in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province and North-Western Province.
When does the programme start?
The programme is expected to start in May 2026.
How long is the training?
It will run for approximately five months, ending with final assessment and certification between July and August 2026.
Is the programme fully in-person?
No. It uses a blended format that includes in-person sessions, field assignments, virtual mentoring, and online learning.
Is there a certificate?
Yes. Participants are expected to complete a final assessment and certification process.
Conclusion
The UNDP Zambia Supplier Development Programme (SDP) Training 2026 is a strong opportunity for professionals working in MSME development, supplier upgrading, and mining-linked enterprise support.
If you have experience in supplier development, value chains, enterprise diagnostics, or private sector development, this programme can help you strengthen your expertise and play a bigger role in Zambia’s local supplier ecosystem.
For more information, visit UNDP.
