The Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) is a national direct access entity headquartered in Zambia. Established in 1972 as a Development Finance Institution by an Act of Parliament, DBZ is a joint venture involving the Government of the Republic of Zambia, public sector financial institutions, local private sector entities, and foreign bilateral and multilateral institutions. At its inception, the Zambian Government and public sector financial Institutions held 90 percent of the shares as class 'A' shareholders, while the remaining 10 percent was held by class 'B' shareholders.

DBZ envisions itself as a leading institution in development finance within Zambia, aiming to shape the environment for access to finance for development. The institution focuses on providing innovative, tailor-made financing solutions, advisory, and technical support to local enterprises. In line with its mandate, DBZ mobilizes both domestic and foreign capital to make investments that stimulate economic growth, productivity, wealth creation, employment, and citizen economic empowerment. The bank has played a crucial role in supporting the Government of Zambia's economic development strategies, encompassing growth, wealth and job creation, poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and improved service delivery.

The enabling legislation outlines DBZ's mandate, including providing long, medium, and short-term finance, equity investments, technical assistance, advisory services, and assisting in obtaining and placing foreign investment. The bank is empowered to borrow funds, buy and sell securities, study and promote investment opportunities, and undertake all other matters incidental to or connected with its mandate.

Together with GCF, DBZ intends to propose projects such as: on-grid electricity generation: biomass combustion, geothermal power, wind energy, biomass wastewater, photovoltaic utility and waste landfilling; off-grid electricity generation: small-scale hydropower, solar photovoltaic energy, biomass gasification, biogas digester and small wind turbines; energy efficiency: energy management systems, household appliances, energy efficiency standards and demand side management.