Sarens Teams up with the Zambia Fertilizer Project
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 25, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
30-Second Takeaway
The Zambia Fertilizer Project is set to transform the country’s agricultural and economic landscape, creating thousands of jobs and significantly boosting crop yields by 2027. Sarens is playing a critical role in delivering this nationally significant project by providing heavy lifting and engineered transport solutions, deploying a high-capacity Terex Demag CC2800 crawler crane to support the installation of major plant components. Through its local presence, technical expertise, and commitment to safety, Sarens is helping lay the foundation for long-term food security and sustainable industrial growth in Zambia.
The Zambia Fertilizer Project is expected to create over 5,000 job opportunities and enhance
local crop yields by more than 30% in conjunction with Sarens .
The Zambia Fertilizer Project is designed to enhance agricultural production by improving the availability and utilization of fertilizer, thereby significantly impacting the Zambian economy during its development and continuing after its anticipated completion in 2027.
Sarens has positioned itself as a pivotal contributor to this industrial advancement by delivering essential lifting and transportation solutions for the construction of the facility. Utilizing its extensive international experience, Sarens has deployed a Terex Demag CC2800 crane, which is capable of hoisting materials such as compressors, tanks, columns, and furnaces, reaching heights of up to 80 meters and weighing as much as 250 tons.
Promoted by the Zambian government through its Ministry of Agriculture, the Zambia Fertilizer Project represents a significant advancement for the country's economy and employment landscape. Initiated in 2023, this initiative aims to enhance agricultural output by increasing the availability and efficient use of fertilizer. It is projected to create between 5,000 and 10,000 jobs throughout its implementation and to boost crop yields by 30-50% by 2027.
Since November 2024, Sarens, a global leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, has been actively engaged in this project, leveraging its extensive market knowledge and machinery to execute crucial lifting and transport operations. The company has dedicated a Terex Demag CC2800-1 crane, outfitted with an S7 boom system and 300 tons of super lift ballast, to meet the project's requirements. As the project progresses, this crane will be adapted to an HSWSL_S7 configuration (84m main boom plus 54m luffing jib).
In this capacity, Sarens will play a vital role in hoisting strategically important materials for the
project's development, including compressors, tanks, columns, furnaces, hoppers, drums, filter presses, and modules, with the longest column measuring 80 meters and the heaviest lift at 250 tons. The company is committed to adhering to stringent occupational risk prevention and safety standards, ensuring seamless coordination among teams operating in both English and Chinese.
From its inception in 2023 to its completion in 2027, this project is poised to make a profound impact on agriculture, enabling Zambia to address the food security challenges it has faced in recent years and improved access to high-quality fertilizer will empower farmers to implement more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, significantly enhancing the country's GDP.
Tim Biesemans, Sarens Regional Director for Southern Africa, stated,"Sarens has built a reputation for its unwavering support of the communities in which it operates. We take pride in applying our experience gained in Zambia since our arrival in 2018 to projects that genuinely benefit the lives of citizens, such as the Zambia Fertilizer Project. We look forward to continuing to contribute our resources, particularly local resources, to enhance employment and the economy in Zambia through strategic initiatives like this one"
Since establishing its presence in Zambia in 2018, Sarens has solidified its role in the country,
providing clients with more accessible services and facilitating smoother coordination. The
company offers a comprehensive range of heavy machinery and all-terrain cranes, with lifting
capacities ranging from 55 tons to 400 tons, as well as crawler cranes with capacities between 180 tons and 600 tons. Additionally, Sarens employs highly specialized local personnel to ensure a responsive and effective approach to any project, regardless of its scale.
About Sarens
Sarens is a global leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, delivering complex projects across sectors including energy, infrastructure, industrial construction, petrochemicals, mining, and renewables. Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Belgium, Sarens operates in more than 65 countries, supported by a large fleet of high-capacity cranes and transport systems.
Sarens established a permanent presence in Zambia in 2018, enabling the company to provide localized support, faster response times, and enhanced coordination for major projects across Southern Africa. In Zambia, Sarens operates a broad fleet of equipment, including all-terrain cranes with capacities from 55 to 400 tonnes and crawler cranes ranging from 180 to 600 tonnes, supported by highly trained local personnel.
Through its focus on safety, engineering excellence, and community engagement, Sarens continues to support projects that deliver long-term economic and social benefits, such as the Zambia Fertilizer Project.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.sarens.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zambia Fertilizer Project?
The Zambia Fertilizer Project is a government-promoted industrial development aimed at improving fertilizer availability and efficiency to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and support economic growth in Zambia.
Who is promoting the project?
The project is promoted by the Government of Zambia through its Ministry of Agriculture.
What is the expected impact of the project?
The project is expected to create between 5,000 and 10,000 jobs and increase crop yields by 30–50% by its anticipated completion in 2027.
What role does Sarens play in the project?
Sarens is providing heavy lifting and transportation services, supporting the construction of the fertilizer production facility through the installation of large and critical components.
What crane equipment is being used by Sarens?
Sarens has deployed a Terex Demag CC2800-1 crawler crane, initially configured with an S7 boom system and 300 tonnes of superlift ballast. As the project progresses, the crane will be adapted to an HSWSL_S7 configuration.
What types of components are being lifted?
Sarens is lifting compressors, tanks, columns, furnaces, hoppers, drums, filter presses, and modules, with individual components reaching 80 metres in length and 250 tonnes in weight.
When did Sarens begin work on the project?
Sarens has been actively involved in the project since November 2024.
How does Sarens address safety and coordination on site?
The company follows strict occupational risk prevention and safety standards and ensures seamless coordination between multilingual teams, including English- and Chinese-speaking personnel.
What is the long-term benefit for Zambia?
Beyond job creation, the project will enable farmers to adopt more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to improved food security and long-term GDP growth.
