The Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) has recently undergone significant modernization thanks to funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through the Africa Dryland Crop Improvement Network (ADCIN). This transformation includes improved research facilities, advanced irrigation systems, and enhanced data management capabilities, establishing ZARI as a leader in climate-smart agriculture. Innovations such as speed breeding and controlled drought research have helped increase crop yields and resilience to climate challenges. Furthermore, these upgrades have fostered regional collaboration, benefiting agricultural stakeholders across Southern Africa. ZARI’s enhanced infrastructure, including reliable solar power and expanded water storage, ensures continuous research capabilities, paving the way for future advancements in agricultural science and sustainability. The institute’s ongoing plans include the establishment of a biotechnology laboratory and increased partnerships aimed at furthering agricultural research and development in the region.