President Hakainde Hichilema Reaffirms Confidence in Zambia’s Mining Sector

President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia’s economic outlook is firmly anchored in the performance of the mining sector, citing increased investor confidence, policy stability, and renewed global interest in the country’s mineral resources.

Speaking during the Africa Mining Indaba, President Hichilema said government had deliberately positioned mining as a cornerstone of national recovery, with reforms aimed at restoring confidence after years of uncertainty. He stated that Zambia’s vast copper endowment, combined with policy consistency, had placed the country in a strong position to benefit from global demand for critical minerals.

The President said the administration had focused on creating a predictable operating environment for mining companies, emphasising transparency, respect for contracts, and engagement with investors. He said these measures were already yielding results, with several mining houses expanding operations and committing fresh capital.

Hichilema noted that copper remained central to Zambia’s economic prospects, particularly as the global transition toward electric vehicles and renewable energy continued to drive demand. He said Zambia’s copper resources were a strategic asset and that government was working to ensure value was maximised for national development.

He said mining growth was not being pursued in isolation, but as part of a broader strategy to stabilise the economy, strengthen the currency, and support job creation. According to the President, improved macroeconomic fundamentals had helped rebuild confidence among both local and international investors.

Hichilema said government had also prioritised strengthening institutions involved in the management of the sector, including regulatory agencies, to ensure efficient oversight and compliance. He said this approach was intended to prevent past challenges linked to policy inconsistency and governance weaknesses.

The President told delegates that Zambia’s reform agenda had extended beyond mining to include debt restructuring, fiscal discipline, and engagement with international partners. He said these efforts were interconnected and had contributed to renewed confidence in the economy.

He said government was committed to ensuring that benefits from mining translated into tangible improvements for citizens, including job opportunities and community development. Hichilema said local participation, skills development, and value addition were key areas of focus.

The President said Zambia’s message to investors was clear: the country was open for business and committed to long-term partnerships built on mutual benefit. He said government would continue engaging stakeholders to address operational challenges and unlock further growth.

Hichilema said the administration remained optimistic about Zambia’s economic trajectory, noting that stability in the mining sector would play a central role in sustaining growth and supporting national development goals.