President Hakainde Hichilema has commended existing investors in Luapula for putting up their establishments, thereby contributing to the country’s economic agenda.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2026 Luapula Expo, President Hichilema said the province is on the right path to unlocking its potential as it is a special zone with immense economic potential in the country.
He said Luapula province will very soon start realizing financial investment inflows which will spur development to fuel business opportunities, and jobs for the people of Luapula.
“We are here today at the Luapula Investment expo to move from potential to progress, beyond the narrative of Luapula being endowed with investment potential,” he said.
The Head of state also urged Zambians to be drivers of their own change by being part of the economic agenda of the country and harnessing opportunities.
“There’s more peace of mind and investment returns to employ yourself. Take up opportunities and apply for licenses such as in mining so that you participate in the businesses, job creation and development of the country,” he said.
Emphasising the connection of energy to Luapula’s investment attraction drive, the Head of State said energy is a key driver to all investment endeavours for areas like Luapula province which is home to the newly commissioned 50 MW Mabumba Solar Power plant.
He cited Zambia’s policy facilitation of a diversified energy mix and the Open Access to Independent Power Producers (OAPP) initiative as reforms that were yielding results.
“All these things are due to energy reforms this government has put in place. The Open Access to independent power producers (OAPP), Mabumba Solar Power, Net Metering and Mansa Sugar which is producing its own power and can partake through the OAPP in supplying its excess ton the national grid so that other investments in need of electricity can benefit from consistent power supplies,” he said.
President Hichilema said there was need to expedite the tapping of an electricity line from Pensulo Substation in Serenje to Mansa for multi-dimensional consistent power supply, as well as to push for the Kalungwishi power exploration project to materialize.
He added that Mansa Sugar’s excess generated power should start contributing to the national electricity grid.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema has challenged district authorities in Luapula to contribute towards opening up the province in unlocking sectors like tourism and accord easy access to certain trade and service provisions.
The Head of State further gave a directive for the Mansa Airport Upgrade project to be expedited by utilizing the new 24-hour economy policy.
“You must start working 24housr to complete the project in good time and facilitate use of flight airport services during the night,” he said.
He noted that Zambia is past the projected USD30 billion Gross Domestic Product to about USD35 Billion hence the need for the growth trajectory to be strengthened and sustained to develop the country further.
“Our target is to get to USD 70 Billion Gross Domestic Product and I want Luapula to be active in this agenda with various sectors such as fish farming,” he added.
Speaking earlier, acting Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Rodney Sikumba reaffirmed Government’s commitment to implement its set out policies in order to achieve its objectives.
Mr Sikumba highlighted scores made in the energy sector after the country had experienced a deficit, citing the Mabumba Power plant as one of the results of the instructions from the Head of State who had earlier issued targets in various sectors like Agriculture, Energy, Tourism among others.
Musamu Resources Chief Executive Officer Sixtus Mulenga disclosed that Luongo Manganese Mine, the largest indigenously owned manganese mine has made its first Manganese export, owing to the government policy reforms to the sector that is facilitating an enabling environment.
He said the firm is in the process of signing agreements to consolidate its exports of manganese to assist in raising operational investment capital.
Dr Mulenga called on the government to consider establishing of the steel manufacturing industry in Zambia because the country possesses nickel, iron ore and manganese that can found a steel industry which can trigger value chain sectors that would create massive employment and boost the economy.
Luapula province Minister Nason Musonda called on would – be and current investors in the province to harness the different existing opportunities as showcased by the 2026 Luapula expo.
Now he can visit Luapula. After coming into power he was only visiting Europe like a tourist who had just inherited his dead father’s bank account.
Fellow Luapulans dont welcome Syakalima in his delegation until he apologises for insulting Luapulans. His statement that Luapulans suffer from poverty of the mind needs an election statement from Mansa.
To hell with him. Monicaz above you are very right
Is a VP necessary with this president ??
Just a question