Zambia has attained an impressive score of 81 out of 100 points and earned a very good rating in its third validation under the 2023 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard, reaffirming the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.
In a statement issued to the media by Zambia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (ZEITI) Communications Officer Mutinta Hadunka, Zambia’s achievement was confirmed by the EITI Board following an independent validation process, which assessed the country’s performance in stakeholder engagement, transparency, and outcomes and impact.
Ms Hadunka said the rating reflects Zambia’s continued efforts to strengthen governance in the mining sector and demonstrates the country’s commitment to implementing international best practices in the management of natural resources.
ZANIS reports that she explained that the EITI Board commended the Government for sustaining reforms that promote transparency and accountability through strong collaboration with industry players and civil society organisations.
“The sustained commitment of the Government of Zambia to advancing transparency and accountability in the extractive sector was recognised through strong multi-stakeholder engagement, supported by high-level government leadership, robust industry participation and an active, independent civil society,” Ms Hadunka said.
She added that the Board also acknowledged the inclusive and gender sensitive operations of the Zambia EITI Council, describing it as a trusted platform for dialogue and reform, while recognising Zambia’s innovative disclosure of power supply agreements between ZESCO and mining companies.
Ms Hadunka said the validation outcome is expected to strengthen investor confidence, enhance public trust in the management of mineral resources and support the country’s efforts to attract responsible investment into the mining sector.
“This Validation result is a testament to the collective effort of Government, industry and civil society in building a more transparent and accountable extractive sector. It strengthens Zambia’s credibility on the global stage and lays a firmer foundation for inclusive growth from our mineral resources,” she said.
Ms Hadunka further disclosed that the EITI Board praised ZEITI for aligning its implementation with national development priorities, producing simplified public information materials and establishing the ZEITI Open Data Portal, which provides public access to information on payments, production and mining licences.
She said the Board also recognised the introduction of the G-Factor, an innovative tool that measures company payments to Government against annual revenues, helping communities and local authorities better understand the contribution of mining companies to national development.
Meanwhile, Ms Hadunka said the EITI Board has outlined 19 corrective actions that Zambia will implement before the next Validation, scheduled to commence on July 1, 2030.
She explained that the recommendations cover areas such as beneficial ownership disclosure, licensing transparency, contract and licence registers, sub-national payments and environmental reporting, particularly on tailings management.
“ZEITI welcomes this roadmap as an opportunity to deepen reforms already underway and remains committed to working with Government, industry and civil society to ensure that the benefits of Zambia’s mineral wealth are shared by all citizens,” Ms Hadunka said.
Zambia has been implementing the global EITI Standard since 2009, with the latest Validation further strengthening the country’s reputation as a regional leader in transparent and accountable management of extractive resources.
