Zambia woos investors in critical minerals

Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta says government has created a conducive environment to attract investment in the country’s mineral resources. Dr Kabeta said Zambia has undertaken reforms in the mining sector aimed at strengthening…

Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta says government has created a conducive environment to attract investment in the country’s mineral resources.

Dr Kabeta said Zambia has undertaken reforms in the mining sector aimed at strengthening investor confidence and promoting sustainable growth and value creation.

He was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Mines Director of Human Resource and Administration Anthony Chilenga during the opening of the two-day Africa Critical Minerals Conference 2026.

The conference has been organised by the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) in collaboration with the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA).

Dr Kabeta said government has established the Minerals Regulation Commission to regulate mining activities in the country.

He added that Zambia has set a target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031, describing the target as a significant opportunity for investors.

“The National Copper Production Strategy identifies investments in exploration, mining, processing and supporting supply chains to achieve this objective,” Dr Kabeta said.

Meanwhile, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa said Zambia has continued to improve its investment environment to attract investors.

Mr Halwampa said Zambia and other countries should work together to create value from copper cathodes, which he said would contribute to accelerating the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said more than 500 Chinese companies have established operations in Zambia, which he cited as an indication of the country’s conducive investment environment.

“As a country, as we make the investment landscape friendly, other countries should be free to invest in the country,” Mr Halwampa said.

And Shanghai Metals Market organiser Adam Fan said mining remains a cornerstone of national economies.

Mr Fan added that Africa’s mining sector is poised for high-quality growth.