President Hakainde Hichilema has officially commissioned the Phase III expansion of the Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia factory and warehouse facility in Chongwe District, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s industrial and economic development.
Speaking during the high-profile event, President Hichilema praised Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia for its continued investment in the country and commitment to supporting Zambia’s infrastructure and mining sectors. The President emphasized that such developments align with his administration’s agenda to industrialize the economy, create jobs, and promote public-private partnerships that drive long-term growth.
The expansion project, which includes an upgraded factory floor and a modernized warehouse facility, is expected to increase production capacity, reduce equipment delivery timelines, and enhance local servicing of machinery for the construction and mining industries. It also creates new employment opportunities for Zambians, particularly in skilled manufacturing, engineering, and logistics.
President Hichilema highlighted the importance of industrial investments in boosting economic resilience and reducing dependency on imports. He encouraged more companies to emulate Hitachi’s model of reinvesting in local operations and contributing to Zambia’s long-term development goals.
The President also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and investor-friendly environment. He noted that the administration is working to streamline business processes, improve infrastructure, and ensure policy consistency to attract and retain both local and international investors.
Senior government officials, Hitachi executives, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional leaders from the Chongwe District attended the ceremony. The event featured a tour of the facility, live equipment demonstrations, and a showcase of Hitachi’s contributions to Zambia’s mining and construction projects.
The Phase III expansion builds on the company’s earlier phases of investment and underscores Hitachi Construction Machinery’s confidence in Zambia as a key market for growth in Southern Africa.
As the country continues to prioritize economic diversification and industrialization, projects like the Hitachi expansion in Chongwe serve as a strong indicator of Zambia’s potential to become a regional hub for manufacturing and engineering services.