Zambia hosted this year’s Mining and Investment Insaka under the theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Wealth – Advancing Sustainable Mining, Beneficiation and Value Addition.” The event highlighted the country’s strategic shift from being a raw mineral supplier to becoming a producer that adds value to its resources.
President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized that while copper has long defined Zambia’s economy, the nation has not fully leveraged its mineral wealth for the prosperity of its citizens. He stressed that mineral resources should serve as instruments of peace and unity, not sources of conflict, ensuring that wealth generated benefits all Zambians.
The President outlined a continental vision that moves from extraction to production, focusing on job creation, industrial growth, and shared prosperity. Zambia is implementing comprehensive reforms in the mining sector, covering policy, legal, and institutional frameworks. These reforms promote safe, legal, and accountable mining practices to ensure proper tracking of economic activity.
In line with global trends, Zambia is diversifying its mineral portfolio beyond copper. The country is exploring opportunities in gold, manganese, nickel, cobalt, and lithium, all critical to the global green-energy transition.
President Hichilema reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responsible, inclusive, and sustainable mining. The focus is on ensuring that every tonne of ore extracted translates into education for children, opportunities for youth, and improved living standards for citizens.
The 2025 Insaka underscores Zambia’s ambition to transform its mining sector into a driver of sustainable development. By prioritizing beneficiation and value addition, Zambia aims to convert its mineral wealth into lasting benefits for generations to come.
President Hichilema concluded that with strategic reforms, responsible practices, and a shared vision, Zambia’s mineral resources can become a true blessing for its people and a model for the African mining sector.