By Mercy Mwepa
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says reforms undertaken in the mining sector are now yielding tangible results.
President HICHILEMA has revealed that this progress is reflected in approximately 12 billion United States dollars invested in the sector over the past four years.
He says the reforms have enabled the recapitalisation of mines that were facing operational challenges, while also facilitating the opening of new mining projects.
The President cites Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mines as key contributors towards the country’s target of producing three million tonnes of copper by 2031.
He has further referred to institutional changes such as the establishment of the Mines Appeals Tribunal and the Cadastre Department, which he says have strengthened governance in the sector.
President HICHILEMA said this when he delivered a keynote address at the ongoing 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Indaba is being held under the theme “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships.”
The President also called for increased partnerships across the African continent to ensure citizens fully benefit from natural resources.
He said Africa must harness its skills and experience and work as a united force to achieve sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Africa Finance Corporation has urged African countries to form stronger regional partnerships to fully utilise their resources for sustainable development.
AFC President and Chief Executive Officer SAMAILA ZUBAIRU said the continent has resources but lacks data on its availability.
Mr. ZABAIRU was speaking during the launch of the compendium of Africa’s Strategic Minerals.
This was during the ongoing Invest in Africa Mining indaba which has officially opened in Cape Town South Africa.
South Africa’s Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources GWENDE MANTASHE said his government has picked lessons from previous indaba and is working on improving the licencing system.
He however called for the protection of the continent’ deposits to achieve sustainable development.
To achieve this goal, Mr. MANTASHE said the Continent needs to negotiate with investors as a whole for better results and as individuals.
