President Hichilema Champions National Development at CAMINEX 2024 Inauguration
President Hakainde Hichilema has inaugurated the 2024 Copperbelt Mining, Agriculture, and Industrial Trade Expo (CAMINEX) in Kitwe, with a resounding call for Zambians to embrace hard work as a catalyst for national development.
Under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities for Growth: Zambia’s Land linked Position,” President Hichilema underscored the pivotal role of diligence in propelling both individual and collective progress, highlighting its contribution to food security and economic stability.
In his address, the President emphasised the importance of self-improvement, citing its capacity to create avenues for enhanced employment opportunities and entrepreneurship, thereby raising living standards across Zambia.
He urged citizens to seize opportunities for personal upliftment and contribute actively to the nation’s growth, leveraging Zambia’s strategic geographical position for inter-trade and investment partnerships.
President Hichilema reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the mining sector, particularly focusing on Konkola Copper Mine (KCM), for the benefit of Copperbelt residents and the nation as a whole.
Stressing the significance of economic diversification, he urged Zambians to utilise the mining sector as a model for developing other industries to ensure a balanced and robust economy.
Addressing concerns about negativity, President Hichilema urged citizens to exploit Zambia’s unique position, fostering a paradigm shift towards promoting technology, joint ventures, and partnerships to ensure equitable access to capital.
He also highlighted the importance of empowering young people with skills to effectively contribute to business and national development.
Acknowledging Zambia’s mineral wealth, including copper, cobalt, nickel, and lithium-based minerals, the President expressed optimism about the mining sector’s remarkable growth potential, noting the revival of key projects in the Copperbelt Province.
President Hichilema commended KoBold Mines for utilising Artificial Intelligence in mineral exploration, advocating for Zambia to emulate successful mining economies like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
On climate change, he called for the promotion of alternative energy sources like solar to mitigate its effects, while also stressing the importance of quality infrastructure, particularly in road construction.
In a significant announcement, President Hichilema revealed a substantial cost reduction in the Lusaka-Ndola Road project, signalling prudent financial management by the administration.
Concluding his address, President Hakainde Hichilema expressed delight at CNMC’s commitment to value addition in mineral extraction, envisioning a future where more products are manufactured locally, contributing to Zambia’s economic growth and development.
