Proton Electro-Cables Powers Zambia’s Industrial Leap with Local Copper Value Addition
Zambia’s push to transform from an exporter of raw materials to a manufacturer of value-added products is taking tangible shape, with Proton Electro-Cables Limited emerging as a flagship example of this shift. The company is turning locally mined copper into high-grade electrical cables, supplying domestic and regional markets and advancing the country’s industrial growth.
Established in 2024 and located in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, Proton Electro-Cables represents a new wave of investment made possible by policy reforms, investor-friendly incentives, and robust facilitation by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA).
The company has already injected over USD 6 million of its committed USD 12 million five-year investment, accelerating production and growth within its first year of operations.
“Proton’s progress is a testament to Zambia’s investment readiness,” said ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa during a recent site visit. “From a simple investment certificate, we now have a factory that is creating jobs, paying taxes, and contributing significantly to Zambia’s GDP.”
Mr. Halwampa credited President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic reform agenda for making Zambia one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations. “The President has truly become Zambia’s Chief Investment Officer,” he added.
The company, led by General Manager Ajith Shetty, employs 150 local staff, engages over 50 Zambian suppliers, and supports up to 50 indirect jobs. It has already paid USD 6 million in taxes and pledged to reinvest 80% of its profits back into Zambia. Proton has also opened branches in Copperbelt and Eastern Provinces, with plans to expand further into agriculture, mining, construction, and energy sectors.
“We’re grateful for the support received from the Zambian government,” said Mr. Shetty. “ZDA has been instrumental in guiding us on tax incentives, investment procedures, and workforce development.”
Looking ahead, Proton has outlined USD 300 million in future investments, reinforcing Zambia’s ambition to become a regional manufacturing hub. More than just an economic boost, the company’s impact is personal, one lab assistant trainee said the opportunity has allowed him to work with cutting-edge cable manufacturing technology and gain skills for the future.
Zambia, long known for its rich copper deposits, is now turning that potential into prosperity. From cathodes to cables, Proton Electro-Cables is helping wire a new industrial era, one powered by bold reforms, private sector leadership, and a government focused on sustainable development.
This is more than just growth. This is Prosperity in Action.
