ZANAMACA Moves to Empower Small-Scale Miners with Nationwide Grassroots Network
The Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMACA) has pledged to mobilise and effectively engage small-scale miners through its decentralised presence in markets across the country, as part of its drive to promote compliance, financial literacy, and inclusive economic growth.
ZANAMACA, whose membership stands at one million and spans all provinces, has traditionally focused on supporting youth and women in small and medium-sized enterprises. The association has now announced the expansion of its membership to include small-scale miners, with the aim of strengthening their participation in Zambia’s formal economy.
Speaking from ZANAMACA’s headquarters at Workers Compensation House in Lusaka, President Mupila Kameya emphasised the organisation’s commitment to forming strategic partnerships, particularly with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, to enhance collaboration with the small-scale mining sector.
“We want to create a comprehensive database of small-scale miners, promote financial literacy, and ensure mine safety and environmental safeguards are adhered to,” Mr Kameya said. “Licensing, investment, compliance, and market access are all areas where ZANAMACA can offer tangible support through our cooperative model.”
The association already works closely with government ministries and pension funds, and holds a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Zambia Development Agency. Its role as a one-stop centre allows members to access services ranging from business registration to securing investor linkages both locally and internationally.
Mr Kameya noted that ZANAMACA’s grassroots reach and market networks put it in a strong position to support miners in meeting regulatory requirements, accessing funding, and improving safety standards in partnership with both state and non-state actors.
The organisation has called for:
- Sustained engagement with small-scale mining companies;
- Inclusion of small-scale miners in all programmes and consultations; and
- Encouraging miners to join ZANAMACA’s collective voice for joint policy and advocacy efforts.
“Our partnership proposal to the Ministry of Mines is a solution for our country and our people,” Mr Kameya said. “By empowering small-scale miners, we are promoting inclusive development and unlocking Zambia’s economic potential.”
ZANAMACA’s expansion into the mining sector signals a broader strategy to integrate informal and semi-formal economic actors into Zambia’s mainstream economy, driving compliance, investment, and sustainable growth.
