Mopani Copper Mines Pledges K500,000 for 2026 ZAF Expo and Marathon
ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc Board Chairperson Phesto Musonda has toured operations at Mopani Copper Mines Plc and witnessed the handover of a K500,000 sponsorship towards the 2026 Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Expo and Marathon.
Mr Musonda was accompanied by Non-Executive Director Hector Sampa, Chief Investments Officer Nchimunya Monde and Chief Technical Officer Tisa Chama during the official visit to the mining company.
The day’s activities began with a sponsorship handover ceremony where Mopani Copper Mines, in which ZCCM-IH holds a 49 percent shareholding, presented K500,000 as a Diamond Sponsorship for the 2026 ZAF Expo and Marathon.
The event is scheduled to take place on 6 and 7 March 2026 in Ndola, Copperbelt Province.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mopani Chief Executive Officer Charles Sakanya said the company was proud to support the national initiative on behalf of its shareholders, including International Resources Holding (IRH) and ZCCM-IH.
Mr Sakanya said the marathon reflects the Zambia Air Force’s core values of discipline, excellence, service and patriotism, which he noted strongly resonate with players in the mining sector.
“It is therefore both necessary and timely for Mopani to support an event that aligns with such important national values,” he said.
Mr Musonda said the mining sector’s role extends beyond extracting minerals and includes contributing to the wellbeing of communities and the country at large.
He explained that Mopani’s sponsorship demonstrates the mining industry’s commitment to supporting national initiatives and community development.
“Such partnerships are exactly what ZCCM-IH seeks to harness more of so that the benefits of mining can trickle down to all parts of society and ultimately benefit the Zambian people,” Mr Musonda said.
He described the sponsorship as an important example of how mining companies can play meaningful and innovative roles in supporting national development. He also encouraged members of the public to turn out in large numbers to participate in the ZAF Expo and Marathon.
Meanwhile, Zambia Air Force Commander Oscar Nyoni thanked Mopani Copper Mines and ZCCM-IH for supporting the event.
Lt Gen Nyoni said the mining sector remains a key pillar of Zambia’s economy and continues to play an important role in the country’s growth and development.
He added that the Zambia Air Force values partnerships that promote community wellbeing, national pride and collective development.
“The Zambia Air Force extends its sincere appreciation to Mopani Copper Mines Plc and ZCCM-IH for responding positively to the call to come on board as Diamond Sponsors. We remain open to further partnerships that foster national development,” he said.
Later in the day, the ZCCM-IH delegation toured Mopani’s surface operations in Kitwe, where they observed progress and operational developments at the mine.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to appreciate the strides Mopani is making to strengthen its operations and continue contributing to Zambia’s mining productivity and economic growth.
