Zambia Urges Mining Firms to Prioritise Local Content in Procurement
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Hapenga Kabeta, has emphasised the need for mining companies to prioritise local content regulations within the procurement system across the mining value chain.
Dr Kabeta said the Government considers local content a key programme aimed at empowering Zambian-owned companies and increasing their participation in the country’s mining sector.
He made the remarks while officially closing a two-day workshop on local content management attended by representatives from various mining companies.
Dr Kabeta urged the companies to comply with local content regulations, noting that the policy plays an important role in job creation and national economic development.
He also stressed the need for Zambian companies to take part in governance reforms within the mining industry to ensure local communities benefit from the sector.
The Permanent Secretary further pledged continued government support for stakeholder engagement and private sector collaboration within the mining value chain.
Zambia has introduced a strengthened policy framework to advance local content in the mining industry, including the National Local Content Strategy (2018–2022) and the Geological (Preference for Zambian Goods and Services) Regulations, 2025.
These measures aim to increase the participation of local businesses, workers and service providers in mining activities.
As part of these efforts, the Ministry has partnered with ISWE Solutions Ltd to develop the Local Content Participation Access System (LOCAS). The digital platform is designed to monitor procurement, workforce participation, supplier development and compliance among mining companies.
Officials say the training programme was aimed at equipping mining sector participants with the skills needed to use LOCAS effectively for daily operations and compliance reporting related to local content requirements.
