Hichilema Calls for Increased Investment in Luapula to Drive Economic Transformation
President Hakainde Hichilema has urged both public and private sector players to increase investment in Luapula Province, describing it as a critical engine for Zambia’s economic transformation.
Speaking at Kaole Stadium in Mansa during the official opening of the 2026 Luapula Investment Expo, President Hichilema reaffirmed government’s strategy to position provinces as self-sustaining regional economies to accelerate national development.
The Head of State highlighted Luapula’s abundant natural resources, including vast water bodies, fertile soils, grazing land and mineral deposits, which he said make the province a strategic hub for aquaculture and livestock production.
He noted that government is prioritising increased investment in these sectors to boost productivity for both domestic consumption and export markets. President Hichilema further encouraged fishing communities to embrace aquaculture as a viable business venture capable of improving household incomes and strengthening national food security.
The President pointed to the recent distribution of 80 fish cages in the province, led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, as a sign of progress, citing Chifunabuli District as a model for successful aquaculture interventions.
He also commended Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Eng. Peter Kapala, for his efforts in promoting investment and advancing initiatives aimed at increasing fish production.
President Hichilema expressed confidence that Luapula has the potential to produce sufficient fish to meet national demand and supply export markets, provided investments are scaled up.
However, he stressed the urgent need for investment in processing and value addition, noting that post-harvest losses remain a challenge due to limited preservation infrastructure and power supply constraints.
He called on investors to establish fish processing plants and cold chain systems in the province, emphasising that value addition would improve market access, create employment and enhance incomes for local communities.
The President further encouraged citizens to actively participate across the fish value chain, moving from subsistence practices to commercial production.
President Hichilema reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment as part of its broader agenda to grow regional economies and drive national development.
Earlier, the President toured exhibition stands at the expo, held under the theme “Unlocking Luapula’s Potential Investment Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
