Aviation Connectivity Fuels Zambia’s Mining Boom  

Zambia’s mining sector is soaring to new heights, and aviation is playing a critical role in keeping the momentum strong. With the country’s copper production surging by 12% last year amid growing global demand for critical minerals, investors are eyeing Zambia’s reserves of cobalt and copper. However, the challenge remains: how to quickly access remote mining sites and fast-track investment projects.  

At the recent Mining Indaba in Cape Town, where Zambia was a focal point of discussions, industry leaders and policymakers explored solutions to enhance accessibility. “For investors, it’s not just about identifying resource-rich locations; it’s about how quickly they can mobilize, send teams on-site, and get projects moving,” said Mwelwa Chibesakunda, founder of Financial Insight Zambia.  

With Zambia’s road networks facing strain and mining projects requiring swift execution, airlines like Proflight Zambia have become a crucial link between investors, regulatory bodies, and operational teams. The airline’s routes—particularly the Lusaka-Solwezi connection—have provided a direct, efficient link between the capital and Zambia’s key mining hubs.  

“Executives, suppliers, and professionals don’t want to spend hours on the road when they could be flying directly to the centre of mining activity,” said Josias Walubita, Director of Flight Operations at Proflight Zambia. “Our flights ensure that key personnel can arrive on-site faster, conduct their business efficiently, and return to Lusaka without losing valuable time.”  

Proflight Zambia’s strategic expansion is in response to the evolving demands of the mining sector. The airline is actively exploring new routes, tracking economic growth patterns, and working with government authorities to align aviation infrastructure with Zambia’s industrial expansion.  

With Zambia’s mining industry booming, enhancing airport infrastructure and air traffic management has become a priority. Proflight Zambia is actively engaging with policymakers to improve aviation facilities in key mining regions, ensuring that airports can accommodate the increasing business traffic.  

“For aviation to truly facilitate economic development, it’s not just about increasing flight frequency; it’s about ensuring that mining hubs have the capacity to handle business travel efficiently,” Walubita explained.  

 The importance of seamless aviation connectivity was underscored during the Mining Indaba, where Proflight Zambia’s Lusaka-Cape Town route played a key role in ensuring Zambian mining executives, business leaders, and investors could attend Africa’s biggest mining event without logistical hurdles.  

“Closing a deal isn’t just about signing papers. It involves site visits, in-person negotiations, and being present where decisions need to be made,” Chibesakunda noted. “The stronger Zambia’s connectivity, the faster businesses can move forward.”