Hichilema Calls for Stronger African Partnerships at Mining Indaba
President Hakainde Hichilema has said that sustainable economic progress for African economies can only be achieved through strategic partnerships within the continent, urging African countries to work together to unlock shared prosperity.
The President made the remarks in a keynote address at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which opened in Cape Town on Monday and runs until Thursday this week.
Held annually since 1994, the Mining Indaba has grown into a flagship event for mining professionals, investors and industry leaders seeking to tap into Africa’s vast mineral resources. The conference focuses on long-term economic growth, sustainable mining practices, technological innovation and investment opportunities across the continent.
The theme of this year’s Indaba is “Stronger together: Progress through partnerships.”
President Hichilema said the Mining Indaba symbolises Africa’s shared aspirations for prosperity and transformative collaboration, commending South Africa for its leadership in promoting continental cooperation.
“It is true that Africa must collaborate. For us to be more successful, we have to work together. Where we stand as Zambia, we totally agree that we are stronger together,” the President said.
He noted that the theme of the conference reflects Africa’s reality, where progress depends on partnerships that bring together the continent’s diverse capabilities, skills and resources.
President Hichilema described it as a contradiction that Africa is often labelled as underdeveloped, yet is the most endowed continent in terms of raw materials, particularly critical minerals essential for the global transition to a green economy.
“Africa holds critical minerals for the continent itself and for the world. Africa has a lot to offer to the world’s future, especially as we talk about a transition to a greener future,” he said.
He stressed that natural resources only translate into prosperity when they are unlocked through strategic partnerships, adding that Africa is not seeking exclusion but better organisation to become a credible and competitive partner globally.
The President acknowledged challenges facing Zambia and the continent, including market volatility, infrastructure deficits and climate change, but said mineral wealth presents opportunities for value addition and industrial growth.
“Our eyes are set on the trajectory of success. It does not matter the challenges we face,” he said, urging both governments and mining companies to prioritise value addition as part of their investment agendas.
President Hichilema also shared Zambia’s economic reform journey, noting that reforms implemented over the past four years have helped reverse economic decline and restore confidence.
“We inherited a declining economy growing at minus 2.8 per cent. We then launched disciplined reforms, and these reforms are now bearing fruit,” he said, adding that reforms in the mining sector are creating jobs and business opportunities for Zambians.
