Zambia–France Mining Partnership Set to Boost Transparency and Sustainable Growth
The Government of the Republic of Zambia has welcomed renewed commitment by the Government of the France to strengthen cooperation in the mining sector, as both countries seek to promote sustainable development and transparency in mineral resource management.
Speaking in Lusaka on 24 February 2026, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr Hapenga Kabeta, said Zambia remains committed to building mutually beneficial partnerships that support economic diversification and shared prosperity.
Dr Kabeta made the remarks when he received a high-level French delegation led by the French Ambassador to Zambia, Thomas Rossignol.
He emphasised the need to strengthen institutional capacity within the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC), particularly in improving monitoring, compliance and enforcement systems through the use of modern technologies.
He noted that the enhanced cooperation aligns with Zambia’s ongoing mining sector reforms under the Minerals Regulation Commission Act, 2024, which aims to modernise the regulatory framework and reinforce accountability in the industry.
Ambassador Rossignol said the frequency of high-level engagements between the two countries demonstrated France’s commitment to practical and results-oriented collaboration.
He added that France was ready to support priority projects identified by the Zambian Government, including through potential financing mechanisms.
The French delegation also expressed interest in opportunities within Zambia’s manganese sub-sector. The strengthened collaboration is expected to support efforts to combat illegal mining, improve transparency and promote sustainable growth in the mining industry.
Members of the delegation included representatives from the Economic Regional Service, the French Development Agency, PROPARCO and other French public sector operators.
