ZDA Urges Global Investors to Tap Zambia’s Critical Minerals and Energy Opportunities
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has called on global investors to capitalise on emerging opportunities in Zambia’s critical minerals and energy sectors, positioning the country as a leading investment destination in Africa.
Speaking at the Shanghai Metals Market Copper Industry Conference and Expo in Suzhou on 9 April 2026, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa highlighted Zambia’s strong policy framework, macroeconomic stability and strategic leadership under Hakainde Hichilema as key drivers of its growing global competitiveness.
Mr Halwampa said Zambia is targeting an increase in copper production to 3 million metric tonnes annually by 2031, up from approximately 890,000 tonnes, supported by progressive policies such as the National Mineral Resource Development Policy and the National Critical Minerals Strategy.
He noted that Zambia currently contributes around five per cent of global copper supply and is the second-largest producer in Africa, while also accounting for about 38 per cent of the continent’s manganese output, positioning the country as a key hub for critical raw materials.
“Zambia is not only rich in critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, manganese, lithium and nickel, but is also focused on enhancing value addition and industrialisation to maximise benefits from these resources,” he said.
Mr Halwampa further highlighted the Government’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate through investor-friendly policies and incentives.
He also highlighted opportunities in the energy sector, noting that the Government aims to increase electricity generation capacity from about 3,800 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts by 2031, while diversifying the energy mix beyond hydropower to include solar, wind, geothermal and waste-to-energy solutions.
He added that Zambia’s strategic location offers access to a combined market of over 1.3 billion people under the African Continental Free Trade Area, making it an ideal hub for regional trade and industrial activity.
Mr Halwampa invited global investors to participate in the upcoming Invest Zambia International Conference (IZIC) 2026 and to explore opportunities in mineral processing, renewable energy and value chain development within Multi-Facility Economic Zones.
He also welcomed plans to host the first-ever SMM Conference on Critical Minerals in Lusaka in October 2026, and commended the decision to establish the first SMM office in Africa in Zambia, describing it as a vote of confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.
“Zambia offers stability, opportunity and a clear vision for sustainable growth. Now is the time to invest,” Mr Halwampa said.
