President Hakainde Hichilema has called upon the private sector to work with government in the development of the mining industry and unlock the various challenges the private sector is facing.
The Head of State said government appreciates the important role that the private sector plays in the development of the mining industry therefore government policy will promote a private sector driven, competitive, thriving and sustainable mining industry.
Speaking when he delivered his keynote speech in Cape Town, South Africa at the African Mining Indaba themed ‘Evolution of African Mining: Investing in the Energy Transition, ESG and Economies’, monitored by the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, President Hichilema said government is committed to supporting domestic economic empowerment and job creation without resource nationalism.
He said government’s agenda is to have every Zambian Citizen playing a critical role in the mining supply and value chain along with investment adding that development of roads, airways and railways are part of the mining agenda.
“It is clear that aggressive investment into the exploration will unlock the undiscovered mineral resources and create social economic impact that will not only lift many Zambians out of poverty but will create new wealth and prosperity. This will result in sustainability of the investment in the country and secure the much needed social contracts”, the President said.
President Hichilema said Africa is blessed with vast mineral resources, which are key drivers of the development agenda adding that Zambia is determined to respond to the high demand of copper, as it is critical in green transition.
