The Zambian government has lauded Kansanshi Mining Plc (a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals – FQM) for its innovative approach to local enterprise development at the inaugural Pitch Day for the Kansanshi Mining Plc Accelerator Programme.
About 20 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) presented their business proposals to a panel of potential financiers, investors, and development partners at the Kansanshi SME Accelerator Pitch Day, which took place on October 17, 2025 in Solwezi, North Western Province.
The event which brought together government officials, mining executives, financiers, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase innovative business plans and foster new partnerships in the region, was hailed by Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga, as a critical model for economic partnership and achieving the nation’s local content goals.
Speaking during the program, Mubanga affirmed that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives are the “backbone of employment creation” but noted their persistent struggle with financing. He praised Kansanshi for adopting a comprehensive strategy, moving beyond the mere provision of capital.
“Initiatives like the Kansanshi Accelerator Programme are vital for unlocking the potential of our entrepreneurs and building a resilient, diversified economy,” he stated.
“As Government, we commend Kansanshi Mining Plc for its leadership and reaffirm our commitment to enhanced partnership in supporting entrepreneurship. First Quantum Minerals has consistently demonstrated its role as a reliable partner to the Government on many fronts, and we are confident that our collaboration will continue to yield meaningful results for our enterprises.”
Meiring Burger, General Manager of Kansanshi Mining Plc, in a speech read on his behalf by Stuart Griffiths, Kansanshi Mining PLC Commercial Manager, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to sustainable local content development.
He outlined the transformative impact of the accelerator and incubator programme, which provides tailored mentorship, business development support, and market linkages for participating SMEs.
“Our commitment is to empower local enterprises with the tools and networks they need to thrive, not just within the mining sector, but across Zambia’s broader economic landscape,” Burger noted.
Speaking at the same event, the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) Director Operations, Beenzu Simuyambala, encouraged SMEs to leverage these opportunities to scale their businesses, stressing the importance of capacity building alongside financial support.
Meanwhile, the President of the North-Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Amos Kapi commended Kansanshi Mine for its visionary leadership, describing the programme as a model for effective local content implementation. He called for increased funding and deeper strategic partnerships to expand the impact of such initiatives across the region.
Entrepreneurs participating in the pitch sessions showcased a diverse array of innovative business plans, demonstrating the talent and creativity driving Zambia’s SME sector.
The accelerator and incubator programme established by Kansanshi Mining Plc provides tailored support to MSMEs which includes business planning, financial management, product development, marketing, branding, market linkages, and access to finance.
The event provided invaluable exposure to investors, financiers, and industry stakeholders, with a focus on fostering constructive feedback and long-term collaboration.
As the Pitch Day concluded, the shared sentiment was one of optimism and determination. The collaborative efforts of the government, private sector, and development partners were widely acknowledged as key to building a vibrant, competitive, and inclusive SME ecosystem in Zambia.
The Kansanshi Mining Plc Accelerator Program stands as a testament to the transformative power of partnership, innovation, and local enterprise empowerment, charting a course for sustainable economic growth in North-Western Province and beyond.
