President Hichilema Launches US$641 Million UCF Urea Plant, Thermal Power Plant

President Hakainde Hichilema has today launched the US$641 million United Capital Fertiliser (UCF) urea plant and a 85 megawatts thermal power plant in Chilanga district, Lusaka Province.

The President also launched the Wonderful Group of Companies Industrial Park. “This is a triple occasion. “On this site, we will produce fertiliser for our consumption and for export to our neighbouring countries. This means food security through increased yields on our farms,” the President said.

He said from producing less than two tonnes per hectare, the launched fertiliser plant will help Zambia to move towards 10 tonnes per hectare maize production. “We don’t have to cut more trees in order to produce 10 tonnes, for example, on one hectare. This is a big deal!

Other than producing Urea fertiliser and associated products, the fertiliser plant will also generate 85 megawatts of power. “I heard that there is some land issue that is delaying the paper work for the establishment of the industrial park. “I want that land issue to be resolved immediately. We are looking at the usage value of this land so that we can create jobs for young Zambians,” President Hichilema said.

President Hichilema added that the UCF urea plant is a great milestone that supports Zambia’s ambition to become a regional fertiliser manufacturing hub upon reaching self-sufficiency.

The launched plant, whose construction started in November 2021, is a state-of-the-art facility with modern technology to minimise emissions, waste and promote recycling.  “The plant has created over 3,000 direct jobs, which is a plus to our economic agenda.” He thanked thank the board, management, and staff at UCF for advancing Zambia’s fertiliser industry.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga said UCF is not just setting up of the fertiliser plant. “Wonderful Group of Companies, through United Capital Fertiliser, has come with a unique way of doing things. UCF has set up a set which will incorporate more than 300 pupils in this community. UCF is upgrading to a hospital a clinic it built. Eight kilometres of the road will also be done by UCF,” said Mr Mulenga.