President Hichilema Says Legal, Institutional Reforms Key For Investment Attraction

President Hakainde Hichilema says the New Dawn government will continue implementing legal and institutional reforms to attract more investors into Zambia’s economy.

Speaking when he officially opened the 2025 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka today, the President said

The 2025 Insaka, the second one after last year’s inaugural one, is running under the theme “unlocking Africa’s wealth – advancing sustainable mining, beneficiation and value addition.”

“Legal and institutional reforms are what will turn around the economy of our country. Our Government will continue implementing these reforms because they open up the economy and make it attractive to both local and foreign investors,” he said.

The President said it is common knowledge that mining has sustained livelihoods for many years in Zambia, especially on the Copperbelt Province. He, however, said Government is doing everything possible so that the positive effects of Zambia’s mineral wealth can be felt by even citizens who live in non-mining areas. “Zambia hosts more than copper and its by-product, cobalt, and we are asking the organisers of the Insaka to market all our minerals,” President Hichilema said.

President Hichilema underscored that Zambia’s mineral endowment should not trigger conflict because Government wants to see mining thriving alongside peace and security. “This is why formalising artisanal and small-scale miners remains part of our reform agenda. “We want to see our citizens engaging in mining, but there should be no insecurity and criminality around mine areas,” said President Hichilema, who also received an award from players in the mining sector for spearheading reforms in the sector.

The President also asked investors in the mining sector to bring first-class technology to Zambia to ease processes. “We invite investors from all parts of the world to come to Zambia and engage in responsible and sustainable mining.

“Legality, safety, formal trade, and security in mining remain our headline message as we continue advocating for an active mining sector that will massively contribute to the national treasury,” said President Hichilema.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe assured investors of a friendly policy environment in the mining sector.