AGP Executive Report

Transport: UD Trucks has entered Zambia through Imperial Motors, with operations in Lusaka, Kitwe and Solwezi and support for customers in mining, agriculture, construction and logistics. Energy and Trade: Amsons Group’s $230 million purchase of Oryx Energies’ Tanzanian downstream business expands its fuel storage and retail network across the region. Separately, Lotus Resources has secured permits to move its first uranium shipment from Malawi through Zambia to Namibia. Economic Outlook: Zambia’s growth reached 5.2% in 2025, up from 3.8%, but the African Development Bank says financing gaps remain a major hurdle. The kwacha slipped 0.64% to K20.38 per US dollar last week as importers’ dollar demand increased. Industry and Climate: A new gold refinery aims to keep more mineral value in Zambia, while forecasters warn that El Niño could threaten both crops and hydropower, with Zambia among the most exposed.

Mineral Value Addition: Zambia has launched its first gold refinery, designed to process gold to 99%–99.99% purity. The company says it plans to formalise artisanal mining and help keep more value in the country. Mining Investment: ZDA signed a $122 million copper investment agreement with Rongxing. The government is also pressing mining firms to hire locally and says existing mines alone cannot meet production targets. Manufacturing: Hichilema launched a $1.6 billion expansion of the Chilanga urea plant, which aims to increase local fertiliser production and create 10,000 jobs. Transport: A $6.3 million Japanese grant will provide Zambia Railways with maintenance equipment, supporting more reliable freight movement. Regional Trade: Zambia is promoting closer COMESA trade and has handed over land in Lusaka for the bloc’s new headquarters, seeking wider markets for local goods.

Gold Processing: Zambia has launched its first gold refinery, with Minera Refineries Zambia saying it can produce gold at up to 99.99% purity. The facility aims to keep more mineral value in the country and support formalisation of small-scale mining. Rail Infrastructure: Japan’s US$6.3 million grant will fund maintenance equipment for Zambia Railways, intended to improve reliability and reduce transport costs for businesses. Copper Investment: The Zambia Development Agency signed a US$122 million investment agreement with Rongxing for a copper project in Kalulushi. Fertiliser Manufacturing: Hichilema launched a US$1.6 billion expansion of the Chilanga fertiliser plant, with the project targeting 10,000 jobs and increased local production. Mining Jobs: The President urged mining firms to prioritise local employment, skills training and contracts for Zambian suppliers. Regional Trade: At the COMESA summit, Hichilema called for fewer trade barriers and better transport links, while Zambia handed over land in Lusaka for the bloc’s new headquarters.

Business and Jobs: President Hichilema honoured Trade Kings founder Iqbal Patel, whose company has created more than 16,000 jobs. Copper Processing: ZDA signed a US$122 million investment agreement with Rongxing to expand copper processing, with 194 additional jobs expected. Regional Trade: At the COMESA summit, Hichilema urged member states to cut trade barriers and deepen regional commerce; Zambia also provided land for the bloc’s new Lusaka headquarters. Rail Infrastructure: A US$6.3 million Japanese grant will fund railway maintenance equipment to improve transport reliability and support the movement of minerals, farm produce and manufactured goods. Mining: Hichilema called on mining firms to prioritise local jobs, skills training and contracts for Zambian businesses. Fertiliser Production: A US$1.6 billion plant expansion in Chilanga aims to increase domestic urea production and create 10,000 jobs. Agriculture: Government’s proposed K19.9 billion supplementary budget includes K14.7 billion for maize farmers, while Serenje officials called for stronger collaboration to raise production.

Mining and Local Jobs: President Hakainde Hichilema urged mining companies to prioritize local hiring, skills training and supplier contracts, arguing these bring communities more direct benefits than traditional social projects. Fuel Market: OMCAZ warned that a proposed Dangote supply and distribution arrangement routed through Zimbabwe could disadvantage local oil firms, and called for fair access to pipelines and storage. Rail and Trade: Japan’s US$6.3 million grant will fund railway maintenance equipment to improve service reliability and freight movement. Zambia also pressed COMESA members to lower trade barriers and expand markets for regional goods. Copper Investment: ZDA signed a US$122 million agreement with Rongxing to expand copper processing, with 194 additional jobs expected. Agriculture: A proposed K19.9 billion supplementary budget allocates K14.7 billion to maize farmers, while Serenje officials called for stronger collaboration among farmers, cooperatives and businesses to lift production.

Mining: President Hakainde Hichilema urged mining firms to prioritise Zambian jobs, skills training and local suppliers over traditional corporate social responsibility projects. Separately, a US$122 million deal will expand Rongxing’s copper-processing operations in Kalulushi, with 194 additional jobs expected. Manufacturing and Energy: Zambia has launched a US$1.6 billion fertiliser plant expansion targeting 10,000 jobs, while solar capacity has surpassed 1 GW. Agriculture: A proposed K19.9 billion supplementary budget includes K14.7 billion to pay maize suppliers after the Food Reserve Agency bought 2.7 million tonnes—far above its target. Transport: Japan has committed US$6.3 million for Zambia Railways maintenance, which could help move goods more efficiently. Trade and Payments: Zambia’s new COMESA leadership is being pitched as a platform to deepen regional trade, while payments firm Nomba has extended its DRC corridor into Zambia, enabling instant supplier payments.

Regional Trade: At the COMESA summit, President Hakainde Hichilema urged member states to cut trade barriers and improve transport links, while Zambia provided 14 hectares in Lusaka for the bloc’s new headquarters. Development Finance: Zambia’s economy grew 5.2% in 2025, but an AfDB report says the country faces a US$5.4 billion annual shortfall in funding for structural transformation through 2030. Agriculture: Government has proposed a K19.9 billion supplementary budget, including K14.7 billion to pay maize suppliers after the Food Reserve Agency bought 2.7 million tonnes. Copper Investment: The Zambia Development Agency signed an agreement for Rong Xing Investments to put US$122 million into copper processing in Kalulushi, including plant expansion and future mining development. Transport: Japan’s US$6.17 million grant will fund railway maintenance equipment, with more reliable freight services expected to help mining, farming and manufacturing. Cross-Border Payments: Nigerian fintech Nomba has extended its DRC payments corridor into Zambia, enabling instant payments to local suppliers. Mining Outlook: Officials say existing mines alone cannot deliver Zambia’s three-million-tonne annual copper target by 2031; new projects and exploration will be essential.

Copper Processing: Zambia has signed a US$122 million investment agreement with Rong Xing to expand its Kalulushi plant, lifting planned copper cathode production from 5,500 to 10,000 tonnes a year and adding 194 jobs. Mining Pipeline: Mines Ministry Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta says existing mines alone cannot deliver the three-million-tonne copper target by 2031; new projects and exploration are essential, with the national geophysical survey 97% complete. Mining and Environment: KCM has been ordered to assess its infrastructure and clean up pollution affecting the Kafue River after a leak and dam overflow. Energy: The government says three solar plants in Shimabala, Chipata and Mumbwa are due to be commissioned by year-end, adding 320 megawatts of capacity. Agriculture and Transport: A proposed K19.9 billion supplementary budget allocates K14.7 billion to pay maize farmers, while a US$6.3 million Japanese grant will support railway maintenance and the movement of minerals and farm produce.

Kafue River Pollution: Zambia has ordered Konkola Copper Mines to inspect its infrastructure and clean affected areas after another pollution incident. KCM disputes responsibility; the government says the company must cover testing costs. Mining Value: At the Mining and Investment Insaka, Mines Ministry Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta urged firms to turn mineral wealth into local processing, jobs, skills and stronger businesses while protecting communities and the environment. Copper Investment: The Zambia Development Agency signed a US$122 million agreement with Rongxing Investments to expand its Kalulushi processing plant, lifting annual copper cathode capacity from 5,500 to 10,000 tonnes and adding 194 jobs. Energy and Industry: Government says national generation capacity is about 4,700 megawatts and plans to commission three solar plants before year-end. Hichilema also launched a US$1.6 billion fertiliser plant expansion, aimed at boosting local production and creating jobs. Trade Links: Japan’s US$6.3 million grant will support railway maintenance to help move minerals and agricultural goods to regional and international markets.

Fertiliser Investment: President Hakainde Hichilema launched the $1.6 billion second phase of United Capital Fertilizer’s Chilanga plant, expected to lift production, cut import reliance and support up to 10,000 jobs. He warned officials against delaying investment projects. Solar Power: Zambia has surpassed 1 gigawatt of solar capacity, reaching 1,027MW as the country diversifies from drought-vulnerable hydropower. Copper Mining: First Quantum says its expanded Kansanshi mine is on track to process 27 million tonnes of ore this year—8% above design capacity—as Zambia pursues its 3-million-tonne annual copper target. Mining Oversight: Officials at the Mining and Investment Insaka called for tougher tailings-dam monitoring, independent engineering checks and stronger community water protections. Leaders also urged faster action to develop regional mineral value chains and process more resources locally.

Mining Safety: Zambia is prioritising tailings-dam safety as heavier rainfall raises failure risks. Regulators called for stricter inspections, independent engineering oversight and a national dam registry to protect communities and the environment. Copper: First Quantum says its expanded Kansanshi mine is on track to process 27 million tonnes of ore this year, 8% above design capacity, supporting Zambia’s ambition to produce 3 million tonnes of copper annually by 2031. Fertiliser Manufacturing: President Hichilema launched a US$1.6 billion expansion at United Capital Fertilizer’s Chilanga plant. The project is expected to lift direct employment to 10,000 and increase local fertiliser production for farmers and regional markets. Energy: Zambia’s solar capacity has surpassed 1 gigawatt, reaching 1,027 megawatts as the country pursues 10 gigawatts of total generation capacity by 2031. Regional Trade: Payments company Nomba has extended its DRC corridor to Zambia, aiming to ease cross-border transactions for businesses along a trade route where Zambian exports to the DRC reached US$1.6 billion in 2025.

Energy: President Hichilema called for regional cooperation and stronger communication of Zambia’s energy reforms to attract investment, as the country pursues 10,000 megawatts of generation capacity by 2031. Fertiliser: He launched the $1.6 billion expansion of United Capital Fertilizer’s Chilanga plant. The project is expected to lift direct employment from 7,400 to 10,000, increase local production and support exports. Mining: At the Lusaka Mining and Investment Insaka, Hichilema urged faster project delivery and warned licence holders to develop their claims or lose them. He also pressed mining firms to hire locally and buy from Zambian suppliers. Copper processing: Jiangxi Copper Zambia is exporting copper rods from Chibombo and selling locally made cables and wires to mining and construction firms; it is planning a new production line. Mine investment: ZCCM-IH and UAE-based IRH have resolved their Mopani financing dispute and reaffirmed their commitment to the mine’s development. Environmental oversight: ZEMA’s board has placed senior directors on leave for a performance and suitability review, with final decisions expected within 60 days.

Fertiliser Investment: President Hakainde Hichilema has launched a US$1.6 billion expansion of United Capital Fertilizer’s Chilanga plant. The project is expected to lift direct jobs from 7,400 to 10,000, increase local fertiliser production and support exports. Mining and Local Content: At the Mining and Investment Insaka, Hichilema warned licence holders against sitting on permits and urged mining firms to create jobs, develop local suppliers and help drive Zambia’s target of three million tonnes of copper a year by 2031. Copper Processing: Copper rods made at the Chibombo Multi-Facility Economic Zone are now being exported to neighbouring countries, while locally produced cables and wires supply mining and construction firms. The manufacturer is considering a new production line. Timber Value Addition: ZAFFICO says it has invested about US$41 million in value addition since 2018. Its US$30 million particleboard factory is expected to be completed in 2028. Mining Oversight: The Auditor-General found that K626.64 million in mining penalties remained uncollected, alongside K30.48 million in unpaid annual licence charges.

Mining Licences: At the Mining and Investment Insaka, President Hakainde Hichilema warned licence holders to develop their claims or risk losing them, linking the policy to Zambia’s three-million-tonne copper target. He also urged miners to expand local sourcing, jobs and skills training. Public Revenue: The Auditor-General found K626.64 million in mining penalties and K30.48 million in annual licence charges uncollected, highlighting gaps in sector oversight. Environmental Regulation: Green Economy Minister Gilbert Siame warned ZEMA it must prevent mining pollution or face dissolution, while setting a December 30 deadline for digital permits and licensing. Copper Investment: ZCCM-IH and IRH say they remain aligned on Mopani’s long-term development after a financing dispute; details of the funding arrangement remain unclear. Power Supply: CEC reported renewable generation of 158.78 GWh in the first half of 2026, up 97% year on year, with the 136 MW Itimpi II solar project driving growth. Industry Links: The Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit returns to Livingstone on November 3–5, with cross-border power, mining demand and transmission among its priorities.

Mining Investment: Zambia’s five-day Mining and Investment Insaka opens in Lusaka, bringing investors and regional partners together to discuss value addition, jobs and mining supply chains. The government says it has no plans to fully nationalise mines, favouring private investment with a state stake. Mopani Copper: Abu Dhabi-based IRH has reaffirmed its $1.1 billion commitment to Mopani after a financing dispute with ZCCM-IH. The partners say they remain aligned, though the statement did not clarify whether the concerns have been resolved. Renewable Energy: CEC Renewables generated 158.78 GWh in the first half of 2026, up 97% year on year, following the commissioning of its 136 MW Itimpi II solar project. Nuclear Cooperation: Zambia and the IAEA pledged to deepen work on cancer care, radiation medicine and nuclear-energy development, including training and safety capacity. Agriculture: Wheat blast has been confirmed in Zambia, prompting Tanzanian researchers to train in rapid testing to help detect any spread across the border.

Mining Investment: The five-day Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka opens in Lusaka today, bringing together more than 1,500 participants to discuss mineral value addition, jobs and regional supply chains. Government says it has no plans to fully nationalise mines, arguing private investment alongside ZCCM-IH is the more practical model. Mopani Copper: Abu Dhabi-based IRH has reaffirmed its $1.1 billion commitment to Mopani, though its joint statement with ZCCM-IH did not say whether earlier concerns over missed commitments had been resolved. The partners are also exploring wider mining opportunities. Jobs and Local Content: Zambia’s World Bank minerals compact targets 250,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2031, alongside a goal of lifting copper output to three million tonnes a year. Solwezi will host a mining expo on November 4–6 focused on investment, sustainable mining and opportunities for local businesses. Industry Skills: A pilot AI career-guidance platform is helping vocational students connect their training with employer needs in sectors including mining, agribusiness and energy.