Luapula has no reason to remain poor, says Minister Musonda as city prepares for expo

Luapula Province Minister, Nason Musonda, says there is no convincing justification for the people of Luapula to continue living in poverty, given the province’s vast natural resources and improved energy security.

Musonda said Luapula was fully prepared to unlock its economic potential through the 2026 Luapula Expo, describing the upcoming investment symposium as a key government initiative to connect both local and foreign investors to viable opportunities in the province.

The Minister said this in a statement issued in Mansa on Tuesday ahead of the exposition, scheduled for April 19th to 23rd, 2026.

The expo is expected to be officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema and will be hosted in Mansa, marking a significant milestone in the province’s development agenda.

It will focus on unlocking value in sectors such as mining, tourism, energy, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, education, and value addition, positioning Luapula as a competitive investment destination.

Read More: Minister Musonda claims end of load shedding in Luapula Province with injection of 14MW from solar power plant

“It defies logic that a province endowed with fertile land, water bodies, minerals and tourism assets remains among the least developed,” Musonda said, adding that President Hichilema’s administration was determined to reverse this trend by promoting provincial economies.

He urged all stakeholders in Luapula to rise above partisan politics and support the Expo, noting that economic growth in the province stands to benefit all Zambians.

On energy, the Minister said Luapula had emerged from load shedding following the partial commissioning of the 50-megawatt Mansa Solar Power Plant, said to be supplying 14 megawatts to the national grid, with full evacuation expected by April.

“The improved power supply has normalized business operations and will further support investment activities ahead of the Expo, alongside other national power projects aimed at ensuring long-term energy security,” he said.

Musonda further noted that with improved energy stability, ongoing infrastructure development, and abundant natural resources, Luapula now had a strong foundation to achieve economic independence and uplift the living standards of its people.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.