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The Zambian government has welcomed the continued engagement and renewed commitment from France to deepen cooperation in the mining sector, describing the partnership as critical to strengthening regulatory systems and unlocking new investment opportunities.
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, said the government remained committed to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that promoted sustainable development, economic diversification and shared prosperity.
He made the remarks when he received a high-level French delegation led by French Ambassador to Zambia, Thomas Rossignol, during a courtesy call at his office in Lusaka on Tuesday. This is according to a statement issued by Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Kalani Muchima.
Kabeta said the government placed strong emphasis on enhancing institutional capacity within the Mineral Regulation Commission, particularly in areas of monitoring, compliance and enforcement. He noted that the adoption of modern technologies was essential in increasing efficiency and curbing illegal mining activities.
“This strengthened cooperation aligns with Zambia’s ongoing reforms under the Minerals Regulation Commission Act, 2024, which seeks to modernise the regulatory framework and reinforce accountability within the mining industry,” Kabeta said.
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He added that improved regulation was central to ensuring that Zambia benefited fully from its mineral wealth, especially in strategic sectors expected to drive future industrialisation.
In response, Ambassador Rossignol said the frequency of high-level interactions between the two countries demonstrated France’s seriousness in advancing practical and results-driven collaboration.
“France is committed to seeing tangible outcomes from our engagements for the benefit of both nations. We stand ready to support priority projects identified by the Zambian government, including through potential financing mechanisms,” he said.
The French delegation also expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Zambia’s manganese sub-sector, citing its potential to support the global shift toward cleaner energy technologies.
According to the Ministry, the renewed collaboration is expected to contribute to the fight against illegal mining, enhance transparency, and promote sustainable growth in the mining sector.
The delegation included representatives from the Economic Regional Service, French Development Agency (AFD), PROPARCO, and other French public institutions involved in development and investment cooperation.
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