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Sokwani Chilembo, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Mines of Zambia, has emphasised the importance of robust systems, structures, and strategic planning in strengthening the country’s mining sector and maximising its contribution to industrial growth.
Speaking during his keynote address at the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII 2025) held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Chilembo highlighted that Zambia’s mining sector must move beyond simple extraction to a more structured approach that integrates operational efficiency, industrialisation, and value addition.
“What we need are strong systems and structures that allow us to operate efficiently and reduce unnecessary costs. Without these foundations, our efforts will continue to be fragmented and less effective,” Chilembo said.
He pointed out that, while Zambia has significant potential, structural and organisational gaps have historically limited opportunities and growth.
According to Chilembo, lessons can be drawn from other countries that have successfully developed national champions in mining and related industries.
“We often compare ourselves to Australia, Canada, and parts of South America, where industry leaders have established strong operational frameworks. We need to follow similar principles — disciplined planning, investment in people, and a clear focus on industrial outcomes,” he said.
Chilembo further stressed that it was not enough to have policies and plans on paper. Implementation, collaboration across stakeholders, and regular dialogue within the industry are essential for sustained growth.
“It’s not enough to state ambitions; we must act. Dialogue, engagement, and continuous improvement are critical if we want to transform our resources into tangible industrial power and economic prosperity,” he added.
He also urged companies and government stakeholders to work together to create an environment that supports innovation, compliance, and the development of national expertise.
“Our goal should be to develop systems that automatically support efficiency, innovation, and sustainability — creating a mining sector that not only extracts wealth but builds it domestically,” Chilembo said.
He emphasized the need to strengthen the next generation of mining professionals and ensure that Zambia’s mineral wealth translated into industrial and societal benefits for all citizens.
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