Democratic Union leader, Njobvu, slams government over copper export tax waiver

Democratic Union (DU) party leader, Ackim Njobvu, has strongly criticized the government for enacting Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 47 of 2025, which allowed mining companies to export copper concentrates without paying the standard 10 percent export tax.

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning reportedly issued SI No. 47 of 2025 under the Customs and Excise (Suspension of Copper Concentrates Export Duty) Regulations, 2025.

The regulation, which came into effect on June 28, 2025, will remain in force until October 1, 2025.

Beneficiaries of the tax waiver include Mopani Copper Mines, Lumwana Mine, Lubambe Copper Mine Limited, Konkola and Nkana Mining and Mineral Processing, First Quantum Minerals, and Nchanga Concentrator.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Njobvu called for the immediate reversal of the measure, describing it as “white-collar corruption” and a betrayal of the Zambian people.

“This is a profound betrayal of the citizens of this country and of future generations. In the face of crippling debt, we are still giving away our wealth—our value, our chance at economic liberation, our all,” Njobvu said.

He lamented that despite repeated calls by his party to prioritize local beneficiation of natural resources, the government had chosen to do the opposite.

Njobvu further alleged that the Minister of Finance was not acting independently, suggesting the existence of external influence over national economic policy.

“What sin have we committed, kansi, to deserve this kind of leadership? My spirit tells me we are under state capture. We must work together to reverse this siege as responsible citizens,” he said.

He also questioned the silence of Parliament and other oversight institutions.

“Where are the men of this country? Are they asleep? Wake up! My spirit has been provoked,” he added.

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.