Mining, mineral processing dominate as ZEMA reportedly approves 585 projects

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has reported continued progress in facilitating investment and development projects across the country, having reviewed 613 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports as at April 30, 2026, out of an annual target of 1,200 submissions.

According to a statement issued by the ZEMA acting Manager for Corporate Affairs, Mercy Zulu, out of the 613 projects assessed, 585 were approved, 15 were rejected, while 13 were deferred for further consideration.

“The approved projects cut across key sectors of the economy, reflecting continued investor interest in Zambia’s development agenda,” Zulu said.

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Mining and mineral processing accounted for the largest share with 268 approved projects, followed by manufacturing and processing at 95, energy at 100, infrastructural development at 98, agriculture and forestry at 15, and tourism with 9 projects.

In the energy sector alone, Zulu said ZEMA approved projects with a combined generation capacity of 2,799.5 megawatts from solar, hydro, and thermal sources.

She said this development was expected to significantly boost the country’s sustainable energy production and support long-term energy security.

Among the notable approvals is an assembly plant for electric tricycles and electric bicycle parts at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (LSMFEZ) in Kafue District.

The project aligns with government efforts to promote a green growth agenda and transition towards a cleaner transport system with reduced carbon emissions.

ZEMA has further encouraged developers to take advantage of the revised Environmental Management (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2026, which had reduced statutory review fees and shortened approval timelines for Environmental and Social Impact Statements (ESISs) and Environmental and Social Project Briefs (ESPBs).

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to balancing environmental protection with sustainable development as Zambia continues to attract investment across strategic sectors.

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