Zambia Development Agency courts global investors in critical minerals, energy

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has urged global investors to tap into Zambia’s expanding opportunities in critical minerals and energy, positioning the country as a prime investment destination in Africa.

ZDA Director-General, Albert Halwampa, highlighted Zambia’s strong policy environment, abundant mineral resources, stable macroeconomic fundamentals, peaceful political climate, and strategic location as key factors driving the country’s growing global competitiveness.

Speaking at the 21st Shanghai Metals Market Copper Industry Conference and Expo, Halwampa also cited the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema as instrumental in strengthening investor confidence and enhancing Zambia’s appeal on the global stage.

He said Zambia was targeting an increase in copper production to three million metric tonnes per annum by 2031, up from the current 890,000 tonnes. This growth, he noted, would be supported by progressive policies such as the National Mineral Resource Development Policy and the National Critical Minerals Strategy.

“Zambia currently contributes about five percent of global copper supply and ranks as Africa’s second-largest copper producer,” he said.

The country also accounts for approximately 38 percent of Africa’s manganese production, positioning it as a potential hub for critical raw materials.

“Zambia is not only rich in critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, manganese, lithium and nickel, but is also focused on enhancing value addition and industrialisation to maximise benefits from these resources,” he said.

The Director General underscored government’s commitment to maintaining a conducive investment climate through investor-friendly policies and attractive incentives.

He further highlighted opportunities in the energy sector, noting that Government was targeting an increase in power generation capacity from about 3,800 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts by 2031.

This would be achieved by diversifying the energy mix from heavy reliance on hydropower to other renewable sources, including solar photovoltaic, wind, waste-to-energy, geothermal and thermal power.

Halwampa also noted that Zambia’s strategic location provided access to a combined market of over 1.3 billion people under the African Continental Free Trade Area, making the country an ideal hub for regional trade and industrialisation.

He invited global investors to participate in the Invest-Zambia International Conference 2026 and take advantage of opportunities in mineral processing, renewable energy and value chain development within Multi-Facility Economic Zones.

“Zambia offers stability, opportunity, and a clear vision for sustainable growth. Now is the time to invest,” Halwampa said.

He also pledged the agency’s support for the first-ever Shanghai Metals Market Critical Minerals Conference 2026 scheduled for Lusaka in October 2026, and welcomed the decision by Shanghai Metals Market to open its first African office in Lusaka, describing the move as a testament to Government’s efforts to scale up trade and investment.

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