Zambia urged to link Lusaka Security Exchange with global markets to unlock capital for mining projects

The Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (INRA) has called for the expansion of Zambia’s stock markets by linking the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) to larger global exchanges to enable investors to access more capital.

INRA Operating Unit Coordinator, Dr. Jewette Masinja, said the move would allow investors in sectors such as mining to secure financing for project expansion and development across the country.

Speaking during the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka held in Lusaka on Wednesday, Masinja observed that integrating LuSE with major stock markets had the potential to attract more investment into Zambia’s mining sector and enhance value addition.

He made the remarks during a panel discussion themed “Mineral Beneficiation and Value Addition: Unlocking Value from African Minerals In-Country (Emeralds, Other Gemstones, Base Metals and Critical Minerals).”

Masinja noted that linking LuSE to larger exchanges would encourage value-addition activities beyond mineral extraction and create broader opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

“By partnering with a larger stock exchange, Zambia could tap into existing infrastructure and expertise, potentially fast-tracking the development of its mining sector and attracting new investors,” he said.

He highlighted limited access to capital as one of the major challenges facing investors in Zambia’s mining industry, restricting their ability to undertake large-scale exploration or expansion projects.

“Access to financing is crucial for exploration activities, mining development, and project expansion,” he added.

Masinja further commended the government for creating a more conducive business environment, saying such efforts were vital in drawing new investors and sustaining job creation in the mining sector.

“We need a conducive business environment in order to attract more investors in the mining sector and create more jobs, and so far, the government is doing a commendable job in this regard,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of a strong legal framework to support the growth of the mining industry, noting that mining companies play a key role in financing projects through stock exchanges.

“Expanding the Lusaka Securities Exchange will help facilitate access to capital for mining companies, support the growth of the sector, and drive development in Zambia,” Masinja said.

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