Zambia warns against critical minerals monopoly, calls for fair global partnership

The Zambian government has raised concern over the growing risk of monopolisation in the global critical minerals sector, stressing the need for fair access, transparency and adherence to international standards as demand for green-energy inputs rises.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, said Zambia remained committed to ensuring that the economic gains from the global green transition were shared inclusively rather than captured by a few dominant players.

He made the remarks in Brussels during a meeting with Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, held on the sidelines of the 4th Edition of the Africa Political Outlook (APO) summit.

Zambia is participating as a key speaker at the high-level event, running from March 26 to 27, 2026—an invitation Haimbe said reflected the growing international recognition of President Hakainde Hichilema’s policy reforms and Zambia’s strengthened diplomatic standing.

The 2026 APO summit, themed “Forces of the Future,” is focusing on Africa’s transition from aid dependency to a phase of industrial transformation, sovereign alignment and increased geopolitical agency.

Haimbe told the EU Commissioner that Zambia remained firm in its commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships within the critical minerals value chain, guided by strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.

“The government led by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema is committed to fostering equal and mutually beneficial partnerships within the critical minerals value chain,” he said.

He added that Zambia was ensuring transparency and sustainable development as it developed its mineral and clean-energy industries.

Hoekstra commended Zambia for its alignment with the global green economy agenda, including its active role in the Global Battery Alliance, which positions the country as an important player in the emerging clean-energy technologies market.

He further praised Zambia’s environmental protection initiatives and reaffirmed the EU’s interest in expanding cooperation—particularly in carbon trading and critical mineral supply chains.

The meeting highlighted Zambia’s push for responsible mineral extraction grounded in human rights, environmental stewardship and the rule of law, while strengthening partnerships with European institutions.

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