Suzhou, China – 9 April 2026 – The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has called on global investors to seize current existing opportunities in Zambia’s critical minerals and energy sectors, positioning the country as a leading investment destination in Africa.
Speaking at the 21st Shanghai Metals Market Copper Industry Conference and Expo (SMMCCIE), ZDA Director General, Albert Halwampa, highlighted Zambia’s stable strong policy framework, good leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. abundant mineral resources, stable macroeconomic fundamentals, peaceful and stable political environment and strategic location as key drivers underpinning the country’s growing global competitiveness.
Mr. Halwampa emphasized that Zambia is targeting an increase in copper production to 3 million metric tonnes per annum by 2031, up from the current 890,000 tonnes, supported by progressive policies such as the National Mineral Resource Development Policy and the National Critical Minerals Strategy.
He noted that Zambia which currently contributes approximately 5 percent of global copper supply, ranks as the second-largest copper producer in Africa. Zambia also accounts for about 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 maximize benefits from these resources,” he said.
The Director General underscored the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment climate through investor-friendly policies, including favourable investment incentives in the country.
Mr. Halwampa also pointed out additional investment opportunities in the energy space with Government focussed on increasing generation from about 3,800MW to 10,000MW by 2031, as the government tries to diversify the energy mix away from over-reliance on hydro to other renewable sources of energy such solar PV, wind, waste to energy geothermal as well as thermal power.
“Zambia’s strategic location provides access to a combined market of over 1.3 billion people under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), making it an ideal hub for regional trade and industrial activity,” Mr. Halwampa said.
Mr. Halwampa concluded by inviting global investors to participate in the Invest-Zambia International Conference (IZIC) 2026, and in Zambia’s growing economy, particularly 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,” he said.
The ZDA Director General further pledged support of the Agency for the first-ever SMM conference on Critical Minerals to be held in Lusaka in October 2026 and hailed the company’s decision to open the first SMM Office in Africa, in Lusaka, Zambia, as testament to President Hichilema’s good leadership in scaling up trade and investment in Zambia.
