The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has called on Zambia to position itself as a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EVs), batteries and related components by leveraging its rich mineral endowment to drive industrialisation, create jobs and accelerate economic growth.
Speaking during the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) Roundtable at the Zambia Mining Insaka, under the theme “Africa’s Mining at a Crossroads: Strategic Priorities in the Next Decade,” ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa emphasised the need for Zambia to move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead develop value chains that maximise the economic benefits of its natural resources.
Mr. Halwampa said Zambia must strategically position itself to take advantage of emerging trade and logistics opportunities, particularly those presented by the Lobito Corridor, by determining the value-added products the country intends to transport to regional and international markets.
“As we talk about the Lobito Corridor, we should be asking ourselves what we want to transport through it. Will it be copper cathodes, electric vehicles, electric vehicle batteries or fully assembled vehicles?” Mr. Halwampa said.
He stressed that the ZDA’s key priority is to attract investors who can establish manufacturing and processing facilities close to the source of raw materials, enabling Zambia to capture greater value from its mineral resources while generating employment and strengthening its industrial base.
Mr. Halwampa noted that a stable and predictable policy environment is essential to attracting long-term investment, adding that Zambia has the policy stability investors seek when making investment decisions.
He explained that developing mineral-based value chains would have far-reaching benefits beyond the mining sector, stimulating growth in supporting industries and creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“The copper industry is a stimulus to other sectors of the economy. By developing value chains around our minerals, we can create opportunities across multiple industries and ensure that the benefits of investment extend to more businesses and citizens,” he said.
The Director General also called for a strategic approach to prioritising Zambia’s mineral resources, urging stakeholders to identify opportunities with the greatest potential for value addition, industrial development and job creation.
He highlighted the importance of critical minerals such as nickel, manganese and lithium, which are increasingly important in battery manufacturing and the global transition to electric mobility.
He underscored the need for Zambia to translate its mineral wealth into tangible economic benefits by attracting investment in processing, manufacturing and related industries.
The Director General noted that the approach would strengthen domestic production capacity, deepen industrial linkages and position the country to participate more competitively in regional and global value chains.
