Zambia and France Deepen Mining Sector Cooperation
Zambia Welcomes France’s Renewed Commitment to Sustainable and Transparent Mining Development
The Government of the Republic of Zambia has welcomed renewed commitment from the Government of France to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the mining sector, as both nations seek to advance sustainable development and transparency in mineral resource governance.
Speaking in Lusaka on 24 February 2026, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr Hapenga Kabeta, reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to building mutually beneficial partnerships that promote economic diversification and shared prosperity.
Dr Kabeta made the remarks when he received a high-level French delegation led by Thomas Rossignol. He underscored the importance of strengthening institutional capacity within the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC), particularly in enhancing monitoring, compliance, and enforcement systems through modern technologies.
He noted that the enhanced cooperation aligns with Zambia’s ongoing mining sector reforms under the Minerals Regulation Commission Act, 2024, which aims to modernise the regulatory framework and reinforce accountability across the industry.
Ambassador Rossignol stated that the frequency of high-level engagements between the two countries reflects France’s commitment to practical, results-driven collaboration.
He added that France stands ready to support priority projects identified by the Zambian Government, including through potential financing mechanisms.
The French delegation also expressed interest in investment opportunities within Zambia’s manganese sub-sector. Strengthened cooperation is expected to bolster efforts to combat illegal mining, enhance transparency, and promote sustainable growth in the mining industry.
Members of the delegation included representatives from the Economic Regional Service, the Agence Française de Développement, PROPARCO, and other French public sector institutions.
