KCM Strengthens Local Supplier Opportunities Through 2026 SME Day
KCM SME Day Opens Opportunities for Zambian Businesses in Mining Supply Chain
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) PLC hosted its 2026 SME Day under the theme “Partnering for Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity,” bringing together small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), business partners and Government representatives to strengthen local participation in the mining supply chain.
Held as a platform for engagement between KCM and the local business community, the event provided Zambian enterprises with an opportunity to connect directly with the mining company and its business partners, gain a better understanding of procurement requirements and showcase their capabilities.
The engagement also enabled SMEs to identify potential opportunities to supply goods, services and technical solutions to the mining industry, while gaining insights into the standards and expectations required to become competitive suppliers.
The event was graced by Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Mr. Laurence Mwanza, and Chililabombwe District Commissioner Mr. Kelly Jibinga.
Speaking at the event, KCM Acting Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Mewett highlighted the importance of creating platforms where mining companies and local businesses can engage directly, identify operational challenges and explore practical solutions.
He encouraged SMEs to focus on delivering the right price, the right quality and at the right time, while leveraging their technical expertise to address genuine operational challenges within the mining sector.
Mewett’s remarks underscored the need for local businesses to move beyond simply seeking procurement opportunities and instead position themselves as capable partners that can provide reliable, cost-effective and technically sound solutions to the mining industry.
Dr. Kabeta described the SME Day as an important platform for translating the Government’s local-content agenda into tangible economic opportunities for Zambian businesses.
He urged SMEs to strengthen their capacity in critical areas including quality, safety, certification, technology, governance and timely delivery, noting that these capabilities are essential for businesses seeking to compete for opportunities within the mining supply chain.
KCM Chief Commercial Officer Prakash Gopukumar reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing a stronger local supply ecosystem through continued engagement with SMEs, capacity building and improved access to procurement opportunities, equipment and financing.
The focus on supplier development reflects the growing importance of ensuring that local businesses are equipped to meet the technical, operational and commercial requirements of the mining industry.
Beyond business and procurement discussions, the SME Day also maintained a strong focus on workplace safety.
KCM Deputy Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer (HSE), Lloyd Moomba, delivered a safety share centred on the company’s “Remember Home” campaign, reinforcing the importance of making safe decisions and ensuring that employees return home safely at the end of each working day.
The 2026 KCM SME Day reaffirmed the mining company’s commitment to strengthening local content by creating practical connections between its growing operational requirements and capable Zambian enterprises.
As mining activity continues to expand, such platforms provide an important avenue for local businesses to understand industry requirements, build their capabilities and position themselves to participate more effectively in the mining value chain.
For SMEs, the opportunity extends beyond securing individual contracts. Building the capacity to consistently deliver on quality, safety, technology, governance, cost and timelines can position Zambian businesses for sustained participation in one of the country’s most important economic sectors.
Ultimately, KCM’s SME engagement seeks to ensure that the benefits of mining extend beyond production and investment, creating stronger local enterprises and broader economic opportunities for communities across the Copperbelt.
