Category: Economy

Zambia’s push to ramp up copper production must be matched by coordinated policy efforts across other critical sectors if the country is to achieve its broader economic development goals, says economic analyst Kelvin Chisanga. While mining remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy, Mr. Chisanga warned that national progress cannot rely on mining alone. He stressed the need to strategically align sectors such as health, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, transport, and logistics to support and sustain projected mining gains. “Mining output targets demand similar policy interests, efforts, and patterns across other sectors.… Read More Here

The Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) say Zambia’s ongoing mining sector reforms are beginning to positively impact the economy, citing the recent appreciation of the Kwacha against the US dollar. ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda attributed the currency’s recent rise to around 26.7 Kwacha per dollar in part to increased copper production. He praised recent progress in the mining industry, particularly the developments at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), and commended Vedanta Resources for its commitment to clearing KCM’s legacy debts and outstanding payments to suppliers. Vedanta has confirmed… Read More Here

Zambia’s copper production surged by approximately 30% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching around 224,000 metric tonnes compared to 173,000 metric tonnes during the same period in 2024, according to Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kabuswe attributed the increase to improved production at two major operations—Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines—both of which have seen renewed investment and operational recovery. This follows Zambia’s announcement earlier in January that total copper output for 2024 rose by 12%, hitting roughly 820,670 metric tonnes, up… Read More Here