President Hichilema Inaugurates CAMINEX 2024 with a Call for National Development
President Hakainde Hichilema inaugurated the 2024 Copperbelt Mining, Agriculture, and Industrial Trade Expo (CAMINEX) in Kitwe yesterday, urging Zambians to embrace hard work as a catalyst for national development.
The event, themed “Unlocking Opportunities for Growth: Zambia’s Land-Linked Position,” saw the President highlight the crucial role of diligence in driving both individual and collective progress, contributing significantly to food security and economic stability.
In his address, President Hichilema stressed the importance of self-improvement as a means to create employment opportunities and foster entrepreneurship, thereby raising living standards across the nation.
He encouraged citizens to seize opportunities for personal growth and actively contribute to Zambia’s development, leveraging the country’s strategic geographical position for enhanced trade and investment partnerships.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting the mining sector, with a particular focus on Konkola Copper Mine (KCM), benefiting both Copperbelt residents and the nation.
He emphasized the need for economic diversification, urging Zambians to use the mining sector as a model for developing other industries to ensure a balanced and robust economy.
Addressing concerns about negativity, President Hichilema called for a shift in mindset to promote technology, joint ventures, and partnerships, ensuring equitable access to capital.
He also highlighted the importance of empowering young people with skills to effectively contribute to business and national development.
Acknowledging Zambia’s rich mineral wealth, including copper, cobalt, nickel, and lithium-based minerals, the President expressed optimism about the mining sector’s growth potential, noting the revival of key projects in the Copperbelt Province.
He commended KoBold Mines for utilizing Artificial Intelligence in mineral exploration and advocated for Zambia to emulate successful mining economies like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
On climate change, President Hichilema called for the promotion of alternative energy sources such as solar to mitigate its effects and emphasized the importance of quality infrastructure, particularly in road construction.
He announced a substantial cost reduction in the Lusaka-Ndola Road project, highlighting the administration’s commitment to prudent financial management.
Concluding his address, President Hichilema expressed delight at CNMC’s commitment to value addition in mineral extraction. He envisioned a future where more products are manufactured locally, contributing significantly to Zambia’s economic growth and development.
