Zambia and DRC to Lead Africa’s Copper Industry Expansion in 2025
Africa’s copper industry is set for significant expansion in 2025, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia leading the charge.
Both nations are ramping up production through new mining projects, increased exploration, and modernization of existing operations to meet growing global demand.
Copper production surged across Africa in 2024, with top producers setting ambitious targets for further growth. In the DRC, output rose by 12.6% year-on-year, reaching 3.3 million metric tons—accounting for 11% of global supply.
This increase was driven by the Phase Three Expansion of Ivanhoe Mines’ Kamoa-Kakula project, which produced a record 437,061 tons.
Ivanhoe Mines has committed $1.67 billion to boost production to 240,000 tons in 2025 and 250,000 tons in 2026. An additional $1.67 billion is being invested to expand the Kipushi Mine, further cementing the DRC’s position as a global copper powerhouse.
Other major investments in the DRC include Eurasian Resources Group’s $150 million credit facility from the Trade Finance Bank of China to expand its Metalkol facility.
Meanwhile, China’s CMOC Group is investing $2.5 billion to double its output to 1 million tons by 2028 through expansions at Tenke Fungurume and Kinsafu Mines.
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, is also making significant strides. The government is reallocating over 1,000 high-potential mining licenses to investors as part of its goal to increase production to 3 million tons annually by 2031.
To enhance efficiency, the country launched a digital mining license platform in February 2025. Key investments include the recapitalization of the Mopani Mine, backed by over $1 billion in financing from UAE-based International Resources Holding, raising ore production to 2.8 million tons in 2024.
In late 2024, Vedanta Resources injected $1.3 billion to relaunch the Konkola Copper Mine, further boosting Zambia’s copper output.
The $600 million Kitumba Copper Mine, launched in August 2024, has added 50,000 metric tons per year to Zambia’s production capacity.
Additional investments from companies such as KoBold Metals, Ecora, Patriot Lithium, Statunga Investments, and Altona in 2025 are expected to further strengthen Zambia’s copper sector.
Beyond the DRC and Zambia, mineral exploration is intensifying across Africa, unlocking new copper reserves. In Namibia, Canada’s Koryx completed Phase 2 drilling at its Haib Copper Project in February 2025, confirming high-grade deposits.
In Botswana, Trigon Metals secured European Union funding in January 2025 to accelerate development at its Kalahari Copper Project.
With strong investment and exploration activities underway, Africa’s copper industry is poised for sustained growth, reinforcing the continent’s critical role in global mineral supply chains.
