Zambia Launches Kansanshi Mining Accelerator to Empower MSMEs and Drive Economic Growth
Minister Elias Mubanga Highlights Kansanshi Mining Accelerator’s Role in Strengthening Zambian MSMEs
The Government of Zambia, in collaboration with Kansanshi Mining Plc and First Quantum Minerals (FQM), officially launched the first-ever Pitch Day for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Kansanshi Mining Accelerator Programme.
The event, held at the Solwezi Royal Hotel, provided a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase innovative business ideas to potential investors and financial institutions.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Eng. Elias Mubanga, MP, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, emphasized the critical role MSMEs play in driving employment creation, innovation, and socio-economic transformation in Zambia.
“Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, together with cooperatives, are the backbone of our economy,” he said. “Yet many entrepreneurs continue to face challenges, including limited access to financing, regulatory hurdles, and barriers to market entry.”
Minister Mubanga highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting MSMEs through financing initiatives such as the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), and stressed the importance of public-private collaboration to strengthen the financing ecosystem.
The Kansanshi Mining Accelerator Programme, according to the Minister, provides tailored support to MSMEs, including business planning, financial management, product development, marketing, branding, market linkages, and access to finance. By combining technical guidance with investment opportunities, the initiative aims to prepare Zambian enterprises to effectively participate in the mining value chain and other sectors.
“This integrated approach reflects a deep understanding of what it takes to grow sustainable enterprises,” Minister Mubanga noted.
During the event, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their ideas directly to financiers, fostering networking, feedback, and potential partnerships. The Minister called upon financial institutions, investors, and larger industry players to provide support through corporate social responsibility programs or bridging finance to help MSMEs overcome start-up costs and accelerate growth.
“The real challenge is not the absence of money but the need for well-developed ideas presented in a way that inspires confidence among financiers,” he said.
The Minister commended Kansanshi Mining Plc and First Quantum Minerals for their leadership in promoting local content and entrepreneurship, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an inclusive, innovation-driven economy.
As the Pitch Day officially commenced, Minister Mubanga encouraged all participants to engage in the spirit of partnership, mentorship, and collaboration, aiming to unlock the full potential of Zambia’s MSME sector.
“Together, we can create sustainable opportunities, strengthen local enterprises, and drive economic growth across Zambia,” he concluded.
