Mulungushi revival signals new dawn for Kabwe and Central Province

President Hakainde Hichilema has declared the revival of Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles a turning point not just for the factory, but for Kabwe and Central Province as a whole.

"The revival of Mulungushi Textiles is the awakening of Kabwe and the province at large," he said, calling on workers, farmers and citizens to unite behind a single agenda of national development. He urged cotton farmers and textile workers to play their part in sustaining the plant's supply chain, and reaffirmed that the facility is a joint venture owned by the people of Zambia and China for the benefit of all Zambians.

Minister of Commerce Chipoka Mulenga added significant detail to the plant's expansion plans, announcing that 200 megawatts of solar power will be developed on site through the ZCMT Power Company to meet the facility's energy requirements. He also confirmed that 6,000 out-grower farmers will be mobilised to supply cotton directly to the plant, and that an additional production line — manufacturing bedsheets, chitenges and curtains — will be operational before the end of the year.

ZCMT Managing Director Ju Wenbin, speaking on behalf of Chinese shareholders, said President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his commitment to the Zambia-China strategic partnership, describing the project as a foundation built by past leaders for future generations.

Local voices were equally emphatic. Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa noted the province contributes 58 billion Kwacha to national GDP, while the Kabwe Chamber of Commerce pledged to develop marketing linkages across Central, Eastern and Southern Provinces — positioning Kabwe as a competitive industrial hub once more.