Local Production Boosts Zambia’s Economic Growth

President Hakainde Hichilema has highlighted his commitment to bolstering economic growth and recovery through Zambia’s local resources. The President said that new local content regulations of 2025 ensured that local Zambian suppliers benefit from mining activity across the nation.

Clayson Hamasaka, Chief Communications Specialist emphasised that Zambians must remain actively involved in natural resource utilisation. While engaging with community radio stations and meeting stakeholders on the Copperbelt, he reiterated that the Government have worked hard over the past five years to implement policy reforms which prioritise local participation.

Mr. Hamasaka said that the “Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2025, the Local Content Regulations for the mining sector, the goal was clear. The wealth generated from Zambia's soil must uplift Zambian businesses and support Zambian families. These Regulations, which took effect on 1 January 2026, allocate an increasing share of core mining procurement to Zambian-owned and citizen-empowered companies, starting at 20 percent and rising to 40 percent. They also reserve all non-core services for local firms."

He said that new legislation gives Zambian bidders a pricing preference and requires mining companies to help develop local suppliers.

The data highlights major economic growth opportunities as a result of reformed regulations. In 2025, First Quantum Minerals spent US$2.14 billion on Zambian suppliers, supporting more than 1,500 local businesses.

Additionally, in the first half of 2025, Barrick's Lumwana Mine procured goods and services worth US$356 million from Zambian companies, representing 73 percent of total purchases. Notably, at First Quantum's Kansanshi S3 expansion project alone, over 2,500 Zambians and 535 local companies were engaged.

The initiative emphasises sourcing local products and services and increasing Zambian participation. President Hichilema added that the Copperbelt is on a strong trajectory, acknowledging there is more work to be done.