Copper Production Set to Reach One Million Tonnes- President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that Zambia is on course to produce around one million tonnes of copper this year, a milestone expected to generate more than US$14 billion in revenue.

The President credited the projected increase in copper production to his administration's reforms, which he said have revived the mining sector and played a key role in the country's economic recovery.

He reaffirmed his government's commitment to reducing the cost of living and ensuring that development reaches every province, with the aim of improving the quality of life for all Zambians.

President Hichilema said this while officially launching the United Party for National Development (UPND) campaign ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Highlighting his administration's achievements, President Hichilema pointed to the introduction of free education, the creation of jobs across various sectors and the successful restructuring of Zambia's debt as key measures aimed at improving living standards.

While acknowledging that significant challenges remain, the President said his government would continue prioritising growth in agriculture and mining as part of its long-term development strategy.

"We will continue working towards producing three million tonnes of copper, one million tonnes of wheat, one million tonnes of sugar and achieving US$1 billion in beef exports," President Hichilema said.

Earlier, UPND Lusaka Province Chairperson Obvious Mwaliteta said President Hichilema had restored peace and unity across the country, arguing that he should be given another term to consolidate stability and continue the nation's development.

UPND Copperbelt Province Chairperson Elisha Matambo shared similar views, saying the President's tenure had delivered unprecedented progress in mining, healthcare, education and other key sectors.

Mr Matambo also noted that roads across the Copperbelt had previously been in a poor state but had since undergone significant rehabilitation. He added that Kitwe now boasts its first-ever concrete road, while the province has also benefited from six state-of-the-art Level One hospitals and improved access to clean water.