The 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba opened with a powerful call for unity and strategic collaboration. Addressing a global audience of mining professionals and investors, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized that Africa’s vast natural resources can only create “massive prosperity” when unlocked through transformative partnerships.
The Zambian Success Story
Speaking from the Zambian experience, President Hichilema detailed how his administration placed the revitalization of the mining sector at the core of its economic agenda. By prioritizing regulatory certainty, transparency, and the deployment of advanced mining technologies, Zambia has achieved a remarkable economic turnaround.
Key milestones in Zambia’s recent economic journey include:
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Economic Growth: Reversing an annual growth rate of -2.8% to reach 6.4% within just four years.
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Inflation Control: Reducing inflation from a high of 22% down to single digits.
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Investment Inflow: Attracting over $12 billion in new foreign investment since 2022, primarily driven by the global copper boom.
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Copper Production: Increasing output by 12% in 2024 and 8% in 2025 as the country pursues a medium-term target of three million tonnes per year.
A New Narrative for African Recovery
President Hichilema urged fellow African nations to take leadership in their own economic recoveries. Rather than having the IMF construct programs for them, he advocated for countries to design their own growth-oriented strategies and then seek international support.
“We have to take leadership. If we do that, others will support our strategies… we must get organised, so we can be worthy partners in the global community.” — President Hakainde Hichilema
Zambia has exemplified this approach by completing 38 months of reviews under the IMF’s extended-credit-facility while ending endemic litigation in the mining sector.
Mining as a Catalyst for Social Change
The benefits of a revitalized mining sector in Zambia extend beyond the balance sheet. Taxes from the industry have funded a free education program that has enrolled 2.3 million children. Furthermore, the sector is creating new jobs and business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
To further de-risk exploration and streamline approvals, Zambia is currently completing its first high-resolution geophysical survey in half a century.
Moving Beyond “Pit-to-Port”
Both President Hichilema and South African Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, stressed the importance of acting as a collective. Hichilema called for regional value chains and a “shared vision for beneficiation” that looks beyond merely transporting raw materials to ports. Minister Mantashe echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Africa should negotiate mining deals with the rest of the world “as a single economy”.
Under the theme “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships,” the 32nd edition of the Mining Indaba continues through February 12 at the CTICC, serving as a vital platform for dialogue between African governments and the global investment community.