President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored Zambia’s position for enhanced collaboration amongst African countries in managing mineral resources, citing that it is central for stakeholders to focus on complementarity rather than competition on the continent.

President Hichilema says Africa must stand up and take the lead in mineral resources by solving its own problems, noting that this will make the continent a worthy partner in the global community.

In his keynote address, during the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa today, President Hichilema highlighted the strong need for African countries to attach value addition to the exported minerals as well as structured mining in the sector.

“This theme captures Africa’s reality, that progress requires partnerships. We all have capabilities, we all have endorsements, we all have skills, experiences, but they are not enough to deliver the total package for our people and economy,” he said.

President Hichilema noted that it is imperative that value addition becomes part of the African continent through mining companies and contractors among other mining businesses in order to achieve stability in the operating environment.

“Mineral wealth drives value addition when it is done properly, it does not matter what challenges we face but our target to prosper should not be in isolation,” he said

He added that the African Mining industry symbolises Africa’s shared aspirations for prosperity as well as transformative partnerships, citing that if looked into carefully it will be a window of opportunities on the continent in mining.

Mr Hichilema also called for fairly priced capital in the mining industry, citing that there is need for businesses on the continent to cooperate in addressing the market demand and supply to avoid doing business at a loss.

He attributed Zambia’s success in the mining industry such as the first ever anticipated target to achieve the one million tonnes of copper output this year to government’s positive reforms being implemented.

“Our reforms are anchored in stability, confidence building. Our job was to build stability and confidence to achieve sustainable growth,” he said.

He further commended the South African government through its Minister of Mining Gwede Mantashe for the country’s leadership in driving continental collaboration in the sector.

The Indaba which is being held under the theme, stronger together, progress through partnerships, is taking place from 9th to 12th February 2026 in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa.

The President is accompanied by Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe along other government officials.

ZANIS monitored the President’s live steam address at the ongoing African mining Indaba on South Africa’s SABC TV channel.

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