The Bank of Zambia published remarks delivered at the 2026 Copperbelt Agricultural, Mining, Industrial Networking Expo in Kitwe that highlighted Zambia's mining and agriculture sectors as central to the economy and restated government measures to support long-term investment. The speech pointed to copper production rising from about 825,000 metric tonnes in 2024 to more than 890,000 metric tonnes in 2025, an 8 percent increase, and presented mining as a key driver of export earnings, employment, infrastructure development and industrial growth. Supporting measures cited in the remarks included policy reforms aimed at improving investor confidence, transparency, local participation, and exploration and production activity. The speech also pointed to a countrywide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey to improve geological information and support investment decisions, with several areas already covered and additional provinces under assessment. It reiterated that Statutory Instrument No. 68 is intended to expand local participation in the mining supply chain, strengthen value addition and deepen linkages with other sectors, including agriculture. It also emphasized continued support for energy generation and infrastructure, including greater use of solar and other renewable sources, alongside broader encouragement for investment in value addition, manufacturing and supporting infrastructure. The geophysical survey is continuing, and the remarks said its completion is expected to de-risk the mining sector and open new investment opportunities across the country.

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