The World Bank has highlighted the importance of the energy transition metals (ETM) value chain in driving sustainable economic growth in Zambia.

In a report published this week, the bank noted that although Zambia achieved 4% GDP growth in 2024, the country has the potential to boost its economic growth further by expanding ETM production, enhancing fiscal revenues, and increasing value addition to its mineral resources.

The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference, scheduled for 1-3 October in Cape Town, will include a special country spotlight session on Zambia.

Titled ‘Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through License Allocation,’ the session will highlight Zambia’s mineral potential and connect project and investment opportunities with financiers and mining companies.

As Africa’s leading event for mining stakeholders, AMW 2025 is ideally placed to boost Zambia’s economic growth by attracting fresh investment into the mining sector.

To drive economic growth in Zambia, the World Bank has underscored the importance of expanding ETM production.

Key recommendations include implementing reforms to increase mineral output, exploring new deposits, and developing the workforce. Aligning with these suggestions, Zambia is actively progressing with a national plan to boost ETM production, particularly copper, while improving seismic data collection to support upcoming exploration efforts.

Zambia has set a national goal to increase its annual copper production to three million tons by 2031. Copper output rose by 29.9% from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025.

Several major projects are in development, including the Kashime copper mine led by Mimosa Resources, the relaunch of Konkola mine under Vedanta Resources, and the Mopani mine operated by International Resources Holding.

To further support exploration, Zambia is carrying out a nationwide geomapping campaign to enhance understanding of its geology and mineral basins, which was 80% complete as of June 2025.

Moreover, beyond boosting ETM production and revenue, developing Zambia’s copper value chain opens up numerous economic opportunities, including job creation, increased participation of local businesses, and expanded trade and financing. As part of its value addition strategy, Zambia plans to set up mineral market centres and washing plants in Mumbwa, Rufunsa, Chisamba, and Kasempa to empower small-scale miners.

In addition, a national training program for licensed artisanal miners is being developed to enhance safety, productivity, and skills. These initiatives aim to support local miners and increase the value generated from the ETM value chain.