Zambia should move beyond Copper dependency – Kobold

By MUKWIMA CHILALA

KOBOLD Metals Chief Executive Officer Mfikeyi Makayi has urged Zambia to move beyond its traditional focus on copper and accelerate exploration for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel to position itself for the global clean energy transition.
Speaking during a panel discussion on “Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth for Sustainable Development” at the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka currently taking place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Ms. Makayi said Zambia’s mineral potential remains largely untapped despite being rich in diverse resources that are key to the green economy.
She has emphasized the importance of diversification and investment in geological exploration, saying these steps are essential for the country to remain competitive in the global mining landscape.
Ms. Makayi charged that KoBold Metals, which is advancing exploration projects in southern and north-western Zambia, remains committed to working with government and local partners to discover and develop sustainable mineral resources.
The session was moderated by Mr. Victor Ngoma, Chief Executive of the North America Development Group, and featured a distinguished panel including Mr. Desiderius Chapewa, President of the Geological Survey; Mr. Kakenenwa Muyangwa, Chief Executive Officer of ZCCM-IH; and Mr. Charles Douglas-Hamilton, Senior Mining Specialist at the World Bank Group.
The panel discussed strategies for sustainable mineral development, with a strong emphasis on private-sector participation, stable investment policies, and environmental stewardship as key enablers of Africa’s mineral future.
The Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka has brought together stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on policies and partnerships aimed at unlocking Africa’s mineral wealth for inclusive and sustainable growth.