Zambia’s push to ramp up copper production must be matched by coordinated policy efforts across other critical sectors if the country is to achieve its broader economic development goals, says economic analyst Kelvin Chisanga.
While mining remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy, Mr. Chisanga warned that national progress cannot rely on mining alone.
He stressed the need to strategically align sectors such as health, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, transport, and logistics to support and sustain projected mining gains.
“Mining output targets demand similar policy interests, efforts, and patterns across other sectors.
This is essential to amplify the envisioned economic impact and ensure balanced, sustainable growth,” he said.
Although Zambia’s mining sector shows strong potential for driving economic stability, Mr. Chisanga emphasized that underdevelopment in other areas could limit the impact of mining-led growth.
He pointed out that the same level of commitment used to attract mining investment should be applied to other sectors, especially those grappling with emerging challenges.
Citing Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan, he noted that inclusive, cross-sectoral development is key to long-term economic resilience.
Focusing on specifics, Mr. Chisanga highlighted the government’s ambitious goal of producing three million metric tons of copper annually.
He cautioned that such expansion requires proportional investment in health services, particularly in areas impacted by mining activities.
“If we aim for three million metric tons annually, we must ask: what are our corresponding health targets to sustain this leadership in production?” he questioned, calling for strengthened health infrastructure near mining communities.
He also urged Zambia to diversify its mineral portfolio, noting that non-copper resources could deliver even greater revenue potential if fully explored and commercialized.
“We must upscale efforts in exploring and commercializing other mineral resources instead of over-relying on copper alone,” he said.
In conclusion, Mr. Chisanga warned that focusing on mining growth without parallel development in other sectors is unsustainable, stating: “Ramping up production in one sector while others lag behind is not a viable path to sustainable development.”
