Monica Ngambi, a resident of Zambia’s copper-rich northern province, has struggled to make ends meet for years. Born the same year Zambia declared independence, she has witnessed firsthand the impact of the large copper mines on the local community. The extraction of copper, a vital metal for the clean energy transition, has not translated into economic prosperity for many like Ngambi. Today, she scrapes by selling groundnuts and cassava at a market in Chingola, where she barely earns enough to feed her family.
Chingola, perched atop one of the world’s largest copper reserves, is emblematic of Zambia’s economic and social challenges. Despite being the world’s top exporter of raw copper in 2022, nearly two-thirds of Zambia’s population lived in extreme poverty. The intense interest from Chinese and Western investors in Zambia’s copper resources has reignited hopes of leveraging the mineral to drive economic growth, alleviate debt, and achieve development goals. However, the path to realizing these ambitions is fraught with challenges.
Chingola’s Struggle: Tackling Poverty and Illegal Mining
In Chingola, a dangerous underground world of illegal copper mining thrives, with gangs of youths scavenging and supplying raw copper to small-scale Chinese processors. This informal industry, marked by violence and exploitation, poses a significant obstacle to Zambia’s efforts to modernize and regulate its mining sector. The government’s push to attract foreign investments and increase copper output must confront the pervasive issue of informal mining if it is to succeed in uplifting communities like Chingola.
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, is at a crossroads in its economic trajectory. The electrification of global systems, driven by the transition to clean energy, necessitates a significant increase in copper production. The country’s ambitious plans to quadruple copper output by 2031 have garnered attention from international investors, including AI-powered exploration start-ups and prominent figures like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. The potential for Zambia to become a key player in the electric vehicle industry presents a glimmer of hope for a nation grappling with poverty and debt.
The Road to Prosperity: Value Addition and Accountability
As Zambia embarks on its journey towards economic transformation, the focus shifts to value addition and accountability in the mining sector. The move away from exporting raw copper towards refining minerals domestically signals a shift towards creating high-value battery-grade metals. Collaborative efforts with neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United States to develop an EV battery supply chain offer promise for job creation and economic prosperity.
However, the path to sustainable development requires a commitment to transparency, fair taxation policies, and local value addition. Civil society groups in Zambia have long advocated for a more equitable distribution of mining wealth that benefits local communities and funds development initiatives. Calls for greater accountability in the sector underscore the need for reforms that prioritize the well-being of the many over corporate profits.
Monica Ngambi’s story, emblematic of the struggles and aspirations of many Zambians, highlights the urgent need for holistic reforms in the mining sector. As Zambia navigates the complexities of modernizing its copper industry, the voices of individuals like Ngambi, Edward Kapungwe, and Mulenga Pascal Bwalya serve as a poignant reminder of the human impact of economic policies. The journey towards prosperity for Zambia lies not only in harnessing its abundant mineral resources but in ensuring that the benefits are shared equitably among its people. Only then can Zambia’s resources truly become a source of upliftment and empowerment for all.
