*Permanent Secretary of Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta.
Zambia has called for stronger regional cooperation in the mining sector to attract investment, promote responsible mineral development and ensure that resource-rich countries derive greater economic benefits from their mineral wealth.
The Permanent Secretary of Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, made the call at the closing ceremony of the five-day Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka 2026 in Lusaka.
Kabeta stressed that countries must look beyond their national borders and strengthen regional partnerships to unlock the full economic potential of their mineral resources and promote sustainable growth across the mining industry.
He described the Insaka as an important platform for strengthening partnerships, encouraging investment and facilitating discussions on the future of the mining sector.
According to him, the priority now is to translate the discussions, recommendations and commitments made during the gathering into concrete actions capable of delivering lasting benefits to the mining industry and the wider economy.
He emphasised that enhanced regional collaboration would help participating countries attract more investment, encourage responsible mineral exploration and exploitation, increase local participation and promote value addition.
Kabeta noted that cooperation among countries was essential to ensuring that mineral resources served as a catalyst for national development while contributing to shared prosperity and economic growth across the region.
He also underscored the need to ensure that the benefits of mining extend beyond government revenues and corporate earnings to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
According to him, the responsible development of mineral resources should create more economic opportunities, improve livelihoods and support sustainable development.
The Permanent Secretary further urged governments, investors and other stakeholders to sustain the engagements initiated at the Insaka and work collectively towards advancing the mining sector.
He said the outcomes of the gathering should provide a foundation for continued collaboration, stronger partnerships and practical initiatives capable of strengthening the industry.
The Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka 2026 brought together stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities, partnerships and strategies for advancing the country’s mining industry.
The emphasis on regional cooperation reflects the growing importance of collaboration among mineral-producing countries in attracting investment, strengthening local participation and ensuring that resource wealth translates into broader economic and social benefits.
