The World Bank has advised the Zambian government to step up its efforts in the production of energy transition metals like copper, cobalt, and manganese, saying this is the key to unlocking more economic growth. This call follows a strong rise in copper production recorded in the first quarter of 2025, which showed a nearly 30 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
In its latest economic update on Zambia, the World Bank revealed that the country’s economy grew by 4 percent in 2024. This growth was largely driven by a recovery in the mining sector, particularly copper, which is one of Zambia’s biggest exports and main source of foreign exchange. Copper is a major energy transition metal used in the production of electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy technologies.
Zambia is now aiming to triple its annual copper output to 3 million metric tonnes by the year 2031. In just one year, between the first quarter of 2024 and 2025, production rose from 173,000 metric tonnes to 224,000 metric tonnes. According to government figures, this jump in output is mainly due to new investments and the revival of several key mining projects. These include the Kashime copper mine managed by Mimosa Resources, the reopening of Konkola by Vedanta Resources, and the return of Mopani under International Resources Holding.
The Zambian government has launched a number of initiatives to support this mining drive. One major step is the ongoing nationwide geo-mapping programme, which is now 80 percent completed. This project is expected to help identify new mineral resources and attract more investors. The government has also introduced a new digital platform known as the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (ZIMIS). The ZIMIS system is designed to improve transparency in the mining sector by tracking the activities of mining companies, their tax contributions, and use of local content. This platform is also open to the public, allowing easy access to data on mineral prospects across the country.
To further support the mining industry, the Ministry of Mines is undergoing reforms. New departments are being created to focus on geological surveys, promotion of large-scale investment, and support for artisanal mining activities. A new Minerals Regulation Commission is also being set up to improve oversight and regulation of the industry.
The government is also taking steps to involve local communities and small-scale miners in the mining economy. Plans are underway to establish mineral market centres and mineral washing plants in Mumbwa, Rufunsa, Chisamba, and Kasempa. These centres will provide small miners with the tools and access they need to process and sell their minerals legally and profitably. In addition, a national training programme for artisanal miners will be introduced to improve skills and promote safer mining practices.
Zambia’s mining ambitions will be presented on a continental stage during the African Mining Week 2025, which will take place from October 1 to 3 in Cape Town, South Africa. The country will feature in a special session titled “Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through License Allocation,” where it will engage with investors interested in the energy transition metals sector.
The World Bank, however, did not stop at praising Zambia’s efforts. It also called for urgent reforms in how the government manages revenue from the mining sector. The Bank advised the Zambian authorities to strengthen governance institutions, improve financial management, and ensure that earnings from copper and other minerals are properly used for national development.
With global demand for energy transition metals expected to rise in the coming years due to the shift to clean energy, experts say Zambia is well-positioned to benefit. However, unlocking the full value of its mineral wealth will depend on good leadership, transparency, and inclusive policies that benefit all citizens.
