10/10/2025
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CHALLENGES MINING COMPANIES TO ACCOUNT FOR JOB CREATION
President Hakainde Hichilema has called on mining companies operating in Zambia to begin reporting on how many jobs they have created and plan to create for young people, as part of Government’s push for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
In his keynote address when he officially opened the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka yesterday , the Head of State emphasized that the mining sector, which is one of the major contributors to the Country’s Grosd Domestic Product (GDP) must play a more visible role in addressing youth unemployment and poverty reduction.
“Next year, we want these mining companies to report to us how many jobs they have created and how many they intend to create for our youth,” President Hichilema said.
The President stressed that while foreign investment in mining is welcome, it must translate into measurable benefits for Zambians, particularly young people who continue to face limited job opportunities despite the country’s abundant mineral wealth.
He said his administration will continue working to ensure a fair and transparent business environment that supports both investors and local communities.
Government has prioritized job creation as part of its broader economic agenda in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), aligning with its vision of delivering decent work and improved livelihoods through increased productivity and investment in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
President Hichilema’s directive will promote accountability and align private sector growth with national employment goals and enhance the social impact of Zambia’s mining industry, ensuring that the sector’s growth is experienced by the citizens.
