Government Launches a New Critical Minerals Vision to Drive Investment

This weekend, the government finalised and launched The Zambezi Minute, an ambitious critical minerals vision that aims to harness global demand and attract foreign investment. The government pledged to draw in capital while ensuring fair benefits—jobs, revenue, and sustainability—for its citizens. 

According to an accompanying press release, the plan hinges on a streamlined regulatory system, with every policy judged by one question: “Does it cut risk and boost output?.” 

Success here will depend on infrastructure and logistics upgrades and transparent policies that inspire investor trust. “This is about partnership rooted in trust, clarity, and consistency—no surprises,” stressed President Hichilema

The President hailed the vision as a cornerstone of Zambia’s future: "Critical minerals are key to our economic future. My job is to secure investment and make sure the benefits reach our people. The vision agreed today will drive growth, create jobs, and help deliver lasting prosperity for Zambians.” 

The announcement follows recent news released by the Zambia Statistics Agency (Zamstats), which reported a 4% GDP growth in 2024, three times the growth projected by the IMF. 

Growth was 8.6% in the last three months of the financial year, the fastest pace in over a decade. Output was boosted by a rebound in the agricultural sector and a strong performance by the mining industry.

The government’s unified Zambezi Minute vision positions the country to lead in the critical minerals era and deliver on its mining potential.