President Hichilema Promotes Green Growth During Copperbelt Visit

President Hichilema embarked on a four-day visit to the Copperbelt region yesterday, which kicked off with the President hosting the EU-Zambia Business Forum in the Kitwe district. The theme of the Forum was "growing the copper industry in Zambia through a green value chain."

In a statement, President Hichilema said, “For too long, African economies have been undervalued, leading to prohibitively expensive capital. However, Zambia's stable democracy, which has seen peaceful transitions seven times over 60 years, underscores our credentials as an attractive investment destination.

“The theme of the Business Forum aligns perfectly with our vision to expand Zambia's Copper Industry by adopting environmentally friendly practices and technologies across the entire value chain—from mining and processing to distribution.”

President Hichilema also inaugurated a new 60-megawatt Itimpi Solar Plant in Kitwe. The plant was constructed by the Copperbelt Energy Corporation, which constructed the plant in record time, garnering applause from attendees at the inauguration. Construction of the plant marks a significant step forward in Zambia's commitment to diversifying its energy sources.

The President revealed in January that the country is receiving investments of K50 billion in solar energy. Diversification of energy sources was a priority for Hichilema’s government to bring energy security to the country, which currently receives 80% of its energy from hydropower.

In a statement, President Hichilema urged stakeholders and investors to be open to collaboration rather than “engaging in unnecessary rivalry that hampers the growth of the industry.”

The president will be in the Copperbelt until Sunday 14 April, where he will commission the Chifubu Level One Mini Hospital in the Ndola district.

President Hichilema will be in the Copperbelt until Sunday, April 14, when he will commission the Chifubu Level One Mini Hospital in the Ndola district.