Zambia launches SADC project to build responsible mineral value chains for energy transition

Zambia has officially launched the implementation phase of a regional project aimed at fostering environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonized and inclusive value chains for energy transition minerals in the Southern African Development Community. The project, financed by Germany through the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the International Climate Initiative, will run from March 2026 to February 2031. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Dr.

Hapenga Kabeta launched the IKI project in Lusaka on Tuesday. Kabeta noted that the world was undergoing an unprecedented transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. “This transition is driving demand for critical energy transition minerals such as copper, cobalt, lithium, nickel, manganese and rare earth elements,” he said.

Kabeta noted that the SADC region was uniquely endowed with these strategic minerals and had an opportunity to leverage them to accelerate industrialization, create jobs, foster innovation and improve livelihoods. “For Zambia, this opportunity is particularly significant. As one of the world’s major producers of copper and an emerging player in the development of critical minerals, we recognize that the future competitiveness of our mining sector will increasingly depend on responsible production, environmental stewardship, value addition and integration into sustainable regional and global value chains,” he stated.

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He listed challenges including limited beneficiation, gaps in environmental, social and governance compliance, and inadequate participation of local communities, women, youth and persons with disabilities. Kabeta said the project objectives were fully aligned with Zambia’s national development aspirations and broader frameworks such as the Africa Mining Vision and SADC Regional Mining Vision. “I wish to reiterate that Government of Zambia attaches great importance to regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.

We therefore welcome the project’s emphasis on partnership among governments, regional institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society and development partners,” he said. Kabeta expressed confidence that the outcomes would strengthen responsible mineral governance and position SADC as a leading and trusted supplier of sustainable energy transition minerals. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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