Zambia seeks Swiss investment to expand copper trading and mineral processing

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) recently hosted a Swiss business delegation to explore strategic investment opportunities in sectors including mining, commodity trading, energy, logistics, and agribusiness. The forum aimed to strengthen economic cooperation and support Zambia’s industrialization and economic diversification goals.

ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa emphasized the importance of moving further up the mineral value chain. By partnering with Swiss firms, Zambia aims to increase its participation in global commodity trading and downstream processing. Halwampa noted that Switzerland, home to major global traders such as Glencore, Trafigura, and Mercuria, possesses the expertise necessary to help Zambia develop a stronger presence in international mineral markets.

Zambia has set a target to produce three million tonnes of copper annually by 2031. Achieving this goal will require significant investment in the mining value chain, as well as the development of reliable energy infrastructure and efficient transport systems. The ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) is expected to play a strategic role in expanding Zambia’s footprint in global trading and ensuring more mining revenue remains within the country.