Zambia says its nationwide aerial mineral mapping program is 55% complete, strengthening the country’s geological data and supporting new exploration. Mines Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said the survey is central to attracting mining investment, especially for copper and critical minerals such as cobalt and lithium. He highlighted policy stability and partnerships as key drivers, while Switzerland signaled growing investor interest and deeper economic cooperation.

Kanona Power plans to invest $100 million in a high-voltage transmission line linking Zambia and Tanzania. It will create the first direct power connection between the two countries. The project aims to strengthen Zambia’s grid, increase power imports, and support electricity supply for copper mines. The line could be completed within a year and would complement a slower, World Bank-backed interconnector expected to come online later in the decade.

Zambia is reviewing its policy direction following the end of its IMF-supported program, aiming to sustain fiscal discipline while shifting toward domestically driven economic management. Authorities say engagement with the IMF will continue through surveillance and technical support, even as conditionality ends. Officials acknowledge the program helped stabilize the economy and support debt restructuring but stress that long-term growth now requires sector-focused reforms, investment, and job creation beyond macroeconomic stabilization.

Government officials praised the recovery of Kawambwa Tea Estate, citing rising production, expanded value addition, and strong job creation. The state-owned enterprise employed between 650 and 800 workers and produced about 660,000 kilograms of processed tea annually. Authorities said restructuring the out grower scheme and expanding tea varieties would strengthen local participation, boost incomes, and helped the company regain its position as a flagship agricultural producer.

The Zambia Development Agency plans to use the Shanghai Metals Market platform to promote Zambia’s investment opportunities in China, focusing on value addition in critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, and lithium. ZDA says the partnership will attract Chinese manufacturers to establish processing facilities in Zambia, supporting industrialization and local growth. Shanghai Metals Market has also indicated plans to open offices in Lusaka to facilitate investment.

Zambia raised the cap on foreign participation in local-currency government bonds to 23 percent from 5 percent, giving non-resident investors more room to roll over maturing debt freely. The move came as about $1.16 billion in bond-related payments fell due this year. Authorities said the change should ease refinancing pressure, reduce rollover and currency risks, and support effective debt management following Zambia’s recent restructuring.

Zambia is close to signing a confidential memorandum with the United States linking long-term health sector support to expanded US access to Zambia’s mineral resources. Draft details suggest US health funding would be tied to preferential participation in mining. Furthermore, the deal includes extensive pathogen and data-sharing commitments. The agreement’s financial scope, duration, and data provisions have raised questions about transparency, sovereignty, and long-term national interests.

The Zambian government has clarified controversial remarks by Army Commander Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Zyeele on illegal mining. He states that his language was misinterpreted and did not signal violence against civilians. Defense Minister Ambrose Lufuma said military operations in Mufumbwe aimed to restore order and protect licensed mining. Authorities confirmed illegal miners were removed from Kikonge Gold Mine without casualties, amid calls for lawful enforcement and clearer public communication.