*Zambia’s Mining Boom is a Testament to Restored Investor Confidence and National Progress* *By Dr. Catharine Mulaisho* In just three years, Zambia has attracted over *US$11 billion in mining sector* investments—a staggering figure that reflects not just capital flow, but a deep vote of confidence in the country’s governance, policy direction, and long-term economic viability. This is no small feat. It is a direct consequence of the renewed credibility the country enjoys under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for responsible, transparent, and impactful investment. According to Mr. Jito Kayumba, Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment, the investment breakdown is as follows, *US$1.1 billion into Mopani, US$500 million into Luanshya Mine, US$500 million into NFCA, US$2 billion into Barrick Lumwana, and a massive US$1.3 billion by First Quantum Minerals (FQM).* Each of these figures tells a story of revived trust, regulatory stability, and the unlocking of Zambia’s immense mineral potential. It is crucial to remember where Zambia stood just a few years ago. The mining sector was gripped by uncertainty, dragged down by opaque tax regimes, political interference, and unstable policy signals. Investor confidence had plummeted. What we are witnessing now is not mere recovery—it is a renaissance. Mining investors, previously apprehensive, are now staking billions because they see a future here. They are witnessing stability, the upholding of agreements, and an administration that understands both macroeconomics and grassroots realities. Mining investment is not about numbers on a balance sheet. It translates directly to employment, technology transfer, local procurement, and a vast supply chain ecosystem. *When Mr. Kayumba says, “all of this has created jobs for our local people,” he is referring to thousands of families now benefiting from direct or indirect mining-related employment.* Truck drivers, safety officers, engineers, catering companies, security firms, and countless SMEs have plugged into the mining value chain. Schools are being built. Clinics are being supported. Roads are being repaired. All because mining is working again. Critics who ask, “Where are the benefits for the ordinary Zambian?” must understand that capital-intensive industries yield medium to long-term dividends. What Zambia has done is secure a pipeline of development through long-term investment contracts. The benefits will not merely trickle—they will cascade as smelters expand, copper production rises, and tax revenue improves. Moreover, the government’s push for local content, citizen participation, and transparent tax compliance mechanisms ensures that Zambians are not spectators but stakeholders in their own national wealth. The US$11 billion milestone puts Zambia at the center of global mining attention. While some countries are entangled in resource nationalism or fiscal unpredictability, Zambia has struck a balance—welcoming investment while safeguarding national interests. This is why companies like Barrick and FQM are not just expanding but doubling down on their commitment to Zambia. This is why Mopani is regaining its production edge. And this is why copper—a metal central to the global green transition—is once again Zambia’s golden ticket. What remains is for the benefits to decentralize, and for government to continue enforcing equity, environmental standards, and citizen participation mandates. The job is not complete, but the foundations are now unshakable. Zambia has sent a message to the world: “We are open for business—on fair, transparent, and forward-looking terms.” The mining sector is back, stronger than ever, and with it, a new era of inclusive national prosperity is within reach. *_Catharine Frazha Mulaisho holds a BA and MBA in political science from Stanford University. She is also a 2022 Tucson Public Voices Award Recipient_*