Zambians living in the diaspora have been encouraged to invest back home and take advantage of the country’s increasingly investor friendly environment, particularly in the mining sector.
Kopano Mineral Resources Limited Founding Director and Chief Executive Officer Nkandu Nshindamo has attributed this call to the progressive policies implemented by the Government, which she says are creating a conducive climate for both local and foreign investors.
Ms Nshindamo, who is based in Perth, believes Zambians abroad have a crucial role to play in driving national development. She noted that beyond mining, there are significant opportunities in transport, construction, agriculture and energy that members of the diaspora can tap into while contributing to economic growth.
She described Zambia’s peace, adherence to the rule of law and political stability as key factors that make the country one of the most attractive investment destinations in Southern Africa. According to her, these fundamentals provide the certainty investors look for when committing capital to long term projects.
Ms Nshindamo explained that foreign direct investment plays an important role in expanding the country’s tax base while facilitating the transfer of capital and expertise. She said such investments not only strengthen public revenues but also stimulate broader economic activity through job creation and skills development.
Highlighting her company’s footprint, she said Kopano Mineral Resources Limited, a wholly owned Zambian subsidiary of Beltz Mining headquartered in Perth, is investing in high grade copper and cobalt deposits on the Copperbelt. The investment, she noted, reflects growing confidence in Zambia’s mining policies and long-term prospects.
“For us coming from the diaspora to invest in Zambia, we will always follow policies. Where there is a good policy, money follows. The current mining sector policies are encouraging us to invest,” she said.
Ms Nshindamo further commended the strong bilateral relations between Zambia and Australia, pointing out that cooperation between the two countries is already yielding benefits in the form of skills transfer and employment opportunities for Zambians.
She added that Zambia’s ambitious target of producing three million tonnes of copper annually by 2030 is achievable and could even be met ahead of schedule if the country maintains sound policies, peace, hard work and patriotism among its citizens.
Her remarks underscore a growing sentiment that the diaspora is not merely a source of remittances but a strategic partner in national development, capable of bringing capital, global networks and technical expertise to help unlock Zambia’s vast mineral potential.