Zambia has been described as a vital partner in ensuring secure, ethical and resilient supply chains of minerals because of its vast reserves of copper, cobalt and other critical minerals.
Minister Counsellor at the Zambian Embassy in Berlin, Germany, Mrs. Beatrice Chilufya Darko said this in Kitwe, Zambia on Wednesday 21st May 2025 when she gave her opening remarks during the official opening of the Germany-Zambia Mining Symposium.
She said the event marks a significant step in strengthening the trade and investment ties between the two countries particularly in the mining sector which remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy and a key area of strategic interest for Germany industry.
“We gather at a time of growing global demand for critical raw materials and sustainable mining practices. Zambia, with its vast reserves of copper, cobalt and other minerals, stands as a vital partner in ensuring secure, ethical and resilient supply chains. Germany in turn offers world class engineering, innovative mining technologies and robust frameworks for responsible trade and investment,” Mrs. Darko said.
She thanked institutions and cooperating partners that have made the initiative possible and these include the Germany Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action(BMWK) Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry(AHK Southern Africa), Afrika-Verein German-African Business Association, and VDMA Mining & Minerals , German Machinery & Equipment Manufacturers Association, the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry , the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development (Zambia) the Zambian Embassy in Germany and Zambian mining firms and contractors.
Mrs. Darko urged the Germany business delegation to invest in Zambia as the country was politically stable and peaceful adding that these forged trade ties will not only help to drive Zambia’s economic growth but will also create win- win opportunities for cooperating partners.
She stressed that the future of mining was not just about extraction but about innovation, cooperation and impact, further pointing out that Germany and Zambia can set a benchmark for what smart, sustainable and inclusive trade relations can look like in Africa and beyond.
And Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development Permanent Secretary Dr Hapenga Kabeta said the German-Zambia Mining Symposium was a testament to the enduring partnership between Zambia and Germany which is founded on mutual commitment to innovation, investment and sustainable development.
Dr Kabeta said this in a speech read on his behalf by Mr. Lubinda Kamutumwa, the Chief Inspector of Mines-Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development.
He noted that mining remains a cornerstone of Zambia’s economy, driving industrial progress, job creation and national development.
Dr Kabeta emphasised that Germany, renowned for its advanced engineering capabilities and technological expertise, stands as a valued collaborator in Zambia’s collective pursuit of excellence and responsible mining practices.
He assured the Germany Federal government that Zambia remains committed to supporting progressive initiatives such as collaborations and mining partnerships between the two countries.