Zambia Targets 250,000 Mining-Related Jobs Through Landmark World Bank Minerals Compact

Zambia Aims to Create 250,000 Mining-Related Jobs by 2031 Under World Bank-Backed Minerals Compact

Zambia is aiming to create 250,000 direct and indirect mining-related jobs by 2031 under a new partnership with the World Bank Group designed to accelerate investment, expand mineral value addition and transform the country’s mining sector into a driver of broader economic growth.

The employment target forms part of Zambia’s newly launched Metals and Minerals Country Compact, a 10-year framework covering the period from 2026 to 2036.

The initiative seeks to unlock the country’s mineral potential through coordinated reforms, infrastructure development, private-sector investment and stronger domestic participation across mining value chains.

Under the compact, Zambia is targeting 100,000 direct mining jobs and 150,000 indirect jobs linked to supporting industries, suppliers, contractors and downstream manufacturing activities.

The agreement was launched during the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, where governments from eight countries unveiled country-specific plans aimed at using mineral resources to generate employment, attract investment and strengthen local economies.

Copper Production Growth at the Centre of the Strategy

Speaking at the launch, Situmbeko Musokotwane, Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning, said rising global demand for critical minerals presents a significant opportunity for Zambia to accelerate industrialisation and improve economic outcomes for its citizens.

The compact supports Zambia’s ambition to increase annual copper production from current levels of under one million tonnes to three million tonnes per year by 2031, a goal widely seen as central to the country’s long-term growth strategy.

According to Musokotwane, Zambia has already attracted approximately US$12 billion in mining investment since 2022, reflecting growing investor confidence following a series of reforms aimed at improving the business environment and encouraging private capital inflows.

Focus on Value Addition and Industrial Development

A key objective of the compact is to ensure that increased mineral production translates into wider economic benefits through value addition and local manufacturing.

Rather than exporting raw materials, Zambia hopes to develop industries that manufacture products such as copper cables, electrical wiring, transformers and other value-added products using locally produced copper.

Government officials believe this approach will create new opportunities for local businesses, strengthen domestic supply chains and generate employment beyond traditional mining activities, enabling the country to retain a greater share of the value generated by its mineral resources.

Musokotwane also encouraged investors to see value addition as a platform for mutually beneficial partnerships between mining companies and local industries, helping to build a more diversified and resilient mining economy.

Infrastructure and Investment Remain Critical

Beyond mining production, the compact identifies energy infrastructure, transport networks, geological data collection, licensing reforms and workforce development as critical enablers of future sector growth.

Among the strategic projects highlighted is the Lobito Corridor, which is expected to improve transport connectivity for mineral exports while supporting industrial development and regional trade integration.

The broader World Bank initiative is expected to support participating countries through policy reforms, infrastructure investments, skills development programmes and efforts to attract responsible private-sector investment.

The World Bank Group has announced plans to increase its global support for metals and minerals projects to US$19 billion between FY2026 and FY2030, combining public and private capital mobilization.

Building a Mining-Led Growth Model

For Zambia, the Minerals Compact represents more than a mining strategy. It is a long-term framework aimed at using the country’s mineral endowment to drive industrialisation, create jobs, expand exports and improve living standards.

As global demand for copper and other energy-transition minerals continues to rise, the country is seeking to position itself not only as a major producer but also as a regional hub for mineral processing, manufacturing and value creation.