GOVERNMENT CHAMPIONS SME INTEGRATION IN MINING SECTOR THROUGH NEW LOCAL CONTENT LAW
Lusaka, Zambia – The Association of Mine Suppliers and Contractors (AMSC) successfully convened a landmark conference under the theme, “Empowering SMEs through Promotion of Equity in Business Opportunities.” The event served as a critical platform for dialogue between Government, mining investors, and local enterprises in preparation for the implementation of Statutory Instrument No. 68, which comes into effect in January 2026.
The conference highlighted the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring Zambian businesses fully participate in and benefit from the mining value chain.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Hon. Eng. Elias Mubanga, MP, emphasized that the promulgation of the Local Content Statutory Instrument is a strategic move to bridge the gap between large-scale mining investors and local SMEs.
“The Government is committed to creating a equitable and prosperous business environment. The Local Content S.I. is a key tool to achieve this, ensuring our local suppliers and contractors are not left on the sidelines,” stated Hon. Mubanga. He further called on members of the association to uphold high standards by consistently delivering quality products and services to the mines within agreed timeframes and at competitive prices.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, underscored the broader economic benefits of the initiative. “The true benefit of our mining sector extends beyond direct revenue; it lies in job creation and the development of a robust local supply chain. This has a powerful ripple effect on our entire economy,” he said. “While the mining sector contributes 17% to our GDP, the Government is committed to enforcing the Local Content Statutory Instrument to ensure local suppliers and contractors progressively increase their participation in doing business with the mines.”
The President of the Association of Mine Suppliers and Contractors, Mr. Costa Mwaba, applauded the New Dawn Administration for enacting the landmark local content law. He urged his members to embrace collaboration and strategic partnerships to build capacity and secure the full benefits offered by the new legislation.
“The implementation of S.I. 68 marks a new dawn for Zambian businesses in the mining sector. We commend the Government for its visionary policy and call on our members to prepare, professionalize, and collaborate to seize this historic opportunity,” said Mr. Mwaba.
The conference brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, mining company representatives, industry experts, and local suppliers and contractors, all united in their commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in Zambia’s mining sector.