Zambia, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through infrastructure connectivity, integrated value chains and cross-border industrial development.
Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, says the three countries have an opportunity to transform their mineral wealth into shared prosperity through investment, partnerships and coordinated implementation of agreed initiatives.
Ms Kenewendo adds that the African continent possesses some of the world’s most valuable minerals, as well as the talent and partnerships required to unlock their full economic potential.
The Minister was speaking in Lusaka last evening during a networking cocktail party held on the sidelines of the 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment engagement.
Ms Kenewendo stressed that the continent must move beyond discussions and translate commitments into tangible projects that would benefit its people.
She said the focus should now be on implementation to ensure that the mineral resources of Zambia, Botswana, the DRC and other African countries contribute to sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
Ms Kenewendo said the discussions and engagements held over the past few days had opened up opportunities for stronger collaboration and a brighter future for African mining.
She further stressed that the continent must move beyond discussions and translate commitments into tangible projects that would benefit its people.
And Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Minister of Mines, Louis Kabamba says African countries must take responsibility for their own development by strengthening leadership and cooperation.
Mr Kabamba said the Insaka has demonstrated the importance of African countries drawing on their own strengths, sharing experiences and exchanging best practices to accelerate development.
He said all stakeholders, including government officials, mining investors and industry leaders, had a responsibility to contribute to the continent’s development.
Mr Kabamba urged African countries to take ownership of their development aspirations and work together to build prosperous economies.
Passing a vote of thanks, Zambia’s Acting Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Gilbert Siame, said the Insaka has come at an opportune time to showcase the mineral wealth and investment opportunities available in Zambia, Botswana and the DRC.
Dr Siame said the participation of Botswana and the DRC demonstrated the growing importance of the Insaka as a platform for regional trade and investment.
He said the meeting is also expected to facilitate business deals and joint ventures while supporting the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, particularly the target of increasing annual copper production to three million metric tonnes by 2031.
President Hakainde Hichilema officially opened the Insaka on October 19, 2026, with business expected to conclude on Friday, October 23.
The event has attracted more than 1,500 participants, including representatives of the World Bank, European Union, African Development Bank and business communities from Australia, China and the United Arab Emirates.
The cocktail party was held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, and brought together government officials, investors, mining companies and development partners to explore investment opportunities and strengthen regional cooperation in the mining sector.
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