By Mwansa Kaumba
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has responded to China’s ‘indignation’ after accusing the organisation of exaggerating isolated negative issues, and making groundless accusations against Chinese investors
In a statement today, TI-Z acting executive director Raymond Mutale said China must simply own up and act on the report issued by the organisation.
He said TI-Z was concerned with the statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Zambia on its Facebook page, in response to the organisation’s publication of the study report entitled “Zambia’s 3 million metric tonnes of copper target, mitigating governance risks associated with Chinese mining.
He said it was their considered view that the Embassy did not take their time to read the entire report as it would have been clear that the publication neither downplays nor denigrates the role of Chinese mining enterprises in Zambia.
Mutale said the study established that four large scale Chinese mining companies approximately accounted for 25 percent of government revenue in 2024 and that over 44 percent investment commitments in the mining sector between 2024 and 2031 were associated with Chinese entities.
He also said the report noted that China imported over 60 percent of global copper ore and produced more than 45 percent of the world’s refined copper in 2025.
Mutale said it was therefore surprising that the Chinese Embassy accused TI-Z of downplaying the positive role of Chinese mining enterprises in Zambia.
However, Mutale said TI-Z wanted to corrected the narrative the Embassy was seeking to drive, as the study was conducting via scientific methods and was supported by strong evidence.
”Notably, TI-Z visited several other Chinese entities and invited them to participate in the study, but the vast majority declined,” Mutale said. “It should therefore be clear from the above that the study identifies well founded and evidence based governance risks associated with Chinese mining in Zambia.”
He said the same included corruption and fronting of citizens in land acquisition, political interference and regulatory capture, including threats and bribery during inspections and monitoring and information suppression infflue over media narratives.
”Instead of discrediting the study we call upon the Chinese Embassy, Chinese mining companies and other Chinese entities to implement measures to mitigate the identified risks,” Mutale said. “This will protect the reputation of Chinese mining investment, promote effective enforcement of environmental laws and reduce pollution incidents.”
TIZ also called upon the government to integrate environmental and sustainability measures in the 3 million tonnes copper production strategy, review the Anti-Corruption Act number 3 of 2012 to ensure broader coverage of public officials.
He said a comprehensive law must be enacted to mandate the effecruve declaration of interest and periodic declaration of assets and liabilities for all senior public officials.
In their statement, the Chinese Embassy noted with “grave concern that a Zambian non-governmental organization” had recently issued a report that downplayed the positive role of Chinese mining enterprises in Zambia.
They argued that the report exaggerated isolated negative issues, and made groundless accusations against Chinese investors.
”We express strong indignation and categorical rejection of such biased and misleading remarks,” the Embassy stated. “China-Zambia mining cooperation delivers tangible benefits and speaks for itself. In 2025 alone, Chinese companies in Zambia contributed over 10 billion kwacha in taxes, provided 45,417 jobs, and purchased more than 50 billion kwacha worth of local supplies. They have also made substantial investments in environmental protection, employee welfare and public donations, actively supporting local social and ecological development.
They stated that Chinese enterprises had brought advanced technologies, equipment and development experience to Zambia, boosted local industrial capacity, and supported the country’s goal of reaching an annual copper output of 3 million tonnes by 2031.
”We, therefore, firmly oppose biased interpretations, speculative narratives and irresponsible smears against China-Zambia cooperation. Relevant organizations should respect facts and view Chinese investment in an objective and rational manner,” stated the Embassy. “The Chinese government consistently requires its overseas enterprises to abide by local laws, fulfill social responsibilities and pursue mutually beneficial development. Meanwhile, we urge all parties to jointly work for a friendly and favorable environment for business operation in this country. We stand ready to continue practical cooperation with all sectors in Zambia for the common good of both countries, and welcome legitimate supervision from all stakeholders.”
