By Jane Chanda
Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry Chipoka Mulenga says NAIPU Mining Machinery’s $34 million investment in Zambia’s mining sector is a significant milestone in the country’s economic transformation.
In a statement, Mulenga stated that the investment, which had created 150 jobs, demonstrated the company’s confidence in Zambia’s business environment and aligned with the government’s goals of value addition, technology transfer and skills development.
He stated that NAIPU’s participation in regional value chains would boost Zambia’s export earnings through trade with neighboring countries.
Mulenga encouraged the mining industry to support this investment, emphasising the government’s promotion of local content and positive discrimination.
The minister stated that NAIPU’s cutting-edge technology and expertise would play a pivotal role in achieving Zambia’s ambitious target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper within eight years.
Mulenga stated that this growth would have a ripple effect, stimulating economic growth and creating new opportunities for Zambians.
He also stated that Zambia’s industrial sector was on the cusp of significant growth.
“As Zambia continues to attract significant investments, the industrial sector is poised to become a primary source of manufactured inputs, machinery, and accessories,” he stated
The minister stated that the NAIPU project responded to Zambia’s call for self-sufficiency in manufactured goods, driven by favorable policies and legislation to promote economic growth beyond Lusaka.
Mulenga expressed optimism about NAIPU meeting local and regional mines’ quality standards, citing the company’s innovative solutions tailored to Zambia’s mining industry.
He state that with NAIPU on board, Zambia’s mining sector was set to benefit from cutting-edge technology and expertise.
Mulenga further noted that the establishment of NAIPU Mining Machinery Zambia Limited demonstrated the company’s confidence in Zambia’s business environment, paving the way for further investments in the mining sector.
He stated that NAIPU’s investment was expected to modernise Zambia’s industrial sector, bolstering regional and global competitiveness, and his leadership had been instrumental in making this vision a reality.
