By Jane Chanda
Former Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) president Lubinda Haabazoka says Zambia’s rich endowment in critical minerals such as cobalt, manganese and lithium positions the country as an ideal partner for Russia’s advanced engineering capabilities.
Speaking during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Northwestern Russia over the weekend, Haabazoka noted that Zambia’s mineral wealth perfectly complemented Russia’s expertise in automotive and Electric Vehicle(EV) component manufacturing.
“Zambia’s mineral wealth perfectly complements Russia’s expertise in automotive and EV component manufacturing, creating opportunities for local production of electric-vehicle parts,” Haabazoka said.
He cited agriculture as another area for collaboration, noting that every Zambian province possessed significant arable land and that technology transfers from Russian agritech firms could help improve crop yields and modernise Zambia’s agricultural sector.
“By moving from raw mineral exports to component manufacturing, we can capture greater value locally. Joint ventures will also enable skills development in electric-vehicle production, agritech, and energy infrastructure,” he said.
Haabazoka also noted that Russia’s potential to assist Zambia in addressing its energy shortages could be realized through cross- border electricity trade and regional grid integration initiatives.
“Russia can play a significant role in helping Zambia overcome its energy challenges through cross-border electricity trade and regional grid integration initiatives, providing a stable and reliable energy supply to support our economic growth,” Haabazoka said.
He also highlighted the importance of forming authentic, investment-driven partnerships rather than aid-based relationships.
“They should also prioritise capacity building, invest in technical training, and ensure that any partnerships are structured to sustainably grow Zambia’s economy,” he said.
Haabazoka further urged Zambian investors and entrepreneurs to actively engage Russian companies in these sectors and pursue transparent, mutually beneficial deals, exploring alternative trade routes through Russia and Eurasia to lessen reliance on traditional Western markets.
