Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson, Henry Kapata, says President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the newly appointed Provincial Ministers for Eastern and Muchinga provinces to help support plans to establish new mines in the two provinces, with the aim of…

Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson, Henry Kapata, says President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the newly appointed Provincial Ministers for Eastern and Muchinga provinces to help support plans to establish new mines in the two provinces, with the aim of creating employment and opening up economic opportunities for local communities.

Mr Kapata says in Eastern Province, the President has directed officials to resolve disputes delaying a proposed US$200 Million mining investment in Sinda District.

He explains that President Hichilema has described the project as a national asset and called for the outstanding issues to be addressed so that the investment can proceed.

For Muchinga Province, Mr Kapata says attention is on the proposed phosphate mine in Isoka District, which the President has identified as an opportunity to generate employment and stimulate local industry.

Mr Kapata has told business news that these developments build on other investments such as the United Capital Fertiliser expansion in Chilanga, expected to create about 10,000 additional direct jobs, and the planned US$2 billion Medical City at Lusaka Airport City, aimed at creating employment for the Zambian people.

He adds that the Zambia-US health sector agreement is also expected to support strengthening of the country’s health workforce, creating opportunities for health professionals.

The 2025 Labour Force Survey released by the Zambia Statistics Agency shows that the unemployment rate declined from 12.9% in 2024 to 9.9% in 2025.

The number of employed people was estimated at 4.76 million, while 523,751 people were unemployed.

Mr Kapata has assured that the government is confident that further investments and the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda will create additional employment opportunities.

“The Agenda’s targets in agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing and tourism are expected to stimulate economic activity, support businesses and create jobs across different sectors,” he said.

Mr Kapata stresses that as these opportunities emerge, young people and local communities are encouraged to prepare themselves by developing relevant skills, and taking advantage of opportunities as they become available.

“Local businesses and entrepreneurs also have a role to play in supplying goods and services to these projects, while creating employment for others,” he notes.

Mr Kapata says the government is also providing opportunities for young people to gain practical workplace experience through its internship programme, stating that the placements will give graduates an opportunity to develop professional skills, gain experience and prepare themselves for future employment.