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 […]

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 said 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.