Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) President Mohammed Umar has called for increased local manufacturing to reduce the country’s dependence on exporting raw materials. Dr Umar says Zambia should focus on processing its raw materials into finished products to create jobs,…

Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) President Mohammed Umar has called for increased local manufacturing to reduce the country’s dependence on exporting raw materials.

Dr Umar says Zambia should focus on processing its raw materials into finished products to create jobs, strengthen domestic industries and retain more economic value within the country.

He says the country has significant opportunities in agriculture and mining, which can support the growth of industries producing processed agricultural products, edible oils, animal feed and copper-based products.

Dr Umar adds that the target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper by 2031 should also create opportunities for mineral beneficiation and the development of local suppliers to the mining sector.

He says achieving these goals requires policies that enable manufacturers to access affordable production inputs, reliable energy, appropriate machinery and financing.

Dr Umar notes that tax and customs policies should support local manufacturers while encouraging investment in the domestic production of raw materials and intermediate goods.

He says the Proudly Zambian Campaign is also key to encouraging consumers, businesses and public institutions to prioritise locally manufactured products.

Dr Umar, however, stressed that the campaign should go beyond encouraging people to buy Zambian products by ensuring that locally manufactured goods meet quality standards, remain affordable and are consistently available.

He says Government procurement and mining supply chains should provide opportunities for capable Zambian businesses to supply goods and services.

Dr Umar added that stronger collaboration between the Government and the manufacturing sector will help build competitive local industries, create sustainable employment and expand markets for Zambian products.

Meanwhile, an Economist Kelvin Chisanga has called for increased investment in industrialisation and local production, saying the approach is key to advancing Zambia’s economic independence under the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Mr Chisanga says strengthening domestic production, expanding manufacturing and creating employment opportunities can support economic stability and improve the livelihoods of citizens.

He says the Grow Zambia Agenda presents an opportunity for Zambia to strengthen key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing while promoting sustainable economic growth.

Mr Chisanga says increased production of locally manufactured goods can also help Zambia expand its participation in regional and international markets through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He says Zambia should also prioritise value addition, particularly in the mining sector, where processing minerals locally could create more jobs and increase the availability of finished products.

“Processing these resources locally can create more employment opportunities and increase the availability of value-added products,” Mr Chisanga says.

He however, noted that successful industrialisation requires investment in supporting sectors, particularly energy, to ensure that industries have the capacity to increase production.

Meanwhile, Mr Chisanga says the private sector has a leading role to play in driving industrialisation through capital investment, expanding production and transforming locally available natural resources into finished goods.

He says the government must complement these efforts by creating a favourable business environment through appropriate policies, stable market conditions and a fair regulatory framework.

“The private sector is the engine of economic growth, while the government plays a complementary role by creating an environment that supports investment and business expansion,” he says.

Mr Chisanga added that industrialisation can help diversify the economy, strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises and create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly as Zambia seeks to deepen its economic independence.

He says the success of the Grow Zambia Agenda should not only be measured by economic growth and inflation levels, but also by improvements in household living standards and reductions in poverty.

Mr Chisanga says increased domestic production and exports of manufactured goods could further strengthen government revenue and improve the country’s fiscal position.

As Zambia prepares to commemorate 62 years of independence on October 24, 2026, promoting industrialisation and adding value to locally available resources remain important considerations in the country’s pursuit of sustainable economic development.