In a bid to empower Zambians and ensure local ownership of mines, President Hakainde Hichilema has announced plans to introduce a new law prohibiting the sale of mining licenses to foreigners. The president emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering economic expansion through the reinvestment of profits within the country.
Speaking at the Quarterly meeting of Senior Management in the Public Service in Lusaka, President Hichilema highlighted the upcoming legislative changes, stating, “Now we are going to change the law that you can’t sell your license to a foreigner. If you want to sell your license as a Zambian, then sell it to another Zambian.” He emphasized the positive impact of Zambian shareholders reinvesting profits locally.
The president suggested alternative options for Zambian license holders, encouraging partnerships with the government or finding local partners instead of selling licenses for minimal amounts comparable to a vehicle. This move aims to strengthen the Zambian economy and promote sustainable growth within the mining sector.
Additionally, President Hichilema disclosed plans to introduce another law addressing the challenges of the sluggish public procurement process and corruption associated with tenders. The government aims to streamline procurement processes, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
Discussing resource allocation, President Hichilema revealed that 42% of the budget is allocated to personal emoluments, urging a realignment to prioritize public spending. He called upon controlling officers to collaborate in reducing costs and improving procurement processes, emphasizing the redirection of savings into growth opportunities.
In response to calls for the separation of Western Province under the Barotse Agreement, President Hichilema clarified that Zambia is a unitary state. He urged Western Province Permanent Secretary Simomo Akapelwa to inform residents that there is no separate entity called Barotseland within Zambia.
These legislative initiatives reflect President Hichilema’s vision for economic empowerment, transparency, and efficient resource utilization to foster sustainable development in Zambia. The proposed laws are expected to undergo further deliberation and implementation in the near future.
