Zambian Mines Minister Hon. Paul Kabuswe says Zambia is leveraging its vast mineral wealth to spur economic transformation.
Addressing a Ministerial sypomsium preceeding the opening of the Annual Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, Mr. Kabuswe said among other strategies, Zambia has initiated an electric vehicle battery manufacturing program with neighboring DRC which is being promoted within private and public investment sectors in Zambia.
He said Africa should stop wasting time on negotiations but focus on exploring its mineral wealth.
“We need to stop wasting time on the negotiating table. Africa has a lot of minerals that need to be mined. The continent risks loosing out if we delay in mining the minerals,” said Mr. Kabuswe.
The Minister also called for mutual respect by both investors with the money and countries with minerals.
He noted that the New Dawn Administration within its short period of being in office has already made strides to work with its neighbours for maximum benefits from the minerals.
The Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings during the indaba. His delegation comprises officials from State House, the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Commerce,Trade and industry, the Zambia Development Agency, ZANACO, ZCCM -IH and the Zambian High Commission in South Africa.
Minister of Finance and National Planning Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane is expected to join the delegation tomorrow.
The Mining Indaba has attracted more than 7000 delegates, 500 investors, 530 mining companies and 48 ministers from different countries.
The Indaba provides a vital platform to create space for networking and creating investment opportunities.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
