The Government of the Republic of Zambia has welcomed the continued engagement and renewed commitment by the Government of the French Republic to deepen cooperation in the mining sector.
Speaking, when he received a high-level French delegation led by the French Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Thomas Rossignol, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, said the Government of Zambia remains committed to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that support sustainable development, economic diversification, and shared prosperity.
Dr. Kabeta emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional capacity within the Mineral Regulation Commission (MRC), particularly in enhancing monitoring, compliance, and enforcement systems through modern technologies.
“This strengthened cooperation aligns with Zambia’s ongoing reforms under the Minerals Regulation Commission Act, 2024, which seeks to modernise the regulatory framework and reinforce accountability within the mining industry,” Dr. Kabeta said.
Ambassador Rossignol stated that the frequency of high-level engagements reflects France’s seriousness in advancing practical and results-oriented collaboration.
“France is committed to seeing tangible outcomes from our engagements for the benefit of both nations. We stand ready to support priority projects identified by the Zambian Government, including through potential financing mechanisms,” Ambassador Rossignol said.
The French delegation expressed interest in exploring opportunities in the manganese sub-sector. The collaboration is expected to contribute to combating illegal mining activities, improving transparency, and promoting sustainable growth in Zambia’s mining sector.
The delegation included representatives from the Economic Regional Service, French Development Agency, PROPARCO, and other French public operators.
