Leveraging Copper for Economic Transformation

The report recommends that Zambia diversify its economy by expanding copper smelting and refining, prioritizing affordable electricity, and improving trade corridors to capture more value from the global copper supply chain.

• Zambia is the world's 10th-largest copper producer, with copper contributing approximately 60% of its export revenues in 2023. However, this dependence creates economic vulnerabilities, including limited diversification, weak job creation, and susceptibility to external shocks.
• To achieve sustainable development through copper value addition, the report recommends that the government prioritize the expansion of smelting and refining in line with the 3MT strategy, and treat the provision of reliable, affordable electricity as the most urgent priority.
• To increase competitiveness and boost exports to Africa, the report suggests strengthening special economic zones and industrial parks near mines, as well as investing in transport and energy corridors and reforming customs and digital trade systems.

APA

Esogbue,, W. D. R. H. (2026). Leveraging Copper for Economic Transformation. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/leveraging-copper-economic-transformation-zambia

Chicago

Esogbue,, William Davis,Isabelle Ramdoo,Thelma Halim,Precious. Leveraging Copper for Economic Transformation. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/leveraging-copper-economic-transformation-zambia.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Esogbue, |first1=William Davis,Isabelle Ramdoo,Thelma Halim,Precious |title=Leveraging Copper for Economic Transformation |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=22 April 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/leveraging-copper-economic-transformation-zambia |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{esogbue2026leveraging, author = {Esogbue,, William Davis,Isabelle Ramdoo,Thelma Halim,Precious}, title = {{Leveraging Copper for Economic Transformation}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = apr, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/leveraging-copper-economic-transformation-zambia}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }