Leveraging Copper for Economic Transformation

The report argues that Zambia can leverage its position as a top copper producer to drive economic transformation through value addition in processing and manufacturing. It identifies reliable electricity, expanded smelting and refining, and improved trade corridors as critical priorities to mitigate the risks of mining dependency and capitalize on projected global supply shortfalls through the mid-2030s.

• Zambia's economy is heavily dependent on copper, which provided approximately 60% of export revenues in 2023, leaving the country vulnerable to external shocks, limited diversification, and weak job creation.
• To successfully transition to copper value addition, Zambia must prioritize reliable and affordable electricity, expand smelting and refining capacity in line with the 3MT strategy, and improve transport and energy corridors to facilitate exports to Africa.
• Global copper demand is expected to remain strong with supply shortfalls projected to persist into the mid-2030s, providing a strategic window for Zambia to expand its role in the value chain.

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} }