By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with United States companies to advance critical mineral processing, strengthen data sovereignty, and promote Zambia as an investment destination in the U.S.
According to a statement issued by Charles Tembo, First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy in Washington, D.C., the agreements were signed with Austin Elements, Lucid Circuit, and Busara Advisors Inc.
The partnership with Austin Elements is expected to reinforce Zambia–U.S. relations at a key time when the United States is seeking to diversify and secure its critical mineral supply chains. Zambia aims to position itself as a dependable partner by promoting responsible mining, sustainability, and green energy technologies.
The MoU between ZDA and Lucid Circuit represents a significant step in Zambia’s pursuit of digital independence and economic transformation. The signing ceremony, held at the Zambian Embassy in Washington, D.C., was witnessed by Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Chibamba Kanyama.
Dr. Kanyama said the agreement establishes a forward-looking and strategic partnership aligned with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision under the 8th National Development Plan, the Digital Transformation Strategy, and Zambia’s industrialization agenda.
He also thanked Austin Elements Inc. for its commitment to working with Zambia in the exploration, production, and advanced processing of critical minerals.
“Zambia is signaling to the world that we are not mere consumers of technology, we are ready to shape, produce, and govern our own digital future,” he said.
Regarding the MoU with Busara Advisors Inc., Dr. Kanyama noted that the collaboration is a clear demonstration of Zambia’s dedication to economic diplomacy, designed to ensure foreign engagements directly support national development goals.
He emphasized Zambia’s ambition to transition from exporting raw materials to becoming a hub for processing, refining, and manufacturing critical minerals, including copper, cobalt, nickel, lithium, manganese, and rare earth elements.
“This commitment to processing minerals up to 90% before export directly supports our agenda for domestic beneficiation, increased revenues, and high-quality employment for our youth. Zambia continues to enjoy a reputation as one of Africa’s most stable, peaceful, and democratic nations,” he said.
Dr. Kanyama further lauded the Zambia Development Agency and Mission in Washington, D.C., for continued strides being made in advancing Zambia’s value addition agenda to boost manufacturing.
And Austin Elements Chief Executive Officer, Jacob Jin, stated that 80 percent of minerals will be processed in Zambia before being exported to the United States.
“The idea of processing the minerals in Zambia is to empower the local communities and create jobs for the youth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Busara Advisors Inc. Founder, Ambassador Reuben Brigety, noted that Zambia is at a pivotal point, backed by more than a century of copper mining expertise and growing capacity in critical minerals exploration.
He highlighted that recent developments—including the $300 million agreement with Dubai Ports World and Zambia’s integration into the Lobito Corridor—are transforming the country into a regional logistics hub.
“The recent $300 million agreement with Dubai Ports World and Zambia’s integration into the Lobito Corridor are transforming the country into a regional logistics hub. These developments don’t just move goods – they connect markets, create opportunities, and position Zambia as an essential link in Africa’s economic integration.”
“These developments – in mining and infrastructure – represent more than economic statistics, they represent pathways to dignified, high-skilled employment for Zambia’s growing youth population. They represent the building blocks of a more integrated, prosperous African continent,” he said.
Ambassador Brigety added that these advancements in mining and infrastructure create pathways to dignified, high-skilled jobs for Zambia’s expanding youth population.
“They represent the future that we, through partnerships like the one we celebrate today, have the opportunity to help build,” Ambassador Brigety,” noted.
