Zambia, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have pledged to deepen regional ties by linking infrastructure, merging value chains, and fostering cross-border industry. The Lusaka Times reported that these commitments were made during a networking reception accompanying the 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment engagement, known as the Insaka, in the Zambian capital.
Bogolo Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, argued that the three nations can turn their mineral assets into collective prosperity. She noted that Africa holds some of the globe’s most valuable ores, coupled with the expertise and alliances needed to realize their economic value. Kenewendo insisted that the continent must shift from talk to action, ensuring that resources drive sustainable growth for local communities.
Louis Kabamba, the DRC Minister of Mines, urged African states to assume greater control over their development paths. He observed that the Insaka highlighted the benefits of nations leveraging domestic strengths and exchanging best practices. Kabamba called on officials, investors, and industry heads to jointly build prosperous economies by taking ownership of their aspirations.
Gilbert Siame, Zambia’s Acting Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, described the gathering as timely for showcasing the region’s investment potential. He suggested that the presence of Botswana and the DRC signals the Insaka’s rising status as a hub for regional commerce. The summit aims to spark joint ventures and deals that support the Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to boost copper output to three million metric tonnes annually by 2031.
President Hakainde Hichilema launched the Insaka on October 19, 2026, with sessions set to end on October 23. According to The Lusaka Times, the event drew over 1,500 attendees, including delegates from the World Bank, the European Union, the African Development Bank, and business groups from Australia, China, and the UAE. The reception at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre united officials, investors, and partners to explore new mining opportunities.