By Cecilia Chiluba 
Advocates For National Development And Democracy (ANDD) says late former President Edgar Lungu genuinely made efforts to keep the country’s mining industry running, even during tough times.
President Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died in South Africa on Thursday 5th June, 2025 at the age of 68 and is yet to be put to rest.
ANND Executive Director Samuel Banda noted that the former Head of State took over when global copper prices had dropped, a move that had put a lot of pressure on the domestic economy.
Mr. Banda told Money News in an interview that despite these challenges, President Lungu managed to keep the mines open, protect thousands of jobs, and kept the Copperbelt and North-Western Province going.
*That alone was a huge achievement, especially considering how dependent those regions are on mining.”
“President Lungu also made efforts to make sure that Zambians benefited more from mining. His government pushed for policies that encouraged mining companies to give contracts to local suppliers and service providers,” Mr. Banda noted.
He added that this move helped many Zambian businesses to grow, especially small ones that were trying to break into the sector.
*Another big contribution was in infrastructure. His government built roads, expanded airports, and invested in power projects like the Kafue Gorge Lower hydropower station.”
“All of these helped support the mining sector by improving transport and energy supply, which are critical for mining operations,” he added.
Mr. Banda however observed that during his tenure of office, the late former President also faced major challenges, such as disagreements between the government and some mining companies, especially around taxes and ownership.
“One of the biggest issues was the situation at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM), which became a legal and political standoff.”
“These kinds of challenges created uncertainty in the industry and made investor relations more difficult at times,” Mr. Banda observed.
He said President Lungu was also under pressure from communities and mine workers who felt that more could be done to make mining benefit ordinary Zambians.
“So, while there were efforts, expectations were very high. That said, one thing that stood out was his willingness to listen.”
“President Lungu engaged with unions, chiefs, and community leaders. He did not shy away from difficult conversations and showed commitment to keeping the industry afloat, while trying to balance the interests of investors and the Zambian people,” he said.
He further stated that President Lungu’s contribution to the mining sector was about keeping it running during hard times, supporting local business, and laying down infrastructure that is still helping the sector today.
“Yes, there were hurdles, but his efforts helped hold the industry together when it could have easily fallen apart,” Mr. Banda said.
Joseph Tembo 
News Desk