November, 2025

Zambia’s Path to Value-Driven Mining: Insights from the World Bank

In this interview, Achim Fock, World Bank Group Country Manager for Zambia, highlights the country’s priorities for advancing its minerals agenda through the ETM Roadmap and regional initiatives. He notes that strengthening governance, improving licensing systems, formalizing artisanal mining, and promoting local content are central to attracting responsible investment and supporting value addition. Through the RISE initiative and platforms like ZAMCUP, the World Bank Group is helping Zambia connect mining to manufacturing and regional value chains, including opportunities in copper downstream industries. Achim emphasizes that Zambia is serving as a testing ground for these approaches and, with strong government leadership, is well positioned to demonstrate how mineral resources can drive sustainable, inclusive economic transformation.